The MultiConnect line of products from Multi-Tech Systems provide the ability to bridge serial-based communications to IP network connections. Each device includes a serial port (RS-232) for connecting to the device, and a separate port or connection technology enabling communications to flow to and from the device over the alternate connection method. Each of the devices is offered in both external or RS-232 powered flavors. The vendor targets the product line both to end users, and device manufacturers who wish to IP-enable their serial-based devices.

All of the devices offer two year warranties; and can be deployed on the desktop or via panel mounting. They include a processor, the vendor's proprietary OS, and TCP/IP protocol stack for communications.

As of this writing, four devices are available in the product family.

The MultiConnect SE bridges serial to Ethernet communications, including both a RS-232 serial port and a 10/100BaseT Ethernet port (supporting half or full duplex operation). The serial interface supports speeds up to 230 Kb/sec, and multiple protocols are supported including ARP, Bridging DHCP, DNS, FTP, HTTP, ICMP, IP, POP3, SMTP, SNMP, SNTP, TCP, Telnet, TFTP and UDP. Configuration is via browser or CLI.

The MultiConnect SS is a serial-to-serial bridge that can be used with an IP-based serial device such as a modem (i.e., bridging the serial device communications to the modem). Like the SE, the serial interface supports speeds up to 230 Kb/sec.

The MultiConnect BT device provides serial-to-Bluetooth conversions, enabling communication with the device via Bluetooth-enabled gear (the vendor states that the serial link is transparent to application software). The device is Class 1 Bluetooth V1.2 compliant and boasts a maximum wireless range of 100 meters. Serial speeds range from 1200b/sec to 230.4Kb/sec. Other features include support for hardware flow control and LED operational status indicators.

The MultiConnect WF is the newest entry in the MultiConnect family, facilitating the bridging of serial devices to Wi-Fi networks; specifically, 802.11b communications. Like the BT, the WF has LED indicators for the link, activity, several RS-232 signals, and power; and also features upgradeable flash memory for firmware updates.

Most of the MultiConnects are available now; the lone exception being the new MultiConnect WF which is due in October with a price tag of $299.

Contact Multi-Tech systems for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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