Comprehensive Product Summary – APort400 IP Device Server

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: APort400
Model: APort400
Series: APORT400 Series – IP to Serial Port Converter
Article Number: APort400
Manufacturer: Rayon Technology Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 2F, No. 177, Chung-Shan 2 Rd., Lu-Chou City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Contact:
- Tel: +886-2-82858362
- Fax: +886-2-82857065
- Email: rayon@ms1.hinet.net
- Web: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com)

The APort400 is a high-performance IP device server designed to connect up to four RS232 serial devices to an Ethernet network. It enables transparent data communication between serial and TCP/IP or UDP/IP networks, allowing legacy serial equipment to be integrated into modern IP-based infrastructures. The device is part of Rayon’s APORT series, which includes models supporting various combinations of RS232, isolated RS232, and isolated RS422/485 interfaces.

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### 2. Key Features

- Multi-Port Serial Connectivity:
Provides four independent RS232 serial ports (DB9 male connectors), each capable of speeds up to 230,400 bps.

- High-Performance Embedded Processor:
Equipped with a 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC CPU, offering superior performance compared to 16-bit architectures.

- Integrated Network Interface:
Auto-detecting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface (100Base-T) with RJ45 connector for flexible LAN integration.

- Flexible Communication Protocols:
Supports TCP/IP and UDP/IP communication modes, enabling operation as a TCP server, TCP client, or UDP sender/receiver.

- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 virtual COM port driver
- Linux raw TTY driver
- SCO UNIX real TTY driver
- UNIX GVMODEM driver for fixed TTY mapping

- Web, Telnet, and Console Configuration:
Device configuration can be performed via web browser, Telnet session, or serial console interface.

- Ground Isolation:
Provides ground-isolated RS232 and RS422/485 interfaces (depending on model variant) to prevent ground loop interference.

- Linux-Based Embedded System:
The internal operating system is Linux-based, ensuring stability, flexibility, and network protocol compatibility.

- Firmware Upgradeable:
Supports TFTP-based firmware upgrades via console and DIP switch configuration.

- Compact and Durable Design:
Housed in a robust enclosure measuring 205 × 135 × 29 mm, suitable for industrial and commercial environments.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Processor and Memory:
- CPU: 32-bit MIPS RISC, 100 MHz
- Flash ROM: 16 MB
- SDRAM: 16 MB

Network Interface:
- Type: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (100Base-T)
- Connector: RJ45
- Auto-detection for 10/100 Mbps operation

Serial Interfaces:
- Interface Type: RS232 (standard model)
- Connector: DB9 male
- Number of Ports: 4
- Maximum Baud Rate: 230,400 bps
- Console Port: Shared with Serial Port 1
- Isolation: Ground-isolated RS232 and RS422/485 available in other APORT variants

Power Requirements:
- Input Voltage: 5 VDC
- Current Consumption: 1200 mA
- Power Adapter: UP110/UP220 (supplied)

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 10–90% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage Humidity: 5–90% RH

Physical Dimensions:
- Size: 205 × 135 × 29 mm
- Material: Industrial-grade enclosure (Rayon standard)

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### 4. Functionality

The APort400 functions as an IP-to-serial converter, bridging Ethernet networks and serial devices. Each serial port can be configured independently for different communication modes:

- TCP Server Mode:
The APort400 listens for incoming TCP connections on assigned port numbers. It can be accessed via Telnet or custom socket applications. Supports RFC2217 for remote serial configuration.

- TCP Client Mode:
The device initiates a connection to a designated server IP and port, suitable for centralized data collection systems.

- UDP Mode:
Allows serial data to be transmitted as UDP packets to up to four remote hosts and receive data from multiple sources.

- Real TTY Modes:
- *COM Real TTY Mode:* Uses UDP packets for communication with Windows or SCO UNIX systems.
- *GVMODEM Real TTY Mode:* Uses TCP packets for Linux/UNIX systems with fixed pseudo-TTY mapping.

- Virtual COM Port Operation:
Through Rayon’s TPORT or RPORT drivers, the APort400’s serial ports appear as standard COM ports on Windows systems, enabling legacy applications to communicate transparently over IP.

- Configuration Interfaces:
- Web Interface: Accessible via browser (default IP: 192.168.1.254, password: 11111).
- Telnet Interface: Command-line configuration.
- Console Interface: RS232 terminal access via serial port 1.

Use Cases:
- Industrial automation and SCADA systems
- Remote monitoring and control of serial devices
- POS and kiosk systems
- Data acquisition and logging
- Modbus RTU over TCP/IP integration
- Legacy serial device networking

Compatibility:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
- Linux and UNIX systems (via GVMODEM or RTTY drivers)
- SCO OpenServer

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- APort400 device server
- UP110/UP220 5VDC power adapter
- User manual and software CD (includes drivers and utilities)

Optional Accessories:
- Console cable (RS232)
- Ethernet cable (RJ45)
- Mounting brackets or DIN-rail kit (optional)

Connectors:
- 1 × RJ45 Ethernet port
- 4 × DB9 male serial ports
- Power input jack (5VDC)

Pin Assignments (DB9 Male):
| Pin | RS232 Signal | RS422/485 Signal |
|-----|---------------|------------------|
| 1 | DCD (input) | Pull |
| 2 | RXD (input) | RXD+ |
| 3 | TXD (output) | TXD+ |
| 4 | DTR (output) | TXD |
| 5 | GND | Isolated GND |
| 6 | DSR (input) | RXD |
| 7 | RTS (output) | Pull+ |
| 8 | CTS (input) | — |
| 9 | RI (input) | — |

*Note:* In RS485 mode, pins 2 & 3 are shorted as DATA+, and pins 4 & 6 as DATA−.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Disconnect power before installation.
2. Connect the APort400 to a network hub or switch using a standard Ethernet cable.
3. Attach serial cables between the APort400 and target RS232 devices.
4. Configure DIP switches as required:
- Bit 1: Console port enable (ON = console, OFF = normal serial port 1)
- Bit 2: Firmware upgrade mode (ON = upgrade, OFF = normal)
- Bits 3 & 4: RS422/RS485 mode selection (for applicable models)
5. Connect the 5VDC power adapter.
6. Observe LED indicators for power and LAN link status.

Software Setup:
- Access the web interface at `192.168.1.254` (default).
- Configure IP settings (static IP recommended).
- Assign serial port modes (TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP, etc.).
- Save and restart the device to apply changes.

Driver Installation (Windows):
- Use `aport_ap.exe` for APORT mode or `tport_ap.exe` for TPORT mode.
- Map virtual COM ports to APort400 serial ports.
- Install drivers via `ainstall.exe` or `tinstall.exe`.
- Verify COM port assignments in Device Manager.

Linux/UNIX Setup:
- Install GVMODEM or RTTY drivers.
- Configure `/etc/gtstcpd/gtstcpd.cf` for IP and port mapping.
- Start the daemon using `./gtstcpd.rc start`.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Baud Rate: Up to 230,400 bps per port
- Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Stop Bits: 1 or 2
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space
- Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS), Software (XON/XOFF), or None
- Network Throughput: Optimized for low-latency serial-to-IP conversion
- Latency Considerations:
- TCP introduces variable latency depending on network conditions.
- UDP mode offers lower latency but no guaranteed delivery.
- Heartbeat Mechanism:
TPORT driver sends heartbeat packets every second to maintain connection integrity.
- Connection Recovery:
Automatic reconnection after network interruptions.
- Multi-Host Access:
RPORT driver allows multiple Windows systems to share serial ports dynamically.

Limitations:
- TCP connection latency may affect time-sensitive applications.
- Only one host can occupy a serial port in TPORT mode.
- Requires consistent serial protocol settings between device and driver to avoid data mismatch after reconnection.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, DHCP (optional), RFC2217 (Telnet COM Port Control)
- Electrical Standards: RS232, RS422, RS485 (EIA/TIA compliant)
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, UNIX, SCO OpenServer
- Firmware Upgrade Protocol: TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)
- Safety and Isolation: Ground-isolated serial interfaces (model-dependent)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial temperature and humidity ranges

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### 9. Additional Information

Firmware Upgrade Procedure:
1. Set DIP switch bit 2 to ON (firmware upgrade mode).
2. Connect console terminal at 115200 bps, 8N1.
3. Use TFTP client to upload firmware (default IP: 192.168.1.254).
4. Example command: `tftp 192.168.1.254 → put aport400_xxxxxx.hg`
5. Reboot device and verify firmware version via web interface.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
- Verify power LED and LAN link indicators.
- Use console terminal for boot diagnostics.
- Use `ping` to confirm network connectivity.
- Check serial port LEDs for TX/RX activity.
- Use “Reset Default” in web interface to restore factory settings.

Warranty & Support:
- Warranty Period: 1 year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Exclusions: Damage from misuse, unauthorized servicing, or incorrect power supply.
- RMA Procedure:
- Obtain RMA number from Rayon support.
- Provide model, serial number, and failure description.
- Ship to designated service center.
- Repair Policy:
- In-warranty repairs: No charge.
- Out-of-warranty repairs: Flat-rate service fee.

Software Utilities:
- `aport_ap.exe` – APORT mode configuration utility
- `tport_ap.exe` – TPORT mode configuration utility
- `aport_search.exe` / `tport_search.exe` – Network discovery tools
- `wftp8.exe` – Firmware upgrade utility

Model Variants in APORT400 Series:
| Model | RS232 | Isolated RS232 | Isolated RS422/485 |
|--------|--------|----------------|--------------------|
| APORT400 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| APORT040 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| APORT031 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| APORT022 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| APORT301 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| APORT202 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| APORT220 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| APORT211 | 2 | 1 | 1 |

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### Summary

The Rayon APort400 IP Device Server is a robust, Linux-based serial-to-Ethernet converter designed for industrial and commercial applications requiring reliable serial communication over IP networks. With four RS232 ports, flexible configuration modes, and comprehensive driver support across multiple operating systems, it provides a seamless bridge between legacy serial equipment and modern network infrastructures. Its high-performance RISC processor, ground isolation options, and advanced configuration utilities make it a versatile solution for automation, data acquisition, and remote device management environments.