Ethernet <> Serial converters behind NAT

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raytaylor

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#168486 16-Mar-2015 07:00

Has anyone here used one of those remote serial units that connect to your computer across an ethernet network?

I have a client that uses a keyless entry system at a sports club, and he is able to use a usb<>serial adapter on his laptop to plug in and download the logs of who has been into the building.

He would like to do it from home so i suggested that he use an old laptop and teamviewer.
But since the site is solar powered - they only have a 120 watt panel and 100ah battery to run the lights, it cant use much power.

So I was thinking perhaps if he used a serial <> ethernet converter, we could install a broadband connection with enough solar power to run the router and a port forward to a converter which would use much less power than a 25 watt eee netbook.

Does anyone here know if they work via a port forward in a router?

I am assuming they are all based on the same generic chipset with rebranded drivers like most serial/sound/anything cards you buy today.

Ray Taylor

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3g

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#1259974 16-Mar-2015 07:47

I've used the Moxa range of devices (eg http://www.moxa.com/product/NPort_DE-211.htm) and they are very reliable, but as you say, you then need some additional infrastructure (a PC or something + broadband link) to bring the data back.

Maybe something like this would work?
http://www.netcommwireless.com/product/m2m/ntc-4000

Sounds like an interesting challenge.

Dynamic

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#1259998 16-Mar-2015 08:54

Port forwarding for a Serial over IP solution should work fine. I last used these in the 90's for getting a dumb terminal talking to a VAX in another building, and for setting up an internal system at Telecom Mobile (back in the day) for allowing some of the senior execs and their PA's execs to send text messages direct to Telecom Pagers, when the software expected to talk direct to one of the paging controllers over serial.

The manufacturers manual tells you which port to forward you should have no issue and the manual should be downloadable so you can check before you buy. Your industry experience should of course lead you to avoid buying a DB9 to RJ45 converter for running serial over Cat5 over a short distance within a building. :)

I'm wondering whether you could do something with a Raspberry Pi or similar cheap low power development board with serial capabilities or running a Linux with a driver that will drive a USB to Serial Converter. You might then be able to do something with a basic web page to give him buttons to switch the state of the connection, or perhaps a batch file that initiates a SSH connection and sends a terminal command to switch the state of the serial converter.

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xcubed

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#1260077 16-Mar-2015 10:43

If you need a router too, you may as well do it all with the one box.

The Mikrotik series of routers support remote access to the serial port: http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Serial_Port_Usage (see the SSH section)

Something like the RB411 would do the job: http://www.gowifi.co.nz/mikrotik-routerboard/mikrotik-routerboard/mikrotik-routerboard-rb411.html
And if you want a case: http://www.gowifi.co.nz/mounting-hardware/indoor-enclosures/mikrotik-indoor-case-for-rb411u-ca411u.html

raytaylor

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#1260673 16-Mar-2015 22:55

Okay I'll give it a go.

We use mikrotiks for our high site routers, but i cant be bothered programming it.
Its just a local sports club where we were thinking of sponsoring a free broadband connection to their storage shed and clubroom.

I dont really want to bother getting into custom mikrotik routers, linux or raspberry pi's
Everything I do now has to be simple so that if i get hit by one of hawkes bay's passengerless busses, any need-a-nerd tech can figure out what i did to get it going with another broadband provider or my replacement.

Was just thinking a simple converter, plugged into the router, and he can run the log viewing software on his computer at home by directing the virtual com port to the ip/port forward of the broadband connection at the sheds.

So the ex-telecom guy above seems to have confirmed it will work :-)
Thanks for your help guys.

Ray Taylor

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