1. Product Overview

Product Name: Aport-311
Model: Aport-311
Series: Aport-31x Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway Series
Article Number: Aport-311
Manufacturer: Artila Electronics Inc.
Product Type: Single-Port Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway (RS-232/422/485)

The Artila Aport-311 is a compact, high-performance Serial-to-Ethernet gateway designed to connect legacy serial devices to modern TCP/IP networks. It provides a single asynchronous serial port configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 communication, and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface. The device enables transparent data transmission between serial and Ethernet interfaces, allowing existing serial-based equipment to be integrated into LAN or WAN environments without hardware or software redesign.

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2. Key Features

- Multi-Protocol Serial Interface: Supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 communication standards, selectable via software or DIP switch.
- Flexible Network Operation Modes: Operates as TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Node, or in Paired (Serial Tunneling) Mode.
- Heartbeat Mechanism: Built-in heartbeat checking (port 5300) automatically re-establishes lost TCP connections every 5 seconds, ensuring continuous communication reliability.
- Virtual COM Port Support: Includes Windows Virtual COM driver for Windows NT/98/ME/2000/XP, allowing legacy serial applications to communicate over Ethernet without modification.
- Comprehensive Configuration Interfaces: Configurable via Web browser, Telnet, Serial Console, or Windows Manager utility.
- Auto-Sensing Ethernet Interface: 10/100BaseT RJ-45 port with auto-negotiation for 10BaseT or 100BaseTX operation.
- DIN-Rail and Wall Mounting Options: Industrial-grade mechanical design suitable for control cabinets and field installations.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports firmware updates via serial or virtual COM interface for long-term maintainability.
- Security and Management: Password-protected management access, configurable IP filtering, and DHCP/static IP addressing.
- Compact and Robust Design: Lightweight aluminum enclosure with industrial operating temperature range and CE/FCC compliance.

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3. Technical Specifications

Network Interface:
- Type: 10/100BaseT Ethernet (Auto-detecting 10BaseT or 100BaseTX)
- Connector: RJ-45
- Supported Protocols: TCP, UDP, HTTP, Telnet, IP, ICMP, ARP, DHCP
- IP Addressing: DHCP or Static IP

Serial Interface:
- Type: RS-232/422/485 (software selectable)
- Connector: DB9 male (DTE configuration)
- Baud Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 Kbps
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, or 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
- Flow Control: None, RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF
- Serial Memory: Output buffer 64 KB, Input buffer 8 KB per port

Power and Environmental:
- Input Voltage: 9–15 VDC
- Power Consumption: 400 mA @ 12 VDC
- Operating Temperature: 0–70 °C (datasheet) / 0–50 °C (summary)
- Storage Temperature: -20–85 °C
- Humidity: 5–95% RH non-condensing
- Regulatory Compliance: CE, FCC

Physical Characteristics:
- Dimensions: 81 × 113 × 24 mm (datasheet) / 85 × 115 × 23 mm (manual)
- Weight: ~350 g
- Mounting: DIN-rail or wall mount

Warranty: 2 years

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4. Functionality

The Aport-311 functions as a transparent bridge between serial devices and Ethernet networks. It converts serial data streams into TCP/IP or UDP packets and vice versa, enabling remote access and control of serial equipment over LAN or WAN.

Operating Modes:
- Direct IP Mode: Allows socket-based applications to communicate directly with the serial port using TCP or UDP.
- Virtual COM Mode: Creates a virtual COM port on a Windows PC, mapping it to the Aport-311’s serial port for seamless integration with legacy software.
- Paired Mode (Serial Tunneling): Two Aport-311 units can form a point-to-point serial tunnel over Ethernet, replacing physical serial cabling.
- Heartbeat Mode: Monitors connection integrity and automatically re-establishes lost TCP sessions every 5 seconds.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and SCADA systems
- Remote monitoring of PLCs, sensors, and controllers
- POS systems and barcode scanners
- Serial-based instrumentation and data acquisition
- Building management and access control systems
- Legacy device networking and modernization

Compatibility:
- Compatible with Windows NT/98/ME/2000/XP operating systems via Virtual COM driver.
- Works with any TCP/IP-capable host system or application supporting socket communication.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- Aport-311 Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway unit
- Power terminal block connector
- DIN-rail mounting kit
- CD-ROM containing:
- Windows Manager configuration utility
- Virtual COM driver
- User manual and documentation

Optional Accessories:
- External 12 VDC power adapter
- Wall-mount brackets
- Ethernet and serial cables (DB9 male/female or null modem)

Connectors:
- Ethernet: RJ-45 (10/100BaseT)
- Serial: DB9 male (DTE)
- Power: 2-pin terminal block and barrel jack

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation:
1. Mounting: Attach the Aport-311 to a DIN rail or wall surface using the provided hardware.
2. Power Connection: Connect 9–15 VDC power via terminal block or DC jack. The RUN LED flashes every second when powered.
3. Ethernet Connection: Use a straight-through cable for hub/switch connection or crossover cable for direct PC connection.
4. Serial Connection: Connect the DB9 port to the serial device using a null modem cable (for PC) or straight-through cable (for DCE device).

DIP Switch Configuration:
- SW1/SW2 = ON/ON → Console Mode
- SW1/SW2 = ON/OFF → Loopback Mode
- SW1/SW2 = OFF/ON → Factory Default Mode
- SW1/SW2 = OFF/OFF → Data Mode (RS-232/422/485)

Software Setup:
- Install the Aport-31x Manager utility from the included CD.
- Search for connected devices on the LAN.
- Configure network and serial parameters via Manager, Web, Telnet, or Serial Console.
- Optionally install the Virtual COM driver to map the serial port to a Windows COM port.

Default Network Settings:
- IP Address: 192.168.1.1
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: 192.168.1.254
- DHCP: Disabled
- TCP Port: 4000
- Serial Mode: RS-232, 19200 bps, 8-N-1

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Serial Data Rate: Up to 230.4 Kbps
- Ethernet Speed: 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation
- Connection Capacity: Up to 8 simultaneous TCP connections
- Heartbeat Recovery: Automatic reconnection every 5 seconds on port 5300
- Buffering: 64 KB transmit / 8 KB receive per port
- Latency: Low-latency serial-to-Ethernet conversion suitable for real-time control
- Reliability: Continuous operation with watchdog and heartbeat mechanisms
- Limitations: Single serial port; UDP mode does not support heartbeat

The Aport-311 delivers stable, high-speed serial-to-network communication suitable for industrial and commercial environments. Its combination of flexible modes, robust error recovery, and configurable parameters ensures reliable data transmission even in demanding network conditions.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Electrical and Safety: CE and FCC compliant
- Network Standards: IEEE 802.3 (10BaseT), IEEE 802.3u (100BaseTX)
- Protocols Supported: TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, DHCP, HTTP, Telnet
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS (implied by CE marking)
- Firmware Upgradeability: Supports in-field firmware updates via serial or virtual COM interface

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- 2-year limited hardware warranty covering manufacturing defects.

Technical Support:
- Online resources and firmware updates available at [www.artila.com](http://www.artila.com).
- Email and phone support provided by Artila Electronics technical service team.

Maintenance:
- Periodic firmware updates recommended for performance and security improvements.
- Device can be reset to factory defaults via DIP switch or software command.
- Configuration backup and restore supported through Manager utility.

Firmware Upgrade Procedure:
1. Download the latest firmware (.hex file) from Artila’s website.
2. Set the device to Upgrade Mode (DIP switches OFF).
3. Connect via serial or Virtual COM port.
4. Use the Manager utility’s “Firmware Upgrade” function to upload the file.
5. Restart the device to complete the upgrade.

LED Indicators:
- RUN (Green, Flashing): System operational
- LINK (Green/Yellow): Ethernet connection (Green = 100BaseTX, Yellow = 10BaseT)
- SERIAL (Green): Connection active; flashing indicates data transmission

Troubleshooting Highlights:
- Lost Characters in HyperTerminal: Ensure correct baud rate and input two distinct characters to synchronize.
- Unknown IP Address: Use Manager utility to search LAN for connected devices.
- Virtual COM Port Not Opening: Verify matching IP, port, and protocol settings between PC and Aport-311.
- Arrow Keys Not Working in Console Mode: Update HyperTerminal to a newer version.

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Summary

The Artila Aport-311 Serial-to-Ethernet Gateway is a compact, industrial-grade networking device that bridges traditional serial communication with modern Ethernet infrastructure. It supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 interfaces, offering flexible configuration and reliable performance for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and data acquisition systems. With multiple configuration interfaces, a robust heartbeat mechanism, and comprehensive Windows driver support, the Aport-311 provides a seamless migration path for legacy serial devices into IP-based networks. Its compact form factor, DIN-rail mounting, and CE/FCC compliance make it ideal for embedded and industrial applications requiring dependable serial-to-network connectivity.