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This section provides an overview for device servers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 device server manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked device server companies as of December, 2024: 1.HuMANDATA FA, 2.LINEEYE CO., LTD., 3.Digi International.
Table of Contents
A device server enables the connection of non-networkable devices to a network via serial interfaces or USB ports. This is essential for devices like older printers and scanners, which use RS-232C or USB connections and cannot directly connect to a network due to differing communication protocols. A device server acts as a bridge, converting these protocols to enable network connectivity.
This connectivity allows a single device to be accessible from multiple PCs, enhancing usability and flexibility.
Device servers are pivotal in networking devices that lack inherent network capabilities. By doing so, equipment such as legacy printers and scanners become accessible from multiple computers. Additionally, device servers facilitate the remote operation of computers via peripherals like keyboards and mice, overcoming the limitations imposed by physical proximity and cable length. Some device servers also support Internet connectivity, enabling the creation of large-scale systems and remote monitoring.
Device servers convert the communication method of serial devices to be compatible with Ethernet interfaces. This conversion can occur in three modes:
Creates a virtual COM port on the host computer, enabling data transfer and operational control through serial port line signals.
Facilitates access to serial device servers on a TCP/IP network via standard sockets API, eliminating the need for additional drivers.
Allows multiple host computers to share a single device server's port, enabling them to receive data from the same serial device concurrently.
The choice of device server depends on the specific networking needs of USB or serial devices:
These compact servers are integrated into devices, offering basic networking capabilities for small devices.
Suitable for networking devices with serial interfaces, often used in industrial settings for data collection and device control.
Enables networking of USB devices within a small network, supporting high-speed data transfer for applications like USB audio and web cameras.
These servers support Internet connectivity for remote monitoring and management systems, offering a cost-effective solution without the need for dedicated lines.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Sealevel Systems Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of communications products and industrial computers founded in 1986 and located in Liberty, South Carolina, USA. The company’s products include ethernet serial servers for connecting serial devices to ethernet networks, input-output (I/O) modules for data control and acquisition applications, and embedded computers for integrated systems. It also offers PCI express cards and USB serial adapters, and ruggedized computers for industrial environments. The company is ISO 9001: 2015-certified, and serves clients in the military and defense, aerospace, and industrial automation sectors.
Digi International Inc., founded in 1985, is an American manufacturer headquartered in Hopkins, Minnesota, specializing in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology. The company's offerings feature a range of solutions, including IoT software and services, along with IoT development kits and complementary items like cellular modems, cloud and security services, intelligent edge controllers, and radio-frequency (RF) modules. It also offers networking systems, including cellular routers and infrastructure management tools. Notably, the company’s SmartSense platform offers remote monitoring solutions for facility, food safety, pharmacy, and the supply chain. These products find applications across industries such as energy, medical, retail, smart cities, and transportation.
Red Lion was founded in 1972 and headquartered in York, Pennsylvania as part of Spectris, PLC, headquartered in Egham, England. The company serves manufacturing, oil & gas, alternative energy, transportation, and water industries with products for their industrial automation and industrial networking needs. The company’s industrial automation division creates controllers, secure remote access platforms, panel meters, and process control devices. The industrial networking division offers ethernet devices, IIoT gateways and routers, and communication converters.
Lantronix Inc., established in 1989 and headquartered in Irvine, California, United States, is a designer and manufacturer of smart IoT (internet of things) devices and components. The company's products include network switches, telematic gateways, and serial-to-ethernet device servers. It also provides software products, including Software as a Service and its IoT cellular platform for connecting the global IoT fleet on every network using a single SIM. Its solutions are used in various sectors, including data centers, physical and data security, and transportation. Its standard products are available for purchase directly from its online stores.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., established in 1969, acquired by SmartWave Technologies, a Northlane Capital Partners (NCP) platform investment company, is a global supplier of IoT technologies across industry and commercial applications, based in the United States. The company simplifies the Connected product and Connected service journey for OEM’s, service and solutions providers. Its products are easy to integrate, easy to deploy and easy to scale, delivering top in class performance. It works closely with its customers, providing expert support, from architecture to integration and deployment. Its U.S. and global manufacturing agility enables it to work in partnership with customers at any volume.
Lineeye Co., Ltd. was established in 1986 and is based in Kyoto, Japan, as a manufacturer of electronic equipment. It specializes in manufacturing protocol analyzers, interface converters, and LAN connection type LANIO. It also manufactures memory cards, cables, terminal blocks, battery packs, and voltage boosters. The company acquired several ISO certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. It has partnered with companies such as Panasonic Electric, Sharp, Sony, and IBM. Its manufactured products are catered to the information technology, telecommunications, energy and power, automation, and electrical sectors across Japan, China, Korea, Germany, and the USA.
Advantech Co., Ltd., established in 1981 in Neihu District, Taipei, is a pioneering manufacturer and designer of a range of products, solutions, and services. The company boasts an extensive product portfolio that includes system integration, customer-centric design services, cutting-edge embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. Its aim is to usher in an era of an intelligent planet through its automation and embedded computing products and solutions. These diverse products and services empower smarter ways of working and living to enhance the quality of life and productivity across various industries.
HuMANDATA FA (High-Definition Laboratory Inc.), established in Japan in 1997, is a manufacturer and supplier of state-of-the-art high-definition display solutions for various applications. The company’s product range includes high-resolution monitors, video walls, and display systems tailored for industries like medical imaging, broadcasting, industrial visualization, and more. Tasked with providing great visual experiences, the company offers technological advancement and quality craftsmanship. By delivering precision and clarity through their display solutions, HDL supports improved visual communication and analysis in diverse professional fields.
Black Box is headquartered in Texas, USA, and is an ISO 9001-certified distributor of IT products originally founded in 1976 as Expandor, Inc. before rebranding in 1982. The company's products include various cable management, video, and networking products. It also stocks touchscreens, cabinets, and environmental monitoring devices for ensuring sound installation of its products. The company mainly markets to government offices, educational institutions, and manufacturing facilities. It provides additional consultation, installation, and maintenance services for customers with unique projects.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HuMANDATA FA |
15.2%
|
| 2 | LINEEYE CO., LTD. |
12.7%
|
| 3 | Digi International |
11.4%
|
| 4 | Lantronix Inc |
11.4%
|
| 5 | Red Lion |
11.4%
|
| 6 | Sealevel Systems Inc. |
10.1%
|
| 7 | Advantech Co., Ltd. |
10.1%
|
| 8 | Black Box |
8.9%
|
| 9 | Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. |
8.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the device server page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
5 | 71.4% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 28.6% |
1 product is listed.
Silex Technology Co., Ltd.
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■Summary By converting USB cables into networks, USB device servers can free USB devices from the constraints of USB cable length and improve the f...
