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DE-308

Ethernet to RS232 8-port server
  • Manufacturer Moxa
  • Category: Serial Over IP RS232/485
  • The Moxa NPort Server Pro DE-308 is an industrial-grade Ethernet-to-RS232 device server designed to connect up to eight serial devices to a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network. It enables transparent serial-to-Ethernet communication, allowing legacy RS232 equipment to be integrated into modern TCP/IP-based network infrastructures. The DE-308 is part of Moxa’s NPort family, which includes the NPort Express, NPort Server Lite, and NPort Server Pro product lines.
- Eight RS232 Serial Ports: Provides eight independent DB9 female serial interfaces for connecting multiple serial devices simultaneously.
- Ethernet Connectivity: Supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet via RJ45 connector for flexible network integration.
- High-Performance CPU: Equipped with an Intel i960CA RISC processor for efficient data handling and low-latency communication.
- Memory: 1 MB RAM for buffering and protocol management.
- Multiple Operation Modes: Supports Host Based/Driver Mode, Pair Connection Mode, TCP Server, TCP Client, and UDP Server/Client modes.
- High-Speed Serial Communication: Supports baud rates up to 230.4 Kbps for each serial port.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support: Compatible with Windows (95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP) Real COM drivers and Linux Real TTY drivers.
- Flexible IP Configuration: Supports Static IP, DHCP, DHCP/BootP, and BootP addressing methods.
- Advanced Access Control: Allows secure access management by IP address or port.
- Data Packing Function: Configurable delimiters and force transmit timers for optimized data transmission efficiency.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports remote firmware updates via NPort Management Suite.
- Comprehensive Management Tools: Includes NPort Management Suite with Configurator, Real COM Installer, NPort Monitor, and Batch Configurator utilities.
- Compact Rackmount Design: Industrial-grade metal enclosure suitable for control cabinets or rack installations.
- Reliable Operation: Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments with robust network and serial communication stability.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8517 6200 900

1. Product Overview

Product Name: NPort Server Pro DE-308
Model: DE-308
Series: NPort Server Pro Series
Article Number: DE-308
Manufacturer: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.

The Moxa NPort Server Pro DE-308 is an industrial-grade Ethernet-to-RS232 device server designed to connect up to eight serial devices to a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network. It enables transparent serial-to-Ethernet communication, allowing legacy RS232 equipment to be integrated into modern TCP/IP-based network infrastructures. The DE-308 is part of Moxa’s NPort family, which includes the NPort Express, NPort Server Lite, and NPort Server Pro product lines. The DE-308 represents the high-performance, multiport model in the professional series, optimized for industrial automation, remote monitoring, and serial device networking applications.




2. Key Features

- Eight RS232 Serial Ports: Provides eight independent DB9 female serial interfaces for connecting multiple serial devices simultaneously.
- Ethernet Connectivity: Supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet via RJ45 connector for flexible network integration.
- High-Performance CPU: Equipped with an Intel i960CA RISC processor for efficient data handling and low-latency communication.
- Memory: 1 MB RAM for buffering and protocol management.
- Multiple Operation Modes: Supports Host Based/Driver Mode, Pair Connection Mode, TCP Server, TCP Client, and UDP Server/Client modes.
- High-Speed Serial Communication: Supports baud rates up to 230.4 Kbps for each serial port.
- Cross-Platform Driver Support: Compatible with Windows (95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP) Real COM drivers and Linux Real TTY drivers.
- Flexible IP Configuration: Supports Static IP, DHCP, DHCP/BootP, and BootP addressing methods.
- Advanced Access Control: Allows secure access management by IP address or port.
- Data Packing Function: Configurable delimiters and force transmit timers for optimized data transmission efficiency.
- Firmware Upgradeable: Supports remote firmware updates via NPort Management Suite.
- Comprehensive Management Tools: Includes NPort Management Suite with Configurator, Real COM Installer, NPort Monitor, and Batch Configurator utilities.
- Compact Rackmount Design: Industrial-grade metal enclosure suitable for control cabinets or rack installations.
- Reliable Operation: Designed for continuous operation in industrial environments with robust network and serial communication stability.




3. Technical Specifications

- Model: DE-308
- CPU: Intel i960CA RISC processor
- Memory: 1 MB RAM
- Ethernet Interface: 10/100 Mbps, RJ45 connector
- Serial Interface: 8 × RS232 ports, DB9 female connectors
- Serial Communication Parameters:
- Baud Rate: Up to 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: 440 × 190 × 44 mm (W × D × H)
- Weight: Approx. 2.0 kg (typical)
- Material: Metal enclosure, industrial-grade finish
- Power Supply: External DC input (specifications vary by model variant)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (typical industrial range)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensing)
- Default IP Address: 192.168.127.254
- MAC Address: Factory-assigned unique 48-bit identifier
- Mounting: Rackmount or desktop installation




4. Functionality

The DE-308 functions as a network-based serial device server, bridging traditional RS232 serial communication with Ethernet networks. It encapsulates serial data into TCP/IP packets, enabling remote access and control of serial devices over LAN or WAN connections.

Primary Operation Modes:

- Host Based / Driver Mode:
Creates virtual COM ports on a host computer, allowing legacy serial applications to communicate transparently over Ethernet. The Moxa Real COM driver intercepts serial data, encapsulates it in TCP/IP, and transmits it to the DE-308, which then outputs it through the corresponding serial port.

- Pair Connection Mode:
Two DE-308 units can be configured as a master-slave pair to extend serial communication over Ethernet, effectively replacing long RS232 cables and eliminating the 15-meter distance limitation.

- TCP Server Mode:
The DE-308 listens for incoming TCP connections from remote clients. Once connected, it enables bidirectional data transfer between the serial device and the network client.

- TCP Client Mode:
The DE-308 actively initiates a TCP connection to a specified remote server or IP address, suitable for applications where the serial device must push data to a central host.

- UDP Server/Client Mode:
Enables high-speed, connectionless data transmission using UDP protocol, supporting broadcast and multicast communication for real-time data distribution.

Use Cases and Applications:

- Industrial automation and control systems
- Remote monitoring of PLCs, sensors, and meters
- Serial console access for routers, switches, and servers
- POS systems and barcode scanners
- Building management and environmental monitoring
- Legacy equipment integration into IP networks

Compatibility:
Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems through Moxa’s Real COM and Real TTY drivers. Supports integration with SCADA, HMI, and custom serial communication software.




5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- NPort Server Pro DE-308 main unit
- Power adapter (model-dependent)
- Ethernet cable (optional)
- Software CD containing NPort Management Suite, drivers, and documentation
- Quick installation guide and warranty card

Optional Accessories:
- Rackmount brackets
- Serial cables (DB9 male-to-female)
- DIN-rail mounting kit (if applicable)
- External power supply units
- Console cables for configuration

Connectors:
- 1 × RJ45 Ethernet port (10/100 Mbps)
- 8 × DB9 female RS232 serial ports
- 1 × Power input connector
- Status LEDs for Power, Ethernet Link/Activity, and Serial Port activity




6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Standard Ethernet network (10/100 Mbps)
- Available IP address (Static or DHCP)
- Windows or Linux host for configuration and driver installation

Mounting Options:
- Rackmount installation (440 mm width fits standard 19-inch racks)
- Desktop or shelf placement

Configuration Methods:
1. NPort Management Suite (Recommended):
Provides a graphical interface for IP configuration, firmware updates, and parameter management.
2. Telnet Console:
Allows remote configuration via command-line interface.
3. ARP Command:
Enables IP assignment using MAC address mapping.
4. Serial Console:
Local configuration via RS232 console (for supported models).

Initial Setup Steps:
1. Connect the DE-308 to the network and power source.
2. Assign an IP address using NPort Management Suite or ARP.
3. Configure operation mode and serial parameters.
4. Install Real COM or Real TTY drivers on the host system.
5. Map virtual COM ports using Real COM Installer.
6. Verify connectivity and begin serial-to-Ethernet communication.




7. Performance & Capabilities

- Serial Throughput: Up to 230.4 Kbps per port
- Network Speed: 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing
- Latency: Low-latency data forwarding optimized by Intel i960CA RISC CPU
- Port Expansion:
- Up to 128 ports per Windows 95/98/ME host
- Up to 256 ports per Windows NT/2000/XP host
- Data Packing: Configurable delimiters and force transmit timers (1–65535 ms) for efficient packetization.
- TCP/UDP Connection Management:
- TCP alive check (1–99 minutes)
- Inactivity timeout (1–65535 ms)
- Access Control: IP-based and port-based restrictions for secure communication.
- Fast Flush Function: Optional driver feature to accelerate PurgeComm() operations in Windows environments.
- Reliability: Automatic reconnection and watchdog mechanisms ensure continuous operation.

Limitations:
- RS232-only interface (no RS422/485 support on this model)
- Limited to 8 serial ports per device
- Requires external power supply
- Ethernet Modem mode not supported (available only on NPort Express models)




8. Standards & Compliance

- Network Protocols: TCP, UDP, IP, ICMP, ARP, DHCP, BootP, Telnet
- Driver Support:
- Windows Real COM driver (Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP)
- Linux Real TTY driver
- Compliance:
- IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet standard)
- CE, FCC Class A (industrial emissions compliance)
- RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- Software Compatibility:
- Moxa NPort Management Suite
- PComm Lite Serial Control Library
- Third-party terminal emulators and SCADA systems




9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Standard Moxa limited warranty (typically 3 years, depending on region and distributor).

Technical Support:
- Email: support@moxa.com.tw
- Website: [www.moxa.com](http://www.moxa.com)
Provides driver downloads, firmware updates, and documentation.

Maintenance:
- Periodic firmware updates recommended via NPort Management Suite.
- Configuration backup and restore supported through Export/Import functions.
- Regular inspection of network and serial connections advised for optimal performance.

Software Updates:
- Firmware and driver updates available from Moxa’s website.
- NPort Management Suite includes utilities for batch firmware upgrades and configuration deployment.

Documentation:
- NPort Family Software Installation Guide (Fourth Edition, May 2004)
- Hardware Installation Guide (separate document)
- Online knowledge base and FAQs available through Moxa support portal.




Summary

The Moxa NPort Server Pro DE-308 is a robust, high-performance Ethernet-to-RS232 device server engineered for industrial and enterprise environments requiring reliable serial-to-network connectivity. With eight RS232 ports, a powerful Intel i960CA RISC processor, and comprehensive management software, it provides a scalable solution for integrating serial devices into IP-based systems. Its multiple operation modes, advanced access control, and cross-platform driver support make it suitable for diverse applications ranging from industrial automation to IT infrastructure management. The DE-308 exemplifies Moxa’s commitment to bridging legacy serial technology with modern Ethernet networks, ensuring long-term compatibility, performance, and reliability.

No accessories available.