Serial OverIP communication between Server and Client
The information on this page is updated in accordance with the 00.07.09 firmware version .
Introduction
This article provides a configuration example to enable communication from a serial device connected to the TRB142/5 to another serial device (e.g. RUT955/6) using OverIP via public IP or RMS VPN.
Configuration Overview and Prerequisites
TRB142/5 and RUT955/6 have serial communication ports, that combined with Serial-Over-IP functionality on server enabled to gather of all information from clients, and simultaneously send to all clients in remote sites.
Prerequisites
- 2 devices with serial port (e.g. TRB142/5, RUT955/6, TRB245/55)
- 2 end devices capable of serial communication (we're going to use a PC and Hercules app)
- Serial cables to connect to the end device ( 2 x RS232-USB will be used)
- Public IP or RMS VPN configured.
Topology
Configuration
Over IP Server
Obtaining Public IP: Set an APN
In this example we are using Public IPs, it also works with Private IPs if routers are in same LAN
Note: If you have a Public IP address already, you can skip this step.
To set the APN, while in the router's WebUI, navigate to the Network → Mobile → General → Interface mob1s1a1 APN configuration:
Once in the Interface mob1s1a1 APN configuration window, edit your mobile interface, find the APN field and enter you Internet Service Provider's APN:
- Disable the Auto APN option
- Choose the correct APN, which gives out a public IP address (for more information about that contact your Internet Service Provider)
Additional notes on APN:
- NOTE 1: don't use the exact APN value as seen in the example above as it will not work with your SIM card. APN depends on your Internet Service Provider (ISP), therefore, your ISP should provide you with their APN or, in many case, you can find your ISP's APN with an online search.
- NOTE 2: furthermore, it should be noted that not all SIM cards support this functionality. Static or Dynamic Public IP addresses (obtained through APN) are a paid service and setting any APN value for a SIM card that doesn't support this service will most likely result in losing your data connection. If this is the case, it can be fixed by simply deleting the APN, but it also means that remote access through mobile WAN IP will most likely not work on your SIM card.
- NOTE 3: in some cases the SIM card doesn't require an APN in order to obtain a Public IP address. If that is the case for you, simply check what your router's mobile WAN IP address is - if it's already a Public IP address, then you don't need to set an APN. The easiest way to find what your mobile WAN IP address is to log in to the router's WebUI and check the MOB1S1A1 widget in the Overview page:
Over IP Server RS232 configuration
Navigate to the Over IP tab by going to Services → Serial Utilities → Over IP . Insert desired name and select RS232. Make sure to enable the instance (1) and configure Serial port in accordance (2) to connected device, these should match on both routers to avoid miscommunication.
Over IP Server configuration
After applying RS232 configuration scroll down and configure Over IP Server:
- Mode Server- the device waits for incoming connections.
- Select a desired protocol, TCP or UDP.
- TCP/UDP port - specify desired port.
IP Filter
Once finished the above configuration, add interfaces through which routers will be communicating, You can add IP address that will be allowed to connect or enter 0.0.0.0 to allow all connections coming through correct port.
OverIP Client
OverIP Server RS232 configuration
Navigate to the OverIP tab by going to Services → Serial Utilities → OverIP . Insert desired name and select RS232. Make sure to enable the instance (1) and configure Serial port in accordance (2) to connected device, these should match on both routers to avoid miscommunication.
OverIP Client configuration
After applying RS232 configuration scroll down and configure Over IP Server:
- Mode Client – the device initiates the connection.
- Select a desired protocol, TCP or UDP.
- Address is the Over IP Sever Public IP address. Port is the port we have configured on the Over IP Server device.
Testing configuration
After configuration has been complete, we'll need to test it. Launch Hercules on both PCs and connect using serial protocol to connect to TRB142/5 and RUT955/6.
- Select serial protocol
- Select the COM port to which your device is connected (On PC you can use Device Manager (Windows) to check this) and match the baud rate to which you've configured in the device
- Open the connection
- Send the desired text
Now try sending any message from the client to the server. You should see the message you've sent appearing on the other side of the serial device.
