Serial Hubs

Based on Comtrol's industry-leading RocketPort AIOPIC processor, Comtrol has taken the concept of in-server serial controllers to its next logical step. A unique software driver called NS-Link™ provides the operating system with the ability to identify and transparently access these ports just as if they were physically installed inside the server. Ethernet connectivity provides the ultimate in location flexibility, eliminating traditional distance limitations inherent with in-server expandable multiport solutions. NS-Link can also be installed in a back-up server, accessible from the same Ethernet segment, which can then be used to operate the attached serial devices if the primary server fails.

Serial Port Implementation and Support Made Easy
Unlike communications and terminal servers, the RocketPort Serial Hub communicates with its host at the MAC (Media Access Control) level. The use of MAC addressing also simplifies implementation and ongoing support by eliminating the address administration issues inherent in network protocols. MAC addresses are predefined by Comtrol and there is no potential for "address conflict" at setup. Ongoing operational support is minimized because access to the serial ports is through a common reference within the operating system (i.e., COM4). Since the serial concentrator device does not have an "IP" address, it is isolated from foreign LAN segments, which minimizes potential security issues.

RocketPort Serial Hub is the ideal solution for any multiport application requiring low-cost, network-expandable peripheral connectivity, including:  data collection, file transfer, process control, office automation, Internet/intranet access, remote access, thin-client, modem pooling, and broadcast faxing.

• Quick, easy install--simply plug the RocketPort Serial Hub into the LAN and install the NS-Link driver on any server on that segment
• Four or eight native COM ports--once the RocketPort Serial Hub is installed, the ports appear as standard Windows COM ports, accessible by any application
• LAN-attached solution--Ethernet connectivity provides the ultimate in location flexibility without concern for the traditional distance limitations inherent with in-server expandable multiport solutions
• Dual hosting--the NS-Link driver software can be installed on more than one host, to provide immediate back-up in case of server failure
• Hot swappability--if the RocketPort Serial Hub ever needs servicing it can be swapped with a new unit without server shutdown