COM by TCP: Bridging Legacy Serial Devices with Modern Networking
“COM by TCP” refers to the process of tunneling serial COM port data over a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP/IP) network to access legacy hardware remotely. This technology bridges the gap between old-school RS232/RS485 serial communication and modern network environments. By virtualizing COM ports and routing their traffic through Ethernet or the internet, organizations can extend the reach of their physical hardware indefinitely. Why Route COM Ports Over TCP?
Traditionally, serial devices like barcode scanners, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), scales, and laboratory sensors required a physical cable plugged directly into a computer’s COM port. This hardware-bound approach introduces several limitations:
Distance Barriers: Physical RS232 cables degrade quickly over long distances.
OS Restrictions: Windows natively restricts a physical COM port to one application at a time.
Modern Hardware Lack: Modern PCs and servers rarely come equipped with built-in DB9 serial ports. COM by TCP download | SourceForge.net
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