Functions of the Digi ethernet radio

Digi offers two types of Ethernet radios for different applications. The two types of Ethernet radios are the PKG-E and the XPress Ethernet Bridge. The Digi Ethernet modem PKG-E (PKGE) can be used to access a network of Digi RS232/RS485 or OEM RF modules through an access point connected through an ethernet network.

Application Example:


Problem:

Two Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) on a factory floor need to be connected to a PC in an office using the modbus protocol. The PLCs have Ethernet ports and serial ports available.

Solution:
Use two RS232 19200 baud 2.4 GHz radios (p/n: X24-019PKC-RA) connected to the serial port of each of the PLCs (connecting to the Ethernet port on the remote side of the link is NOT an option with the PKG-E. - see below for additional information).

Install a PKG-E device near the ceiling to provide the best wireless coverage of the facility and connect it using Ethernet to a nearby hub to simplify the cabling. On the computer the X-CTU (XCTU) software can be used to configure a virtual comm port (eg. COM5) with the IP address of the PKG-E device so that the application can communicate directly with the Digi radio modem over the Ethernet network. If the software running on the PC can communicate directly to an IP address, then the configuration of a virtual comm port is not necessary. Any data sent to the PKG-E that is attached to the computer will be broadcast to both of the remote modems and to the PLCs.

The Digi PKG-E ethernet modem is NOT a wireless Ethernet bridge. It is used when you need to connect one or more serial device back to an Ethernet connection to backhaul the data. If you are trying to connect two Ethernet devices together, the XPress Ethernet Bridge may be a better fit for that application.

The XPress Ethernet bridge (XEB) is specifically designed to work in applications where Ethernet bridging is required. The XEB essentially works as an Ethernet cable replacement in applications where you really just want to cut the Ethernet cable and stick two radios in between to extend the range or get around a wiring obstacle. The XEB operates in the 900 MHz ISM band and will work transparently with any network that supports a 10 Base-T connection and provides 1.5 Mbits of bandwidth over the air.
Last updated: Aug 23, 2017

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