1. Product Overview

Product Name: APort800
Model: APort800
Series: APORT Series – IP to Serial Port Converters
Article Number: APort800
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
Websites: [www.rayontech.com](http://www.rayontech.com), [www.computex.com.tw/rayon](http://www.computex.com.tw/rayon)

The APort800 is an industrial-grade IP Device Server designed to convert Ethernet-based TCP/IP or UDP/IP communication into eight independent RS232 serial channels. It enables remote serial device management over LAN or WAN networks, providing a reliable and scalable solution for industrial automation, data acquisition, and networked control systems. The device integrates a 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC CPU, 16 MB Flash ROM, and 16 MB SDRAM, running a Linux-based embedded system for high performance and stability.

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2. Key Features

- Eight RS232 Serial Ports: Provides eight independent DB9 male RS232 interfaces for simultaneous multi-device connectivity.
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Interface: Auto-detecting 10/100 Base-T RJ45 port for flexible LAN integration.
- High-Performance Embedded CPU: 32-bit 100 MHz MIPS RISC processor ensures efficient data handling and low latency.
- Linux-Based System Board: Embedded Linux OS provides stability, multitasking, and network protocol support.
- Flexible Communication Modes: Supports TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Send/Receive, and UDP Multi-Serial modes.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 virtual COM port driver (APORT or TPORT mode)
- Linux raw TTY and GVMODEM driver
- SCO UNIX real TTY (RTTY) driver
- Web, Telnet, and Console Configuration: Multiple setup interfaces for easy configuration and management.
- Virtual COM Port Emulation: Allows remote serial ports to appear as local COM ports on Windows systems.
- RFC2217 Telnet Extension Support: Enables remote serial port configuration via Telnet.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports TFTP-based firmware updates via DIP switch configuration.
- Compact Industrial Design: Rugged metal enclosure with LED indicators for power, LAN, and serial activity.
- Low Power Consumption: Operates on 5 VDC at 1.2 A, suitable for embedded or rack-mounted environments.
- Environmental Tolerance: Designed for 5–40 °C operation and up to 90% relative humidity.

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3. Technical Specifications

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

Network Interface
- Type: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (Auto-detecting)
- Connector: RJ45
- Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP
- Configuration: Static or DHCP (Dynamic IP not recommended for fixed installations)

Serial Interfaces
- Type: RS232 (DB9 male connectors)
- Number of Ports: 8
- Baud Rate: Up to 230,400 bps
- 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
- Console Port: Shared with Serial Port 1 (selectable via DIP switch)

Power Requirements
- Input Voltage: 5 VDC
- Current: 1.2 A (typical)
- Power Adapter: UP110/UP220 (regulated 5 VDC output)

Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions: 205 mm × 135 mm × 48 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.8 kg (without adapter)
- Enclosure Material: Metal (Rayon industrial-grade housing)

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

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4. Functionality

The APort800 functions as a network-to-serial gateway, bridging Ethernet-based communication with legacy serial devices. Each of its eight RS232 ports can be configured independently for different operational modes:

- TCP Server Mode: The APort800 listens for incoming TCP connections on assigned port numbers, allowing remote clients to access serial devices via standard socket connections or Telnet.
- TCP Client Mode: The device initiates a connection to a designated remote server, suitable for centralized data collection or control systems.
- UDP Mode: Enables broadcast or point-to-multipoint communication, sending serial data to up to four predefined hosts and receiving from multiple sources.
- UDP Multi-Serial Mode: Allows multiple serial ports to share the same UDP port number for simultaneous data distribution.
- Real TTY Modes:
- COM Real TTY Mode: Uses UDP packets to emulate standard COM ports on Windows or UNIX systems.
- GVMODEM Real TTY Mode: Uses TCP packets for fixed virtual terminal ports in Linux/UNIX environments.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and SCADA systems
- Remote monitoring and control of PLCs, sensors, and meters
- POS systems and ticketing terminals
- Serial console management for servers and network devices
- Data acquisition and logging over IP networks
- Integration of legacy RS232 equipment into modern Ethernet infrastructures

Compatibility:
- Windows NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7 (APORT and TPORT drivers)
- Linux (GVMODEM driver)
- SCO UNIX (RTTY driver)
- Supports standard serial communication protocols and third-party COM redirectors (e.g., Tactical Software COM Redirector, CKermit 8.0).

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- APort800 main unit
- UP110 or UP220 5 VDC power adapter
- User manual and software CD (drivers, utilities, documentation)

Optional Accessories:
- RS232 serial cables (DB9 male-to-female)
- Console cable for setup (DB9 to terminal)
- Rack-mount brackets or DIN-rail mounting kit
- Replacement power adapter

Connectors:
- 1 × RJ45 Ethernet port
- 8 × DB9 male RS232 ports
- Power input jack (5 VDC)
- DIP switch for configuration and firmware upgrade

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6. Installation & Setup

Hardware Installation Steps:
1. Connect the APort800 to a network hub or switch using a standard Ethernet cable.
2. Connect serial devices to the DB9 ports.
3. Configure DIP switch settings:
- Bit 1: Console port enable (ON = console, OFF = normal serial port 1)
- Bit 2: Firmware upgrade mode (ON = upgrade, OFF = normal operation)
4. Apply 5 VDC power using the supplied adapter.
5. Observe LED indicators for power and LAN link status.

Software Configuration:
- Access via Web Browser (default IP: 192.168.1.254, password: 11111)
- Alternatively configure via Telnet or Console Terminal (115200 bps, 8N1).
- Assign static IP, subnet mask, and gateway.
- Configure each serial port’s mode, baud rate, and protocol.
- Save and restart the device to apply settings.

Driver Installation (Windows):
- Use aport_ap.exe for APORT mode or tport_ap.exe for TPORT mode.
- Map virtual COM ports (up to 64) to APort800 serial ports.
- Install drivers via ainstall.exe or tinstall.exe utilities.
- Verify COM port assignments in Device Manager.

Linux/UNIX Setup:
- Install gvmodem or rtty drivers from the provided tar packages.
- Configure `/etc/gtstcpd/gtstcpd.cf` or `/etc/nasd.rc` for IP and port mapping.
- Start the daemon using `./gtstcpd.rc start` or `/etc/nasd.rc`.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

- Serial Throughput: Up to 230.4 kbps per port
- Network Speed: 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing
- Latency: Dependent on network conditions; optimized via TCP delay parameter in TPORT driver
- Concurrent Connections: Up to eight independent serial sessions
- Data Integrity: Reliable TCP transmission with optional heartbeat monitoring
- Driver Modes:
- TPORT Driver: Maintains persistent TCP connections for dedicated Windows systems.
- RPORT Driver: Allows dynamic multi-host access by connecting/disconnecting on demand.
- Efficiency: Embedded CPU handles serial-to-IP conversion locally, minimizing host CPU load.
- Limitations:
- TCP latency may affect time-sensitive applications.
- Only one host can occupy a serial port in TPORT mode.
- Requires consistent serial protocol settings between APort and host driver to avoid data mismatch.

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP/IP, DHCP, ARP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP
- Serial Communication Standards: RS232 (EIA/TIA-232)
- RFC Compliance: RFC2217 (Telnet COM Port Control Option)
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, Linux, SCO UNIX
- Electrical Safety: Designed for low-voltage DC operation (5 VDC)
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant materials and lead-free soldering
- Firmware Upgrade Protocol: TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- One-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
- Excludes damage from misuse, unauthorized servicing, or incorrect power supply.
- Out-of-warranty repairs available at a flat-rate service charge.

Support & Maintenance:
- Technical support via email (rayon@ms1.hinet.net).
- Firmware updates available through TFTP procedure:
1. Set DIP switch bit 2 to ON (firmware upgrade mode).
2. Connect via console (115200 bps).
3. Use TFTP client to upload new firmware to 192.168.1.254.
4. Restart device and verify firmware version via web interface.

Utilities & Tools:
- aport_ap.exe / tport_ap.exe: Configure virtual COM mappings.
- aport_search.exe / tport_search.exe: Discover APort devices on LAN.
- wftp8.exe: Windows TFTP utility for firmware upgrades.
- Teraterm: Recommended terminal emulator for console access.

Maintenance Recommendations:
- Use only the supplied 5 VDC adapter.
- Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid high-humidity environments.
- Periodically back up configuration settings.
- Use “Reset Default” in web interface to restore factory settings if misconfigured.

Related Models in APORT Series:
- APORT200: 2 × RS232 ports
- APORT020: 2 × isolated RS232 ports
- APORT101: 1 × RS232 + 1 × isolated RS422/485
- APORT400: 4 × RS232 ports
- APORT040: 4 × isolated RS232 ports
- APORT602: 6 × RS232 + 2 × isolated RS422/485
- APORT620: 6 × RS232 + 2 × isolated RS232
- APORT080: 8 × isolated RS232
- APORT008: 8 × isolated RS422/485

Repair Procedure:
- Obtain Return Material Authorization (RMA) before shipping.
- Provide model, serial number, and fault description.
- Contact Rayon Service Center for repair charges and return address.

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Summary

The Rayon APort800 is a robust, multi-port IP-to-serial converter engineered for industrial and enterprise environments requiring reliable serial device networking. With eight RS232 ports, a 100 MHz RISC processor, and comprehensive driver support across major operating systems, it bridges traditional serial communication with modern Ethernet infrastructure. Its flexible configuration modes, embedded Linux OS, and advanced management interfaces make it ideal for automation, monitoring, and remote control applications. The APort800 exemplifies Rayon’s commitment to high-performance connectivity solutions, offering scalability, reliability, and ease of integration in demanding networked serial environments.