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Trying to put together a serial connection server, recommendations?

post #1 of 5
10/25/12 at 9:02am
Thread Starter 
I need to build a server for work that can serial into lots of devices. Do you guys recommend using a bunch of USB -> serial adapters, or several PCI or PCI-e cards that have a direct serial interface? Which/any? I was looking at grabbing a few of these StarTech 4 Port 16550 PCI serial adapters but thought I'd check in with you guys. The box will be running on OpenSuse if that matters.
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Echo Cascade
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post #2 of 5
10/26/12 at 12:58pm
The advantage of a card is that they should have mature drivers, whereas a USB adapter may be less rigorously supported.

IMHO

dunx
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post #3 of 5
10/26/12 at 1:09pm
I have always had issues with drivers on the usb to serial adapters...especially with modern Operating Systems. I'd go with the PCI card.
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post #4 of 5
10/26/12 at 3:38pm
If you go the USB adapter route I recommend only using adapters with the FTDI chipset (here's one).
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post #5 of 5
10/26/12 at 8:00pm
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I used one of these with great success
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815520001
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