RS232 - IP - Converter with small Linux kernel ? 1

[GandhiII]

Hello!
I would be grateful for links or hints on following problem.
I have to "transport" signals a long distance from a PBX that only has a RS232 port.
My idea is using a PC with a "small" linux that can be run from a 1.44 disc to convert the data to IP and send it via ethernet.
There are hardware devices that can do this (any experiences on this topic are very welcome, too) but an old 486 with a nic should do it cheaply and effectively.
Windows software would be interesting, too but it woul´d be hard to maintain (which is probably necessary since the pbx is far away and I would need a harddisc.
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[bubak]

is a MOXA device to expensive for you? it's much more smaller and easier to install (in comapration with pc).

it's easy, I think, on the side of the "converter" because you just need to open a socket and also listen on com port and send data from one to other and back. problem will be with the driver on user side, because, you probably want to have there some virtual com port, that will have some atribute like "IP adress", maybe drivers from moxa will help, don't know.

bubak@pobox.sk

bubak

 

[GandhiII]

Thanks for the hint. I´ve had a look at several devices like MOXA and will probably use it. But since I have some time left I´d like to think about this Linux solution because it would cost 80% less
Would I need a special virtual-com-port-driver for every solution or would just one driver do it for all (eg for testing). I use Win 2000 server.

 

[cyoung]

I see 16 ports Remote Access servers on eBay all the time that go for US $25 - $50.

These allow you to hook up to 16 serial devices to your network.

 

[GandhiII]

Sorry, I had a look at ebay (international) but couldn´t find any. (searchwords in different combinations: remote access server rs232 ip 16 port)

 

[cyoung]

Try searching for terminal server, communications server.

These were very popular in the early days of dial-up ISP's before the advent of self-contained modem racks.

They allow you to hang serial devices directly off the network.

Item # 2024904136 on ebay is an example