Internet-enabled Serial Devices
WebFoot provides easy and low-cost access to serial device data via the Internet. No programming or equipment modification to existing devices should be necessary. Devices using the RS-232 protocol can be quickly Internet enabled. A typical application is IT WatchDogs' WeatherDuck Serial Port Server Room Climate Monitor being directly Internet accessed.
The WebFoot is shown next to a US quarter for size comparison. The user attaches an Ethernet cable, power supply, and a serial device, such as a WeatherDuck. The small tabs provide an easy attachment points for walls or brackets; no special mounting considerations are needed. The metal case is powder-coated for durability.
The adaptor is a pass-through device. TCP/IP data is converted to serial data and is passed to and from the serial port. There are two general applications: internet-addressable devices and redirected serial port.
In the first case, the device is accessed by an Internet Protocol (IP) address from the user's application program. In the second case, existing programs that access serial ports (COM) use supplied redirector software. Applications seeking data from a serial port will be redirected to an IP address. This redirector may allow existing serial port programs to use remote or local Ethernet connections to retrieve data without modifications to the application program.
The WebFoot contains a factory-set Media Access Control (MAC) address. The user sets the IP address or has one assigned on the subnetwork by the gateway or the router.
There are three connectors: a power receptacle, a DB-9 plug (male), and an RJ-45 receptacle. Power requirement is 6 volts direct current at 300 milliamperes.
Small mounting tabs are provided for the device to be mounted to a wall or bracket.
Static or Dynamic IP Addressing
Upon power being applied the WebFoot immediately sends a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) request for a leased address from a DHCP server if one is available.
DHCP is an Internet protocol for automating the configuration of computers that use TCP/IP. DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, delivers TCP/IP stack configuration parameters such as the subnet mask and default router, and provides other configuration information such as the addresses for printer, time and news servers. If no DHCP service is available, the unit can assigned a static IP address using supplied discovery and configuration software. The static IP address set into the WebFoot remains stored when power is removed.
Pin Connections
The RTS and CTS pins are held in a "high" state (+6 volts) in order to supply power to serial port powered devices such as the WeatherDuck. Pin assignments are as follows: Pin Function WF-1 Setup
| Pin | Function | WF-1 Setup | |
| 1 | DCD | Data Carrier Detect | Not used |
| 2 | RXD | Receive Data | Enabled |
| 3 | TXD | Transmit Data | Enabled |
| 4 | DTR | Data Terminal Ready | Not used |
| 5 | GND | Signal Ground | Enabled |
| 6 | DSR | Data Set Ready | Not used |
| 7 | RTS | Request To Send | Set High |
| 8 | CTS | Clear To Send | Set High |
| 9 | RI | Ring Indicator | Not used |
Specifications
Serial Interface
Protocol: RS-232
Data Rates: 50 to 230 kbps
Characters: 7 or 8 data bits
Parity: odd, even, none
Stop Bits: 1 or 2
Control Signals: CTS, DTR (set on)
Flow Control: Hardware, software, none
Network Interface Protocols
Ethernet 10Base-T or 100Base-TX (Auto-Sensing), full- or half-duplex
RJ-45 Connector Protocols
- TCP/IP
- UDP/IP
- ICMP
- Telnet
- DHCP
- BOOTP
- HTTP
- AutoIP
Indicators (LED)
- 10Base-T connection
- 100Base-TX connection
- Link & activity indicator: green and orange lamps show link and data status respectively
General Specifications
Input Current: 300 mA
Power Receptacle: 2.1 mm, center positive
Wall Transformer: UL and CE listed, 6vdc @ 300mA
Environmental Parameters:
- Operating: -40 to +85 degC (-40 to +185 degF)
- Storage: -40 to +85 degC (-40 to +185 degF)
Dimensions: 1.3" x 2.5" x 1.05"
Mounting: two sheet metal tabs
Weight: 8 oz.
Color: Yellow (PMS 432), gray lettering
Specification date: November 19, 2003
Model Number: WF-1
The housing is 18 gauge aluminum, powder coated. Standard DB-9 fittings are used to connect the serial cable or device.
Hardware Supplied
- WebFoot WF-1 with wall transformer power supply
- US 5-15 plug
Software Supplied
Serial port redirector and Discovery/Configuration on CD
General Features
- Small size, simple installation
- 10/100 mpbs Ethernet
- RS-232 serial port
- Automatic discovery software
- IP configuration software
- DHCP enabled
- Stored static IP address
- Serial port redirector software
- $179