External Device Servers

Manage Industrial Devices Over Ethernet Networks Through Fiberoptic Cabling

The CoBox-FL-IAP device server allows virtually any serial device to connect to a new or existing Ethernet network. Featuring a 10Base-FL fiberoptic interface, it is ideal for applications that require long cable runs, EMI/RFI immunity, and the inherent electrical isolation offered by optical fiber.

The CoBox-FL-IAP is a member of the Lantronix IAP (Industrial Automation Platform) family of products that are loadable with various industrial communications protocols from a supplied CD. The IAP CD allows the user to choose the appropriate protocol that the application requires and load that protocol into any of our IAP device servers. By continuously adding additional industrial communication protocols to the IAP CD, we will expand the number of applications where IAP products can be used.

By encapsulating serial data and transporting it over Ethernet, the CoBox-FL-IAP allows virtual serial links to be established over the network. Limited distance, point-to-point serial connections can now be extended within the plant, throughout the facility, or across the global enterprise. When used in conjunction with an OPC server, most Windows-based HMI, SCADA and PC-based control applications have full access to information in the connected device.

Using Lantronix’s Com Port Redirector™ software, existing Com Port-based Windows® applications can access network-enabled devices. Com Port Redirector creates virtual serial ports which can be mapped to remote device servers over Ethernet.

Installable communication drivers allow specific support for most industrial communication protocols. With native support for these protocols, devices that previously allowed only one connection can now support multiple connections simultaneously.

Easy Setup and Configuration

Flexible configuration options allow the unit to be set up locally by using the serial port, or remotely over Ethernet using Telnet or a common web browser. The CoBox-FL-IAP contains Windows-based configuration software that simplifies the process of installing communication drivers and configuring them for use with attached devices. Flash memory, also provided by the CoBox-FL-IAP, provides maintenance-free, non-volatile storage and accommodates future system upgrades.

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