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IP101

Ethernet to RS232/422/485 1-port server
  • Manufacturer not specified
  • Category: RS232
  • The IP101 is a compact, industrial-grade Ethernet-to-serial communication server designed to connect legacy serial devices (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) to modern TCP/IP or UDP/IP Ethernet networks. It enables remote access, monitoring, and control of serial equipment such as PLCs, barcode scanners, CNC machines, and laboratory instruments through standard Ethernet infrastructure.
- Multi-interface Serial Port:
Software-selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interface via DB-9 male connector.
Supports asynchronous serial communication up to 230.4 kbps.

- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Connectivity:
Auto-detecting 10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet interface with RJ-45 connector.

- Multiple Communication Modes:
- Direct IP Mode: For socket-based TCP/UDP communication.
- Virtual COM Mode: Creates virtual COM ports on Windows PCs for transparent serial-over-IP communication.
- Paired Mode (Serial Tunneling): Links two IP101 units to form a virtual serial cable over Ethernet.
- Heartbeat Function: Automatically restores lost connections due to power or network interruptions.

- Flexible Configuration Options:
Configurable via:
- IP Serial Server Manager (Windows software)
- Embedded Web Server (browser-based)
- Telnet interface
- Console Mode (via RS-232 terminal)

- Virtual COM Driver Support:
Windows driver installs virtual COM ports (COM3–COM254) allowing legacy applications to communicate with remote serial devices as if locally connected.

- Firmware Upgradeable:
Supports firmware upload via serial or Ethernet connection for future updates.

- Industrial Reliability:
Metal IP30-rated housing, wide operating temperature range (-10°C to 80°C), and robust power input (12–30 VDC).

- LED Indicators:
Power, Link (10/100 Mbps), Ready, and Serial activity LEDs for real-time status monitoring.

- Security and Management:
Password protection, IP address filtering, DHCP/static IP support, and multiple TCP client connections (up to 8 per port).

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8517 6200 900

Comprehensive Product Summary – IP101 Ethernet to RS232/422/485 1-Port Serial Device Server




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: IP Serial Server
Model: IP101 (also referenced as IP-E101SJ)
Series: IP-E101/2/4S Series (includes IP-E101SJ, IP-E102SJ, IP-E104S, IPL-E104S)
Article Number: IP101
Manufacturer: Butterfly / Rayon Technology (OEM industrial networking solutions provider)
Release Version: 2.3
Release Date: November 9, 2005

The IP101 is a compact, industrial-grade Ethernet-to-serial communication server designed to connect legacy serial devices (RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485) to modern TCP/IP or UDP/IP Ethernet networks. It enables remote access, monitoring, and control of serial equipment such as PLCs, barcode scanners, CNC machines, and laboratory instruments through standard Ethernet infrastructure.




### 2. Key Features

- Multi-interface Serial Port:
Software-selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interface via DB-9 male connector.
Supports asynchronous serial communication up to 230.4 kbps.

- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Connectivity:
Auto-detecting 10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet interface with RJ-45 connector.

- Multiple Communication Modes:
- Direct IP Mode: For socket-based TCP/UDP communication.
- Virtual COM Mode: Creates virtual COM ports on Windows PCs for transparent serial-over-IP communication.
- Paired Mode (Serial Tunneling): Links two IP101 units to form a virtual serial cable over Ethernet.
- Heartbeat Function: Automatically restores lost connections due to power or network interruptions.

- Flexible Configuration Options:
Configurable via:
- IP Serial Server Manager (Windows software)
- Embedded Web Server (browser-based)
- Telnet interface
- Console Mode (via RS-232 terminal)

- Virtual COM Driver Support:
Windows driver installs virtual COM ports (COM3–COM254) allowing legacy applications to communicate with remote serial devices as if locally connected.

- Firmware Upgradeable:
Supports firmware upload via serial or Ethernet connection for future updates.

- Industrial Reliability:
Metal IP30-rated housing, wide operating temperature range (-10°C to 80°C), and robust power input (12–30 VDC).

- LED Indicators:
Power, Link (10/100 Mbps), Ready, and Serial activity LEDs for real-time status monitoring.

- Security and Management:
Password protection, IP address filtering, DHCP/static IP support, and multiple TCP client connections (up to 8 per port).




### 3. Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 114 × 85 × 23 mm (approx. 120 × 85 × 23 mm in product sheet)
- Weight: ~305 g
- Enclosure: Metal, IP30-rated
- Mounting: DIN rail or panel mount

Power Requirements:
- Input Voltage: 12–30 VDC
- Current Consumption: 500 mA max @ 12 VDC
- Connector: 2.5 mm DC jack (tip positive)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to +80°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +85°C
- Humidity: 0–90% non-condensing

Serial Interface:
- Connector: DB-9 male
- Standards Supported: RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 (2-wire half-duplex)
- Baud Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 kbps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Space, Mark
- Flow Control: None, RTS/CTS, Xon/Xoff
- RS-485 Biasing: Selectable via internal jumpers

Ethernet Interface:
- Connector: RJ-45 (8P8C)
- Standards: IEEE 802.3 10/100BaseT
- Auto-negotiation: Full/Half duplex
- Protocols Supported: TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, HTTP, Telnet, DHCP, UDP Multicast

Indicators:
- Power (Red): Power applied
- Link (Yellow/Green): 10 Mbps (Yellow), 100 Mbps (Green)
- Ready (Flashing Green): System ready
- Serial (Green): Connection and data activity indicators




### 4. Functionality

The IP101 acts as a bridge between serial and Ethernet networks, enabling remote access to serial devices through IP-based communication. It supports three primary operational modes:

1. Direct IP Mode:
The IP101 operates as a TCP/UDP server. Socket-based applications connect directly to the device’s IP and port number, exchanging data with the serial port.

2. Virtual COM Mode:
The included Windows driver creates a virtual COM port that maps to the IP101’s IP address. Legacy applications communicate transparently over Ethernet as if using a local serial port.

3. Paired Mode (Serial Tunneling):
Two IP101 units form a point-to-point serial tunnel over Ethernet. One acts as a TCP/UDP server, the other as a client. This mode replaces physical serial cabling between distant devices.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation (PLC, CNC, SCADA systems)
- Factory and warehouse control
- Medical and laboratory instrumentation
- Security and access control systems
- Transportation and logistics monitoring
- Barcode and data collection systems

Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
- Network: LAN/WAN environments supporting TCP/IP or UDP/IP




### 5. Components & Accessories

Standard Package Contents:
- IP101 Serial Device Server
- Power Adapter (optional, 12 VDC)
- User Manual
- CD-ROM with:
- IP Serial Server Manager software
- Virtual COM Driver
- PDF documentation

Optional Accessories:
- DIN rail mounting kit
- RS-232/422/485 cables
- Ethernet crossover cable (for direct PC connection)

Connectors:
- Serial: DB-9 male
- Ethernet: RJ-45 female
- Power: 2.5 mm DC jack




### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Setup:
1. Connect the IP101 to the Ethernet network using a standard RJ-45 cable.
2. Connect the serial device to the DB-9 port (use straight-through or null modem cable as appropriate).
3. Set DIP switches to OFF for normal operation.
4. Apply 12–30 VDC power.

Software Setup:
- Install the IP Serial Server Manager from the included CD.
- Use the software to search for devices, configure IP settings (DHCP or static), and set serial parameters.
- Optionally, install Virtual COM ports to map remote serial ports to local COM numbers.

Configuration Methods:
- Console Mode: Via RS-232 terminal (9600 8N1) using HyperTerminal.
- Telnet: Access configuration menus remotely using Telnet to the device’s IP.
- Web Interface: Configure via browser using the built-in HTTP server.
- IP Serial Server Manager: Windows GUI for full configuration and monitoring.

Mounting Options:
- DIN rail or panel mounting supported.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Serial Speed: 110 bps to 230.4 kbps (configurable)
- Ethernet Speed: 10/100 Mbps auto-detecting
- Maximum TCP Connections: Up to 8 simultaneous connections per port
- Buffer Memory: 1 MB
- Data Packing: Configurable delimiters (HEX 1/2) and forced transmit intervals
- Heartbeat Interval: 5-second retry for lost connections
- TCP Alive Timeout: 0–255 minutes (prevents connection lockup)
- Latency: Minimal, suitable for real-time industrial control
- Reliability: Automatic reconnection and watchdog mechanisms

Limitations:
- Single serial port (for IP101 model)
- Windows-only Virtual COM driver support
- DHCP not recommended for paired mode (requires static IPs)




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Network Standards: IEEE 802.3 10/100BaseT
- Electrical Safety: CE certified
- Electromagnetic Compatibility: FCC compliant
- Ingress Protection: IP30-rated metal housing
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS (where applicable)

Supported Protocols:
TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, HTTP, Telnet, DHCP, UDP Multicast

Security Features:
- Password-protected configuration access
- IP address filtering for client connections
- Configurable remote IP restrictions




### 9. Additional Information

Default Configuration:
- Server Name: 1_Port
- IP Address: 192.168.0.1
- Netmask: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: 192.168.0.254
- DHCP: Disabled
- Baud Rate: 9600 bps
- Data/Stop: 8-N-1
- Flow Control: None
- Protocol: TCP
- Port Number: 4000
- Serial Mode: RS-232
- Max Connections: 1
- Remote IP: 255.255.255.255

Firmware & Software Updates:
- Firmware upgradeable via IP Serial Server Manager or serial console.
- Latest firmware versions: IPE101S_upgrade_V1.5_051704.hex (for IP101).
- Driver updates available for improved Virtual COM installation across IP segments.

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year).
- Technical support via email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Firmware, drivers, and manuals downloadable from manufacturer’s website.

Maintenance:
- Periodic firmware updates recommended.
- Verify network and serial parameters after power cycles.
- Use proper grounding and surge protection in industrial environments.




### Summary

The IP101 Ethernet to RS232/422/485 Serial Device Server is a versatile, industrial-grade communication gateway that bridges traditional serial devices with modern Ethernet networks. Its robust design, flexible configuration options, and multiple communication modes make it ideal for industrial automation, laboratory instrumentation, and remote monitoring applications. With support for TCP/UDP protocols, virtual COM port integration, and reliable heartbeat reconnection, the IP101 ensures seamless and stable serial-over-IP communication in demanding environments.

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