Best Serial to IP Converter - Choose the best hardware

Updated: Sep 25, 2024

Serial to TCP/IP Converter is usually a small piece of hardware that receives data from serial devices like card readers, point-of-sale equipment, or industrial automation sensors. It converts the serial data into IP data packets that it forwards over an available network. Serial to IP converters are a cost-effective solution for accessing peripheral devices over a network. In this article, we will investigate RS232 to Ethernet IP Converters on the market. Read on to choose the best one.

Serial to IP Converter TOP list

Moxa Serial to IP converter

Moxa is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of industrial-grade device connectivity solutions. Moxa serial to IP converters are made to perform in harsh environments and are used to power critical systems such as automated power generation and intelligent transportation systems. Remember the following details:

The NPort 5100 by Moxa is a solution that allows you to connect any serial peripherals attached to a computer on your IP network. This hardware device comes with a five-year warranty and supports both Linux and Windows operating systems.

Using serial to TCP/IP converter to connect legacy serial devices to Ethernet has become common, and users now expect these servers to be cost-effective and offer a wide range of useful functions. The NPort® 5100 Series, with its full support of Microsoft and Linux operating systems and solid 5-year warranty, is the top choice for serial-to-Ethernet converters.

The NPort® 5100 serial to IP converter Moxa can be configured for TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Server/Client, Pair Connection, or Ethernet Modem mode, ensuring compatibility with software based on a standard network API (e.g., Winsock or BSD Sockets).

Pros:

No need for a host computer;
Supports RS-485, which standard serial ports do not.

Cons:

Complicated setup;
It needs a driver to be installed on Linux even to work;
Only 1 port.

StarTech Serial-to-IP Ethernet Device Server

With this single-port serial device server, you can easily connect to RS232 equipment located on your LAN. It also allows you to manage and configure devices over the network.

Extended control capability can be obtained for the converter with a free application. NETRSAPP is Serial Device Application Software available from StarTech.com. Using the application with the NETRS2321P converter provides you with a customizable serial control interface that can be run on iOS and Android devices as well as through the Chrome web browser.

You can achieve fast baud rates with this converter of up to 460.8Kbps. With this tool, you can connect to remote serial devices and enjoy the same functionality as if your computer had a direct physical connection to them.

Pros:

Compatible with the Serial Device Application Software for iOS and Android (NETRSAPP);
Supports Telnet for OS-independent communication and is also configurable using the software utility (Windows only), or web browser;
TAA Compliant.

Cons:

Only one port at a time;
Serial Protocol: RS232 only;
No version for macOS.

Lantronix EDS1100

Here is another hardware solution working as serial to IP converter. The EDS1100 by Lantronix provides users with one port through which control can be exerted over serial devices that are not directly connected to the network.

One nice feature of this Serial to IP converter is its support of serial tunneling. Using serial tunneling you can capture serial data sent from a device connected to the adapter and forward it to any remote computer on your network. The distance of your network connections can be increased by setting up a pair of EDS1100 converters that will connect automatically using IP.

The EDS offers robust security with AES, SSH, and SSL built into Lantronix's powerful Evolution OS. It allows safe remote access and management from anywhere and also supports running Linux with IPv6 for custom applications and access to extensive feature libraries.

Pros:

Quickly connect any device with a serial port to the network using robust SSH or SSL enterprise-level security;
Run Linux or Lantronix Evolution OS for the ultimate in application development flexibility;
Easily customize and enhance the EDS for your unique application with Evolution OS.

Cons:

Only Windows version;
2 ports to share.

Serial to Ethernet Connector

Electronic’s Team Serial to Ethernet Connector is a software solution to the problem of sharing RS485/RS422/RS232 devices over an IP network. It acts as serial to TCP IP converter software without the need for extra cables or hardware. It is an intuitive serial to TCP/IP converter that can be implemented without any programming skills. All you need to do is install the application on your computer and you can share serial ports and their attached devices with any other network-connected machine.

Pros:

Unlimited devices;
Flexible connection and port settings;
Possible to create virtual ports;
Complex multi-client/server connections;
The same app can act as a server and a client;
RFC 2217;
UDP support;
Signal line control.

Cons:

Needs a computer to share the COM device;
Windows and Linux hosts only;
Internet connection is difficult to set up;
No HTTPD support.

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DIGI Connect EZ Mini

Digi’s serial to IP converter is the ConnectPort LTS terminal server family. It is designed for work in many specific serial-to-IP situations such as property management, data acquisition, and data center port management. It is a flexible and cost-effective method of providing RS-232/422/485 serial-to-Ethernet connectivity for industrial automation implementations.

The serial to IP converter furnishes many advanced features that enhance its functionality. A dual IPv4/IPv6 stack, port logging, user port sharing, and SSL are just some of its attributes. It includes a software development kit and Python support which makes this hardware device a good platform for Linux programmers. Other features of note are a memory slot that takes SD cards for storage, reliability through dual GB Ethernet, and a large display screen that facilitates configuring and operating the device.

Pros:

Local and remote management software;
Memory: 256 MB RAM, 4 GB Flash;
5 year warranty.

Cons:

Complicated installation;
1 port connectivity.

Serial to IP Converters Detailed Comparison Chart

Serial to Ethernet Connector

Moxa

StarTech

Lantronix

Digi

Type

Software

Converter

Software OS

Windows, Linux

Windows, Linux, macOS

Windows, Linux

Windows

N/A

Simultaneous connections

Up to 500

1

2

1

Price

$260

$168

$148

$70

$410

Protocols

RS232, 422, 485

RS-232

RS232

RS232, RS422 or RS485

RS232, 422, 485

Serial to Ethernet Connector

Access remote serial port over IP Network for Windows

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