Comprehensive Product Summary: Moxa NPort Server Lite DE‑304 Ethernet‑to‑RS232 4‑Port Device Server

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: NPort Server Lite
Model: DE‑304
Series: NPort Server Lite Series (part of the Moxa NPort Family)
Article Number: DE‑304
Manufacturer: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Product Type: Ethernet to RS‑232 4‑Port Device Server

The Moxa NPort DE‑304 is a compact, industrial‑grade Ethernet‑to‑serial device server designed to connect up to four RS‑232 serial devices to a 10/100 Mb Ethernet network. It enables transparent data communication between serial and Ethernet interfaces, allowing legacy serial equipment to be integrated into modern TCP/IP networks. The DE‑304 belongs to Moxa’s NPort Server Lite family, which provides cost‑effective, reliable, and easily configurable serial‑to‑Ethernet connectivity for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and data acquisition systems.

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### 2. Key Features

- Four RS‑232 Serial Ports: Each port supports standard asynchronous serial communication with DB9 female connectors.
- Ethernet Interface: 10/100 Mb Ethernet port with auto‑detection and RJ45 connector for flexible network integration.
- High‑Performance Embedded CPU: 16‑bit Intel 80186 processor for efficient protocol handling and low‑latency data transfer.
- Memory Resources: 512 KB RAM for buffering and firmware execution.
- Wide Baud Rate Range: Supports serial data rates from 50 bps up to 230.4 kbps.
- Multiple Operation Modes:
- Host‑Based / Driver Mode (Real COM / Real TTY)
- Pair Connection Mode
- TCP Server / TCP Client
- UDP Server / Client
- Cross‑Platform Driver Support: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP Real COM drivers and Linux Real TTY drivers.
- Flexible IP Configuration: Static IP, DHCP, DHCP/BOOTP, or BOOTP modes supported.
- Advanced Access Control: Restrict host access by IP address or by port for secure network operation.
- Data Packing Function: Configurable delimiters and force‑transmit timers to optimize packetization and throughput.
- Compact Industrial Design: Rugged metal enclosure with small footprint for DIN‑rail or desktop installation.
- Easy Configuration: Managed via NPort Management Suite, Telnet console, or ARP command.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports remote firmware updates through Configurator utility.
- Power Supply: Operates from 230 VAC external power adapter (included).

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Model | DE‑304 |
| CPU | 16‑bit Intel 80186 |
| Memory | 512 KB RAM |
| Ethernet Interface | 10/100 Mb Ethernet, auto‑detect, RJ45 connector |
| Serial Interface | 4 × RS‑232 ports, DB9 female connectors |
| Baud Rate | 50 bps – 230.4 kbps |
| Data Bits | 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1, 1.5, 2 |
| Parity | None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space |
| Flow Control | RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, None |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 155 × 105 × 33 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.5 kg (typical) |
| Material | Metal housing, industrial‑grade |
| Power Input | 230 VAC external power adapter |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 55 °C (typical) |
| Storage Temperature | –20 – 85 °C |
| Humidity | 5 – 95 % RH (non‑condensing) |
| Default IP Address | 192.168.127.254 |
| MAC Address | Factory‑assigned unique 48‑bit address |
| Mounting | Desktop or DIN‑rail (optional kit) |
| Certifications | CE, FCC Class A (typical for Moxa NPort series) |

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### 4. Functionality

The DE‑304 functions as a transparent bridge between Ethernet and serial interfaces. It encapsulates serial data into TCP/IP packets for transmission over Ethernet and reconstructs them at the remote end. This allows existing serial‑based applications to operate over LAN/WAN networks without modification.

Primary Use Cases:
- Connecting serial‑based PLCs, sensors, barcode scanners, or CNC controllers to Ethernet networks.
- Remote monitoring and control of serial devices via TCP/IP.
- Extending serial communication distance beyond RS‑232 limitations using Pair Connection Mode.
- Integrating legacy serial equipment into SCADA or MES systems.
- Providing virtual COM ports on PCs for networked serial devices.

Compatibility:
- Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP (Real COM driver)
- Linux (Real TTY driver)
- Compatible with standard TCP/IP applications using Telnet, socket programming, or UDP broadcast.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- Moxa NPort DE‑304 device server unit
- External 230 VAC power adapter
- Quick installation guide and documentation
- Software CD containing NPort Management Suite and drivers

Optional Accessories:
- DIN‑rail mounting kit
- Serial cables (DB9 male‑to‑female)
- Ethernet patch or crossover cables
- Replacement power adapter

Connectors:
- Ethernet: RJ45, 10/100 Mb auto‑negotiation
- Serial: 4 × DB9 female RS‑232 ports
- Power: Barrel‑type DC input jack (for external adapter)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Network Configuration:
- Default IP: 192.168.127.254
- Supports Static IP, DHCP, DHCP/BOOTP, or BOOTP assignment.
- IP can be configured using:
- NPort Management Suite (recommended)
- ARP command (for same‑LAN setup)
- Telnet Console (VT100 terminal)

Software Installation:
- Install NPort Management Suite on a Windows host using `Dssetup.exe`.
- Components include:
- Configurator
- Real COM Installer
- NPort Monitor
- NPort Batch Configurator (Windows/Linux)

Mounting Options:
- Desktop placement or DIN‑rail mounting (optional).
- Ensure adequate ventilation and stable power supply.

Configuration Interfaces:
- Configurator GUI: For network, serial, and access settings.
- Telnet Console: Text‑based configuration via network.
- Firmware Console: For advanced parameter tuning.

Initial Setup Steps:
1. Connect DE‑304 to Ethernet and power.
2. Assign IP address using NPort Management Suite or ARP.
3. Configure serial port parameters (baud rate, parity, etc.).
4. Select operation mode (Host‑Based, TCP Server, etc.).
5. Save and restart device to apply settings.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Throughput:
- Up to 230.4 kbps per serial port.
- Optimized data packing minimizes latency and maximizes throughput.

Operation Modes and Capabilities:

| Mode | Description | Typical Use |
|-----------|-----------------|-----------------|
| Host‑Based / Driver Mode | Creates virtual COM ports on host PC; transparent serial‑over‑Ethernet communication. | Legacy serial applications requiring COM ports. |
| Pair Connection Mode | Two NPorts form a serial tunnel over Ethernet. | Extending RS‑232 communication distance. |
| TCP Server Mode | Waits for incoming TCP connections from clients. | Remote access to serial devices. |
| TCP Client Mode | Initiates TCP connection to a remote server. | Data push from serial device to host. |
| UDP Server/Client Mode | Connectionless data transmission; supports broadcast/multicast. | High‑speed or multi‑destination data distribution. |

Performance Enhancements:
- Data Packing: Configurable delimiters (Delimiter 1/2) and force‑transmit timers (1–65535 ms).
- Fast Flush Function: Optional driver feature improving response time for applications using `PurgeComm()` (available in driver v3.2+).
- TCP Alive Check: Adjustable timeout (1–99 min) for automatic connection closure.
- Inactivity Timer: Automatically closes idle serial sessions.

Limitations:
- RS‑232 only (no RS‑422/485 support).
- Maximum baud rate 230.4 kbps.
- No hardware flow control for DCD signal in Pair Connection Mode.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Regulatory Compliance:
- CE and FCC Class A (typical for Moxa industrial networking products).
- RoHS compliant manufacturing.

Network Standards:
- IEEE 802.3 10Base‑T / 100Base‑TX Ethernet
- TCP/IP, UDP, ARP, ICMP, DHCP, BOOTP protocols

Software & Driver Standards:
- Windows Real COM driver (supports Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP)
- Linux Real TTY driver (kernel‑level serial device emulation)

Industry Compatibility:
- Compatible with SCADA, HMI, and industrial automation systems using Modbus/ASCII or proprietary serial protocols.
- Supports integration with network management tools via standard IP addressing.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard Moxa limited warranty (typically 3 years for NPort series).

Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- Website: [https://www.moxa.com](https://www.moxa.com)
- Online resources include driver downloads, firmware updates, and manuals.

Maintenance & Updates:
- Firmware upgradeable via Configurator utility.
- Configuration export/import supported for batch deployment.
- NPort Batch Configurator enables simultaneous configuration of multiple devices.

Software Utilities Overview:

| Utility | Function |
|--------------|--------------|
| Configurator | GUI for locating, configuring, and upgrading NPorts. Supports broadcast search, IP search, configuration import/export, and firmware upgrade. |
| Real COM Installer | Maps NPort serial ports to host COM ports; includes Add Server Wizard and COM reassignment. |
| NPort Monitor | Monitors port status and activity in real time. |
| NPort Batch Configurator | Command‑line tool for mass configuration and IP assignment (Windows `npbc.exe`, Linux `npbc.tgz`). |
| Uninstall Utility | Removes NPort Management Suite from host system. |

Firmware Configuration Parameters:
- Server Configuration: IP address, netmask, gateway, password.
- Serial Settings: Baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits, flow control, FIFO enable/disable.
- Access Control: Grant access by IP or by port.
- Operation Modes: Host‑Based, Pair Connection, TCP/UDP modes.

Access Control Management:
- Define single host or group of hosts using IP + Netmask.
- Restrict or allow access per port or per device.
- Secure configuration with password protection and unlock mechanism.

Revision History Highlights:
- Edition 3 (Nov 2002): Major revision introducing unified NPort Management Suite and renamed operation modes.
- Edition 4 (May 2004): Added “Fast Flush” driver function and updated Moxa branding.

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### Summary

The Moxa NPort Server Lite DE‑304 is a robust, four‑port Ethernet‑to‑RS‑232 device server engineered for industrial and commercial applications requiring reliable serial‑over‑Ethernet connectivity. With its 16‑bit 80186 CPU, 512 KB RAM, and support for multiple communication modes, it provides flexible integration of legacy serial devices into modern IP networks. The DE‑304’s comprehensive software suite simplifies configuration, monitoring, and maintenance, while its compact metal design ensures durability in demanding environments. Supporting data rates up to 230.4 kbps and full TCP/UDP protocol compatibility, the DE‑304 is ideal for remote device management, automation control, and serial data networking across LAN or WAN infrastructures.