Using a technique known as tunnelling, the LAN modem quickly and easily replaces virtually any serial cabling with a LAN connection. The LAN modem and associated ReDirector software can be used for a multitude of applications saving time and money throughout the organisation.

A pair of LAN modems do not simply replace a serial link between two devices, but offers totally error and noise immune transmission, reduced susceptibility to storm damage and completely eliminates earth loops which can cause damage to critical and expensive equipment.

Serial cabling has a restrictive distance limitation, but LAN Modems will operate over any distance, from within the office to anywhere in the world via the corporate LAN or the Internet.

Eliminate call charges and telephone line rental by substituting LAN modems in place of dial up or leased line modems. The LAN Modem offers virtually instantaneous connection with error free data transmission at more than twice the speed of the fastest modem! Modem based applications can use LAN modems whenever a LAN network exists between the two sites.

Software that uses COM ports to communicate with other devices can be LAN enabled in one of two ways:

Connect a LAN modem to the PC’s COM port and all serial communications can pass over the LAN network. The PC software can now communicate with any TCP/IP enabled product, including another LAN modem connected to a serial device. LAN modems serial interface is compatible with PC software that expects a direct cable connection, or software that expects to make a dial-up connection.  

Alternatively DSP’s ReDirector  software can divert all serial communications to the PCs network card, for communication any TCP/IP device accessible via the LAN, including LAN modems. ReDirector can optionally be extended to simulate up to 99 ports on a single computer, ideal for applications using multiple lines to gather data from remote equipment connected to the LAN.

A serial device (modem, chip card reader, console port, vending machine, ATM, CNC, UPS, Data Display, instrumentation etc) connected to the LAN using a LAN modem may be accessed by any device on the LAN regardless of its location on the network.

ReDirector software adds a “Virtual” COM port to Windows PCs. When an application opens the port a connection is automatically established to a TCP/IP host via the network.

If the host is a LAN modem then it acts as though it were the PCs own serial port.

Serial interfaces contain a number of control signals in addition to send and receive data that many software applications expect to be connected for full control of a serial device.

Both ReDirector and the LAN modem support the Telnet COM port control standard (RFC2217) that permits both data and control signal information to pass transparently between the PC and the LAN modem (Control signals DTR, RTS, CTS, DCD). Thus LAN modem can easily replace any serial cabling without compromising your applications performance.