User Manual

One of the major conveniences of using Real COM Mode is that Real COM Mode allows
users to continue using RS-232/422/485 serial communications software that was written for
pure serial communications applications. The driver intercepts data sent to the host’s COM
port, packs it into a TCP/IP packet, and then redirects it through the host’s Ethernet card. At
the other end of the connection, the NPort 5200 accepts the Ethernet frame, unpacks the
TCP/IP packet, and then transparently sends it to the appropriate serial device attached to one
of the NPort 5200’s serial ports.
Real COM Mode allows several hosts to have access control of the same NPort 5200. The driver
that comes with your NPort 5200 controls host access to attached serial devices by checking the
host’s IP address. Refer to Accessible IP Settings in Chapter 5 for more details.