Digi PortServer TS 4 P MEI (mid- and end-span PoE) — 4-Port Serial-to-IP Gateway

The Digi PortServer TS 4 P MEI is a rugged, feature-rich serial-to-IP gateway designed to connect RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 devices to an enterprise IP network with flexible power delivery. Built for industrial environments and mission-critical deployments, this 4-port PortServer supports powered Ethernet and powered serial configurations, enabling remote devices such as PLCs, sensors, POS terminals, and industrial controllers to communicate reliably over IP. Its mid-span and end-span PoE options offer versatile installation scenarios, reducing the need for local power outlets and simplifying deployment in space-constrained or remote locations. If you need a scalable, secure, and easy-to-manage serial gateway, the PortServer TS 4 P MEI delivers robust performance and seamless integration with existing network infrastructure.

• Flexible 4-port serial-to-IP connectivity: Connect up to four RS-232/422/485 devices to an Ethernet network with centralized access, management, and monitoring. Each port can be independently configured for baud rates, parity, data bits, stop bits, and protocol mode, giving you broad compatibility with a wide range of serial devices. This makes it ideal for retrofitting legacy equipment into modern network architectures without replacing your fleet of serial devices.
• Versatile powering options with PoE support: The PortServer TS 4 P MEI supports mid-span and end-span powered Ethernet (PoE) configurations, enabling power delivery over Ethernet to simplify installation and reduce the need for separate power supplies. With powered Ethernet and powered serial capabilities, you can deploy in locations where traditional power is unavailable or impractical, while maintaining reliable operation of connected devices.
• Advanced management and security features: Benefit from a robust management surface that includes a web-based GUI, command-line interface, and remote management via SSH/Telnet. Enable SNMP-based monitoring, log auditing, and secure firmware updates to keep devices protected and functioning smoothly. Centralized configuration and telemetry reduce operational overhead and improve asset visibility across distributed networks.
• Industrial-grade reliability for harsh environments: Designed to withstand demanding deployments, the PortServer TS 4 P MEI delivers stable performance for long-running industrial applications. It supports flexible deployment scenarios—from data centers and data closets to factory floors and remote sites—while preserving data integrity and ensuring steady serial communication to IP-enabled services and systems.
• Seamless integration with existing IT and OT ecosystems: The four-port PortServer integrates quickly with DHCP or static IP addressing, supports standard TCP/IP networking, and plays well with common monitoring and management tools. Its compatibility with Digi’s PortServer management ecosystem simplifies device discovery, provisioning, and ongoing maintenance, helping you scale serial connectivity across multiple sites with minimal overhead.

Technical Details of Digi PortServer TS 4 P MEI (mid- and end-span PoE) (International)

• Serial ports: 4 configurable RS-232/422/485 ports, suitable for a broad range of serial devices and protocols.
• Network interface: 1 Ethernet port supporting 10/100 Mbps (auto-negotiation) to ensure compatibility with most network switches and routers.
• Powering options: Powered Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af/at) with mid-span or end-span PoE support, enabling remote or difficult-to-power installations. Optional external power may be used where PoE is not available.
• Management interfaces: Web-based graphical user interface (GUI), command-line interface (CLI) via SSH/Telnet, and standard network management protocols (e.g., SNMP) for monitoring and control.
• Security and firmware: Secure remote management with encryption options for management traffic, along with firmware updatability to keep devices current and protected against evolving threats.
• Compatibility and usage: Compatible with a wide range of serial devices and integrates with Digi’s PortServer Manager ecosystem for centralized provisioning and monitoring.
• Certifications: Designed to meet typical industry certifications for networked industrial hardware (CE/FCC-like compliance in international markets).

How to install Digi PortServer TS 4 P MEI

Installing the PortServer TS 4 P MEI is straightforward and designed to minimize downtime while maximizing flexibility in how you connect serial devices to IP networks. Follow these steps to get started and ensure a reliable deployment that takes full advantage of mid-span and end-span PoE capabilities.

1) Plan your topology and power strategy. Decide whether you will power the PortServer using PoE delivered over Ethernet (mid-span or end-span) or with a traditional external power supply. For locations with existing PoE-enabled switches or mid-span injectors, PoE is typically the simplest option. Ensure the Ethernet path to your network core is reachable and that you have IP addressing in place (static or DHCP).

2) Prepare your serial devices. Identify which devices will connect to each of the four serial ports (RS-232/422/485). Document the baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits required by each device. If you plan to run multiple serial protocols (for example, one device on RS-232 and another on RS-485), configure each port accordingly in the PortServer’s management interface later.

3) Physical connection. Mount or place the PortServer TS 4 P MEI in a suitable location near network gear or the devices it will serve. Connect the four serial cables from your devices to the corresponding PortServer ports. Connect the Ethernet uplink to your network switch or router. If using PoE, attach the appropriate PoE-enabled switch port or mid-span injector to provide power to the PortServer via the Ethernet connection.

4) Initial power-on and network configuration. Power up the PortServer via PoE or a local power source. Access the web-based management interface by entering the PortServer’s IP address into a web browser from a device on the same network. If DHCP is configured, the PortServer will acquire an IP automatically; otherwise, configure a static IP to reach it consistently. Use the default admin credentials to log in and immediately set a strong password for security. Note: For best practices, disable unused services and enable only the management interfaces you need.

5) Port configuration and device profiles. For each serial port, create a device profile that specifies the communication parameters (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, flow control) and the protocol mode (e.g., raw serial, Modbus RTU, or other supported profiles). Map each serial port to the appropriate IP network destination or application server. Consider creating port groups or templates to streamline provisioning across multiple PortServer units in larger deployments.

6) IP and network settings. Assign a static IP or configure DHCP and set up a default gateway, DNS, and any required VLAN tagging to ensure proper routing and reachability across your network. If you manage devices behind a firewall, ensure the necessary ports for management (e.g., SSH/Telnet, SNMP, HTTP/HTTPS) are open and secured. Enable TLS/SSH for encrypted management traffic and disable legacy protocols if not needed.

7) Test and validate. Power-cycle the equipment if needed and verify that each serial device is reachable through the PortServer. Use the management interface to send test commands, monitor port activity, and confirm data flow between serial devices and their IP destinations. Check for any errors or framing issues and adjust port parameters if required. Run a small pilot before deploying at scale to ensure reliability.

8) Firmware and ongoing maintenance. Check for firmware updates from Digi and apply them following the vendor’s recommended process. Maintain a routine for backup of configuration settings, monitor port health, and review device logs to detect anomalies early. Regular maintenance helps maximize uptime in manufacturing floors, data centers, and remote sites where the PortServer TS 4 P MEI operates.

9) Security hardening. Enforce strong authentication, restrict management access to trusted networks or VPNs, and consider enabling IP access control lists (ACLs) to limit who can manage the PortServer. Regularly audit user accounts and rotate credentials. If your environment requires it, enable automated alerting to notify administrators of unusual activity or port errors.

10) Documentation and scaling. Document the final topology, port configurations, and IP addressing scheme for future reference. If you plan to scale to more ports or additional PortServer units, create centralized templates and standardized deployment procedures to accelerate rollout while preserving consistent performance and security practices.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Digi PortServer TS 4 P MEI? It is a four-port serial-to-IP gateway that connects RS-232/422/485 devices to an IP network, with support for mid-span and end-span PoE to power the gateway and simplify installations in environments with limited access to traditional power sources.
• What are the primary use cases? Ideal for industrial automation, building management, data acquisition, and POS or control devices that require reliable serial communication over IP. It enables remote monitoring, control, and data collection from legacy equipment without replacing serial devices.
• How is power provided? Power can be delivered over Ethernet via PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at) using either mid-span or end-span configurations, or through a separate power supply if PoE is not available. This flexibility supports diverse deployment scenarios.
• What management options are available? Management can be performed through a web GUI, command-line via SSH/Telnet, and standard network management protocols such as SNMP, facilitating integration with existing IT/OT monitoring workflows.
• Can it be integrated with other Digi PortServer products? Yes. The PortServer TS 4 P MEI is designed to work within Digi’s PortServer ecosystem, allowing centralized provisioning, monitoring, and configuration across multiple serial gateways in distributed environments.
• Is there support for secure remote access? Yes. The device supports secure management communications (such as SSH/TLS) to protect credentials and data during remote administration and configuration.