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Best Serial over CAT5 Adapters

Editorial Team Editorial Team
Updated: Oct 22, 2024

Here, you can learn how to connect serial over CAT5/5a/6, and discover software alternatives to physical adapters. Despite their simplicity, these devices can have significant differences.

Contents
  1. Popular Serial to CAT5 Adapters and Software
    1. A list of Serial to CAT5 adapters you can choose from
  2. Adapter Comparison Table
  3. Conclusion

Popular Serial to CAT5 Adapters and Software

When choosing the right Serial to CAT5 adapter, there are several factors you need to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance. Some of these factors include:

  • Port Type: Choose male to female, female to female, or whichever configuration you need, depending on your device’s ports.

  • Transmission Range: Different adapters support varying transmission distances. For instance, powered models generally support longer ranges.

  • Powered or Unpowered: Powered extenders are recommended for achieving maximum ranges, especially if your device doesn’t provide enough power to the extender.

  • Max Data Transfer Rate: Increased range often decreases the maximum rate, especially with extenders. Make sure to choose one that suits your requirements.

  • Compatibility with Other Connectors: Different adapters may not support certain formats or devices. Ensure you choose an adapter that’s compatible with the connectors you plan to use.

  • Pricing: Adapters with a longer range tend to be more expensive.
Below is a list of Serial to CAT5 adapters you can choose from:

DTECH DB9 to RJ45 Converter

The DTECH DB9 to RJ45 Converter is a budget-friendly option for connecting RS232 female to CAT5 and RS232 male to CAT5. An individual adapter costs $6.88, while a pair costs $8.98. It has a range of up to 65ft (20m). The adapter’s single-piece design can cause tension on the port, making it hard to use in tight spaces.

The DTECH DB9 to RJ45 comes with a pinout, but users often complain that it is inaccurate. This means you’ll need to research properly when searching for a compatible adapter that suits you.

zdyCGTime RJ45 to RS232 Cable

The zdyCGTime RJ45 to RS232 Cable is a flexible option suitable for RS232 male to CAT5 and RS232 female to CAT5 connections. It costs $9.69 and covers ranges up to 15m. Its flexible, unique design reduces the risk of damaging the serial port, making it a good pick for tight spaces.

The manufacturers recommend using this device in pairs due to its uncommon pinout. Overall, the zdyCGTime RJ45 to RS232 Cable is a good option if you’re looking for flexibility.

XMSJSIY DB9 RS232 to RJ45 Extender

Depending on your space requirements, you can get the XMSJSIY DB9 RS232 to RJ45 Extender in flexible cable and single-piece models. It is available for RS232 male to CAT5 and RS232 female to CAT5 type connections. The XMSJSIY DB9 RS232 to RJ45 Extender reaches up to 66ft (20m) and is suitable for longer connections. The XMSJSIY DB9 RS232 to RJ45 Extender costs $8.90 for a single piece, and $9.98 for a flexible pair.

Serial to Ethernet Connector

The Serial to Ethernet Connector is a software tool that lets you connect and control RS232, RS422, and RS485 devices over an ethernet network. It supports several serial standards, so long as your computer has the right ports, and also transfers data at up to 256kbps. Although it's free for personal (non-commercial) use, a single license costs $259.95 for business purposes.

With its virtual COM ports, the Serial to Ethernet Connector eliminates the need for extra adapters, offering access to serial devices from remote computers. It's a great choice if you’re looking for flexibility without any hardware obstructions.

How to Set Up Serial to Ethernet Connector

To share your serial port from your local server, you can follow these steps:
1.
Navigate to Connection, select New server connection from your main menu, or choose Server connection in the Home window.
2.
Choose a name for the connection.
3.
Select the local COM port you want to share.
4.
Select the data transmission protocol.
5.
Finally, click Create to finish.
Follow these steps to connect to the shared serial port from the client side:
1.
Click on Connection, select New client connection from the main menu, or choose Client connection in the Home window.
2.
Select a name for the connection.
3.
Select the local COM port you want to use for the connection.
4.
Enter the server’s hostname or IP address and the TCP port you used when setting up the server connection.
5.
Click Create to establish the connection.

Antaira SED-1010S

The Antaira SED-1010S is a high performance adapter designed for long-range and industrial use. With a range of up to 1.2km, the Antaira SED-1010S supports RS232 female to CAT5 female extender on both devices. It supports data transfer rates of 115.2kbps at maximum distance, and up to 921.6kbps for distances under 100m. This adapter costs $120 per extender with a flexible power option costing $31 per power supply.

The Antaira SED-1010S is built to withstand tough environments, featuring surge protection and operates within a wide temperature range of -30 to +75 degrees Celsius. If you need a long-range extender with industrial-grade reliability, the Antaira SED-1010S is a solid investment.

Tripp Lite B165-101

The Tripp Lite B165-101 supports RS232 female to CAT5 female type connections. With a long range of up to 1km, it supports data transfer rates of up to 115.2kbps. The Tripp Lite B165-101 costs $89.63 for a pair and includes two power suppliers. It has a two-sided communication capacity for both remote and local, and cannot be purchased separately. The Tripp Lite B165-101 is an affordable option, however, both extenders must be used together as a pair.

StarTech RS232EXTC1

The StarTech RS232EXTC1 is a reliable RS232 to CAT5 extender that supports a range of up to 1km and offers data transfer speeds of up to 230kbps. Priced at $123.99 for a pair of extenders, it comes with two optional power supplies. While these extenders provide strong performance, they are side-specific, meaning each pair has designated remote and local units that must be used together. Overall, it’s a dependable option for long-distance serial connections with decent transfer speeds and flexible power options.

Serial to CAT Solution Comparison Table

Hardware or software
Serial to Ethernet Connector
DTECH DB9 to RJ45
zdyCGTime RJ45 to RS232
XMSJSIY DB9 RS232 to RJ45
Antaira SED-1010S
Tripp Lite B165-101
StarTech RS232EXTC1
Type
Any RS232/422/485
RS232 male and female
RS232 male and female
RS232 male and female
RS232 female
RS232 female
RS232 female
Extender
Not applicable
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Power supply
Not needed
Not needed
Not needed
Not needed
Optional
Required
Optional
Range
Effectively unlimited
20m
15m
20m
1.2km
1km
1km
Max transfer rate
256kbps
Same as hardware
Same as hardware
Same as hardware
921.6kbps (short range only)
115.2kbps
230kbps
Price
$259.95 per license
$6.88 individually, $8.98 per pair
$9.69
$8.90 - $9.98
$302 for a full set
$89.63
$123.99

Conclusion

Overall, the Serial to CAT5 adapters provide more ways to connect your serial devices using available and affordable Ethernet cables. Remember that these adapters require a direct connection and can’t extend using Ethernet switches. An added benefit to the Serial to Ethernet Connector is that it lets you use your already-existing Ethernet infrastructure despite costing almost the same as the hardware extenders.
Serial to Ethernet Connector
Access remote serial port over IP Network for Windows
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