One of our clients has recently made NPort Server Pro an integral part of their automated textile manufacturing system. In this scenario, NPort Server Pro plays the role of a remote RS-232 serial device server. The factory floor Inspection, Mapping, Cutting, and Packing machines are each connected to one of the server's serial ports, and the server's Ethernet port is connected directly to the factory's LAN. By placing servers at strategic locations around the factory floor, the Windows NT based Control Center is able to easily communicate with all of the textile manufacturing system's components.

In order to appreciate the advantages of using NPort Server Pro, consider the alternatives. One possibility is to purchase a separate PC and multiport card for each station. But if your control program is run on a centrally located computer, you will also need to purchase an Ethernet card for each of these PCs. Setting up the hardware, and then installing and maintaining the necessary software for a small army of PCs is no easy task. But with NPort Server Pro, all of the necessary communication equipment—Ethernet card, serial ports, and essential computing power—are confined to one relatively small and convenient box. You save money by not needing to purchase several PCs, but also end up with a much more versatile system since the server's serial ports can be located virtually anywhere. Save money—save time—increase productivity—improve efficiency. All of these goals can be realized by making NPort Server Pro part of your automated manufacturing system.