Overview; Features - Advantech EKI-1528 User Manual

1.1

Overview

This manual provides the necessary information to use the EKI-1528 and EKI-1526.
The Advantech EKI-1500 series of serial device servers consist of fast and cost-
effective device servers between serial RS-232/422/485 and Ethernet interfaces.
The two Ethernet ports allow the EKI-1528/1526 to establish two separate Ethernet
connections to two Ethernet domains or switches in the same domain. Through dual
Ethernet connections, the EKI-1528/1526 greatly improves the device connectivity
reliability, increases system stability, and simplifies redundant configuration.
By encapsulating serial data and transporting it over Ethernet, the EKI-1528/1526
allows virtual serial links over Ethernet and IP (TCP/IP, UDP/IP) networks. After
Advantech Serial Device Server Configuration Utility (including COM port redirector
driver) installation, standard serial operation calls are transparently redirected to the
serial device servers, guaranteeing compatibility with legacy serial devices and
enabling backward compatibility with existing software. The EKI-1528/1526 also sup-
ports serial tunneling, allowing two native serial devices to communicate over a net-
work without any hosts and programming. As a result, you can extend limited
distance, point-to-point, direct serial connections within the plant, throughout the fac-
tory, the facility, the office building, or across the global enterprise.
The EKI-1528/1526 provides various operation modes including COM port redirector
(Virtual COM port), TCP server mode, TCP client mode, and UDP mode. These units
upgrade your existing device for integrating into the Internet world, and make your
serial devices behave just like the networking devices.
The EKI-1528/1526 provides rich configuration methods: web browser console,
Telnet console, serial interface console, and Windows utility. Each method ensures
quick and effective installation. The EKI-1528/1526 also supports automatic IP
configuration protocol including DHCP and BOOTP.
1.2

Features

Supports 8 or 16-ports RS-232/422/485 serial communication
Supports dual 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing Ethernet ports
Supports high baud rate from 50 bps to 921.6 Kbps
Provides COM port redirection mode, TCP server mode, TCP client mode, and
UDP mode
Provides rich configuration methods: web browser console, Telnet console,
serial console, and Windows utility
Easy-managing Advantech Serial Device Server Configuration Utility for Win-
dows 2000/XP/Vista(x86)
Built-in buzzer for easy location
Built-in 15 KV ESD protection for all signals and enhancement protection for
RS-422/485 lines
Standard 1U rackmount size
Automatic RS-485 data flow control
EKI-1528/1526 User Manual 2