Article - CS333108

Configuration Suggestions for Ethernet-to-Serial Converters in PTC Kepware Products

Modified: 30-Dec-2025   


Applies To

  • Kepware Server (formerly KEPServerEX) 5.19.467.0 to 6.18
  • ThingWorx Kepware Server (legacy) 8.0 to 6.18

Description

  • Ethernet-to-Serial converters often include port redirecting software that maps a serial port to a remote communications port
  • Kepware’s application should manage the embedded serial frame directly using converters that support a raw TCP connection
  • Using raw TCP connections provides improved stability and easier configuration
  • When third-party port redirecting software is used, Kepware’s application cannot detect that the port is virtual and expects it to behave as a real serial port
  • If the redirecting software or converter vendor does not support certain functions, this can cause instability in Kepware’s server
  • When multiple serial ports are mapped through redirecting software, communication errors on one port can cause all ports to become unresponsive
  • Port redirecting software may introduce latency and timing errors due to additional socket handling
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