Compact serial device server: Portable, plug-and-play Ethernet connectivity on the wire

Lantronix xDirect offers portable, plug-and-play Ethernet connectivity on the wire. New compact serial device server offers ease-of-use and flexibility for machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity.

October 23, 2012

Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a provider of smart machine to machine (M2M) connectivity solutions, today announced the launch and worldwide availability of the new Lantronix xDirect device server – a compact serial-to-Ethernet device server that provides quick and easy connectivity to virtually any device or machine with a serial interface. With plug-and-play simplicity and a small form factor, xDirect is suitable for a variety of markets from security to industrial automation to medical and others. 

“The Lantronix xDirect fills our need for a very compact, easy-to-configure and easy-to-use TCP/IP connection to serial devices,” said Albert Putnam, vice president of technology operations for Cimetrics – a global provider of energy efficiency technology and solutions. “The power options, which include PoE (power over Ethernet) and USB, as well as the wide environmental operating range, LED serial activity indicators, and space-efficient form factor combine to make the xDirect a perfect solution for our environmental monitoring and metering applications across a wide range of deployment situations.”

With an integrated Ethernet port and serial cable, and multiple power options including Power over Ethernet (PoE), xDirect also features a built-in Web server that enables users to access and configure the unit using a standard Web browser on a PC, smart phone or tablet.  Measuring less than 240 cm in length, and weighing less than 3 ounces, the xDirect device server’s compact and flexible form factor boasts a built-in web server, enabling users to access and configure the unit using a standard web browser on a PC, mobile phone, or tablet, from anywhere.

“We’ve been working closely with our customers and partners to develop a sleek form factor at a competitive price to solve their need for rapid and easy device connectivity right on the wire,” said Mak Manesh, vice president of product management for Lantronix.  “A key differentiator of the xDirect is the form factor itself, coupled with a robust device server application and PoE for serial devices requiring transparent network connectivity.  We are thrilled with the early response to the product.”

The device server offers:

• Network connectivity

• Integrated 10/100 Ethernet port and serial cable

• Device server application with full IP Stack and Web Server

• Space-saving form factor

• Flexible power options including PoE

• Extended temperature range of -40 C to 85 C

• 5-year limited warranty

xDirect is available for pre-order and is expected to begin shipping in November.

www.lantronix.com

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.