News from B&B Electronics Ltd
Westlink Commercial Park,
Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
+353 91 792444     FAX +353 91 792445 

For further information, contact:  
Paddy Coyne at B&B Electronics Ltd
+353 91 792444
e-mail: pcoyne@bb-europe.com

For Immediate Release:

Ethernet Serial Server Links Factory Equipment to The World

Ottawa, IL - The new Vlinx Serial Server from B&B Electronics now makes it possible to Ethernet-enable serial devices and communicate anywhere in the world.  Every unused serial port represents an opportunity to capture unused data and put it to work.  Furthermore, manufacturers can extend communication and diagnostic data to older equipment without ripping out existing wires or otherwise affecting its operation.  

Virtually any device with a serial port can now be connected to a LAN or Intranet network, allowing users to monitor and program devices from a remote office instead of out on the plant floor.  Or, if needed, communication can be extended to the entire Internet.

The Vlinx model ESP901 Ethernet-to-serial server connects RS-232, 422 and 485 serial devices to an Ethernet LAN/WAN allowing remote communications to be established. 

Technical Information

Because diverse applications require flexibility, the ESP901 operates in three modes:

- Direct IP Mode links a TCP or UDP socket in the PC software application to communicate over the serial cable.
- Virtual COM Mode uses a driver to create a "Virtual COM Port" so that the software thinks it's talking to a serial port, but it's really talking to a LAN.  The serial port may be anywhere on the LAN.
- Paired Mode is also called "Serial Tunneling."  In this mode, there is no PC - just two serial devices, with a LAN operating invisibly in between the two.  

The ESP901 has one asynchronous 9-pin serial port and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet RJ-45 connection. The serial port is compatible with RS-232, RS-422, or RS485 devices. The Ethernet port auto-selects 10baseT or 100BaseTX. 

B&B's technical support staff has written a free guide that explains, in plain English, how serial server technology can be applied in everyday situations.  It is called "How To Enhance Older Automation Equipment and Legacy Installations with Ethernet" and it is available free of charge.  Just email your mailing address to support@bb-europe.com to receive a complimentary copy.

The B&B Electronics Model ESP901 Vlinx serial server is $149.95 and is available direct from B&B Electronics, Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland or visit http://www.bb-elec.com . B&B Electronics, Ltd Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, CO. Galway, Ireland. Or visit http://www.bb-europe.com

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Digital text and photos available at
http://www.bb-europe.com/press_releases/ethernet_serial_server_Vlinx_ESP901.html