Digi International has launched the Digi Connect EZ TS serial device servers, a new solution designed to help organizations modernize their legacy infrastructure by securely connecting serial devices to modern IP networks. This announcement addresses a critical need for businesses maintaining older equipment while transitioning to contemporary networking standards.
What Are Serial Device Servers?
Serial device servers act as bridges between traditional serial equipment and Ethernet-based networks. These devices enable organizations to maintain valuable legacy systems while gaining the benefits of modern network connectivity, remote management, and enhanced security protocols.
Key Features of the Digi Connect EZ TS
The new Digi Connect EZ TS series offers several important capabilities for industrial and enterprise environments:
- Secure connectivity: Built-in security features protect data transmission between serial devices and IP networks
- Easy deployment: Simplified setup process reduces installation time and complexity
- Remote management: Network administrators can monitor and configure devices from anywhere
- Multiple port options: Various configurations to support different serial device requirements
Industrial Applications and Use Cases
Serial device servers find extensive use across multiple industries where legacy equipment remains critical to operations. Manufacturing facilities often rely on older programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial automation systems that communicate via serial protocols. Similarly, industrial networking solutions continue to evolve to support these mixed environments.
Healthcare organizations also benefit significantly from serial device server technology, as many medical devices and monitoring systems use serial communication protocols that must integrate with modern hospital networks.
The Business Case for Network Modernization
Organizations face mounting pressure to upgrade their network infrastructure while preserving investments in functional legacy equipment. According to NIST cybersecurity guidelines, maintaining secure connections between legacy and modern systems requires careful planning and appropriate bridging technologies.
The financial benefits of gradual modernization often outweigh complete system replacement, especially when legacy equipment continues to perform reliably. Serial device servers provide a cost-effective path forward that doesn’t require immediate capital expenditure on entirely new systems.
Security Considerations for Serial Networks
Traditional serial connections lack the built-in security features found in modern IP networks. The Digi Connect EZ TS addresses these concerns by implementing encryption, authentication, and access control measures that weren’t available in older serial communication protocols.
Network segmentation becomes crucial when integrating serial devices into IP networks. Proper configuration ensures that legacy equipment doesn’t create security vulnerabilities while still enabling necessary connectivity and management functions.
Installation and Configuration
The “EZ” designation reflects Digi’s focus on simplifying the deployment process. The devices feature web-based configuration interfaces that allow network administrators to set up connections without extensive specialized knowledge of serial communication protocols.
Configuration typically involves mapping serial port settings to network connections, establishing security parameters, and defining remote access permissions. The streamlined setup process reduces deployment time compared to more complex industrial networking solutions.
5Gstore Take
The Digi Connect EZ TS represents a practical solution for organizations caught between legacy infrastructure and modern networking demands. While many businesses rush toward complete system overhauls, smart organizations recognize that gradual modernization often provides better ROI and less operational disruption.
These serial device servers fill a genuine gap in the market, offering a bridge between industrial-grade legacy equipment and contemporary network security requirements. For businesses running critical operations on older serial-based systems, this type of solution provides a path forward that doesn’t require abandoning functional equipment.
The timing is particularly relevant as supply chain constraints continue to affect equipment availability and pricing. Being able to extend the useful life of existing serial devices while gaining modern network capabilities makes sound business sense.
Ready to discuss your legacy network modernization needs? Contact us to explore how serial device servers and other networking solutions can support your infrastructure transition.
FAQ
What types of serial devices can connect to the Digi Connect EZ TS?
The servers support standard RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial devices including industrial controllers, medical equipment, point-of-sale systems, and measurement instruments.
How does the security compare to direct serial connections?
Serial device servers add multiple security layers including SSL/TLS encryption, user authentication, and access logging that aren’t available with direct serial connections.
Can multiple users access the same serial device simultaneously?
Yes, the servers can be configured to allow multiple concurrent network connections to serial devices, though this depends on the specific application requirements.
What network protocols does the Digi Connect EZ TS support?
The devices support standard IP protocols including TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, and SNMP for management and data transmission.
About the Author Michael Ginsberg is the founder of 5Gstore.com, a trusted source for cellular routers and failover networking solutions since 2005. With a background in software and networking dating back to 1988, he writes about cellular connectivity, IoT infrastructure, network security, and fleet management. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn or reach the 5Gstore team through our contact page.
