Comprehensive Product Summary – IP104 Ethernet to RS232/422/485 4-Port Server

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: IP Serial Server
Model: IP104 (also referenced as IP-E104S / IPL-E104S)
Series: IP-E101/2/4S Series (1-port, 2-port, and 4-port models)
Article Number: IP104
Manufacturer: Butterfly / IP Serial Device Server Series

Product Description:
The IP104 is a 4-port Ethernet-to-serial device server designed to connect RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial devices to a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network. It enables remote access and control of serial equipment such as CNC machines, barcode scanners, scales, and laboratory instruments over TCP/IP or UDP/IP networks. The device supports multiple communication modes, including Direct IP, Virtual COM, and Paired (Serial Tunneling) modes, and is fully software-configurable via Windows-based management tools, web interface, Telnet, or console mode.

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### 2. Key Features

- Multi-interface Serial Ports:
Each of the four ports can be independently configured for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 operation.
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Interface:
Auto-detecting Ethernet port with RJ-45 connector supporting full/half duplex operation.
- Multiple Communication Modes:
- Direct IP Mode: For socket-based TCP/UDP communication.
- Virtual COM Mode: Creates virtual COM ports on Windows hosts for transparent serial-over-IP communication.
- Paired Mode: Enables serial tunneling between two IP Serial Servers.
- Heartbeat Function:
Automatic reconnection mechanism that restores TCP sessions after power or network interruptions.
- Flexible Configuration Options:
Configuration via IP Serial Server Manager (Windows software), Web Server, Telnet, or Console Mode.
- Virtual COM Driver Support:
Windows driver installs virtual COM ports (COM3–COM254) for remote serial device access.
- Firmware Upgradeable:
Supports firmware updates via serial or Ethernet connection.
- Security Features:
Password protection and IP address filtering for controlled access.
- LED Indicators:
Power, Link (10/100 Mbps), Ready, and per-port TX/RX activity indicators.
- Industrial-Grade Design:
Metal housing (IP30-rated), DIN-rail or panel mountable, designed for industrial and laboratory environments.
- Operating System Compatibility:
Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP supported.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 114 × 85 × 23 mm (standard model)
- Weight: Approx. 310–500 g depending on model (LCD or non-LCD)
- Housing: Metal (IP30-rated), aluminum alloy enclosure
- 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% RH, non-condensing

Network Interface:
- Ethernet Port: RJ-45, 10/100Base-T auto-detecting
- Protocols Supported: TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, HTTP, Telnet, DHCP
- Full/Half Duplex: Selectable
- MAC Address: Factory-assigned unique identifier

Serial Interface:
- Ports: 4 × DB-9 male connectors
- Modes: RS-232, RS-422 (full duplex), RS-485 (2-wire half duplex)
- Baud Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 kbps (software selectable)
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, or 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Space, or Mark
- Flow Control: None, RTS/CTS, or Xon/Xoff
- RS-485 Biasing: Selectable via internal jumpers

Indicators:
- Power (Red): Power applied
- Link (Yellow/Green): 10BaseT (Yellow) or 100BaseTX (Green) connection
- Ready (Flashing Green): System ready
- Serial Port LEDs: Indicate connection and data activity per port

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### 4. Functionality

Operational Overview:
The IP104 bridges serial devices to Ethernet networks, allowing remote access and control through standard TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocols. It can act as a server or client depending on configuration.

Communication Modes:
1. Direct IP Mode:
Applications using TCP/UDP sockets communicate directly with serial ports.
2. Virtual COM Mode:
Windows applications access remote serial devices as if locally connected.
3. Paired Mode (Serial Tunneling):
Two IP Serial Servers create a transparent serial link over Ethernet.
4. Heartbeat Mode:
Maintains persistent TCP connections by automatically reconnecting after interruptions.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation (PLC, CNC, SCADA systems)
- Laboratory and medical equipment networking
- Barcode and RFID systems
- Building and security automation
- Transportation and logistics systems

Compatibility:
- Works with Windows-based applications using standard COM port APIs.
- Supports integration with custom TCP/UDP socket applications.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- IP104 Serial Device Server
- Power Adapter (12 VDC, 500 mA)
- User Manual
- CD-ROM with IP Serial Server Manager and Virtual COM Driver

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

Connectors:
- Ethernet: RJ-45 (8P8C)
- Serial: DB-9 male (RS-232/422/485 selectable)
- Power: 2.5 mm DC jack

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Connect the IP104 to the Ethernet network using a standard RJ-45 cable.
2. Connect serial devices to DB-9 ports using appropriate cables (straight-through for DCE, null modem for DTE).
3. Apply 12–30 VDC power.
4. Verify LED indicators (Power, Link, Ready).

Software Installation:
- Install IP Serial Server Manager and Virtual COM Driver from the included CD.
- Use the Manager to search for devices, configure network parameters, and map virtual COM ports.

Configuration Interfaces:
- IP Serial Server Manager (Windows GUI)
- Web Server (HTTP browser-based)
- Telnet (command-line interface)
- Console Mode (via RS-232 serial connection)
- LCD Panel (on IPL-E104S model)

Default Network Settings:
- IP Address: 192.168.0.1
- Netmask: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: 192.168.0.254
- DHCP: Disabled

Default Serial Settings:
- Baud Rate: 9600 bps
- Data Bits: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop Bits: 1
- Flow Control: None
- TCP Port: 4000 (Port 1), 4001–4003 (Ports 2–4)

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Baud Rate Range: 110–230.4 kbps
- Ethernet Speed: 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation
- Maximum TCP Connections: Up to 8 simultaneous connections per port
- Serial Buffer: 1 MB shared memory
- Data Packing: Configurable delimiters (HEX 1 & 2) and forced transmit intervals
- TCP Alive Timeout: 0–255 minutes (prevents connection lockup)
- Serial Timeout: 1–65535 seconds (auto-close inactive sessions)
- Heartbeat Interval: 5 seconds (auto-reconnect mechanism)
- Latency: Low-latency serial-to-Ethernet conversion suitable for real-time control
- Limitations: UDP mode does not support heartbeat or guaranteed delivery

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Certifications:
- CE: EN 55022 Class B compliance
- FCC: Part 15, Class B compliance

Industry Standards:
- IEEE 802.3 (10/100Base-T Ethernet)
- RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 serial communication standards
- TCP/IP, UDP/IP, DHCP, HTTP, Telnet protocols

Safety & Environmental:
- IP30-rated metal enclosure
- RoHS-compliant components (where applicable)

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### 9. Additional Information

Firmware & Software Updates:
- Firmware upgrades via IP Serial Server Manager or serial console (HEX file format).
- Configuration export/import supported for multiple units.

Maintenance:
- Reset button for hardware reboot.
- Console mode for recovery and diagnostics.
- RS-485 biasing jumpers accessible internally.

Warranty & Support:
- Standard manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year).
- Technical support via software tools and documentation.
- Firmware and driver updates available from manufacturer’s website.

Model Variants:
- IP-E104S: 4-port LED model
- IPL-E104S: 4-port model with LCD display and keypad for local configuration
- IP-E101SJ / IP-E102SJ: 1-port and 2-port variants with identical functionality

Applications Summary:
The IP104 is ideal for industrial, medical, and laboratory automation systems requiring reliable serial-to-Ethernet connectivity. It supports remote device management, data acquisition, and control over LAN/WAN networks, providing a robust and flexible solution for legacy serial equipment integration into modern IP infrastructures.

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Summary Table

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|------------------|
| Model | IP104 (IP-E104S / IPL-E104S) |
| Serial Ports | 4 × RS-232/422/485 (DB-9 male) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 |
| Baud Rate | 110–230.4 kbps |
| Power Supply | 12–30 VDC, 500 mA max |
| Dimensions | 114 × 85 × 23 mm |
| Weight | 310–500 g |
| Operating Temp | –10 °C to +80 °C |
| Storage Temp | –20 °C to +85 °C |
| Humidity | 0–90% RH non-condensing |
| Protocols | TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, HTTP, Telnet, DHCP |
| Max Connections | 8 TCP clients per port |
| Configuration | Software, Web, Telnet, Console, LCD |
| Certifications | CE, FCC Class B |
| Housing | Metal (IP30), DIN/panel mount |
| OS Support | Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP |
| Default IP | 192.168.0.1 |
| Default TCP Ports | 4000–4003 |
| Security | Password, IP filtering |
| Firmware Upgrade | Via serial or Ethernet |
| Indicators | Power, Link, Ready, TX/RX per port |

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Conclusion:
The IP104 Ethernet to RS232/422/485 4-Port Server is a versatile, industrial-grade serial device server that bridges traditional serial communication with modern Ethernet networks. With comprehensive configuration options, robust communication modes, and reliable performance, it is well-suited for automation, control, and monitoring applications across industrial, laboratory, and commercial environments. Its combination of hardware flexibility, software configurability, and network reliability makes it a cornerstone component for serial-to-IP integration.