StarTech.com USB to Serial Hub - 16 Port (COM Port Retention) - Rack Mount and Daisy Chainable

The StarTech.com USB to Serial Hub - 16 Port delivers a robust, scalable solution for integrating RS232 serial interfaces into modern systems. Designed for industrial environments, this hub unites 16 RS-232 ports under a single USB-connected backbone, offering reliable COM port retention, rack-friendly mounting, and effortless expansion through daisy chaining. Whether you're building an automation rack, a data acquisition lab, or a field-robust test bench, this hub provides the performance and manageability you need to keep your serial devices synchronized and accessible.

• 16 high-density RS-232 ports: Allocate a dedicated serial channel for each device—perfect for industrial controllers, barcode scanners, POS peripherals, instrumentation, and legacy equipment that still relies on true RS-232 signaling.
• COM Port Retention: Maintain stable and consistent COM port assignments across reboots and re-plugs, reducing the time spent reconfiguring software and minimizing risk of device misassignment in mission-critical setups.
• Rack Mount and Daisy Chainable: The unit is designed for rack installations with included ears for 19-inch racks, and it supports daisy chaining to expand your serial footprint without sacrificing performance or manageability.
• USB Connectivity and Plug-and-Play Management: Connects to a host computer via USB, delivering plug-and-play ease with broad OS compatibility, simplified deployment, and centralized device management for streamlined operations.
• Durable, Industrial-Grade Build: Built to endure demanding environments, the 16-port hub offers solid durability, stable signal integrity, and long-term reliability for continuous operation in manufacturing floors, labs, and data centers.

Technical Details of StarTech.com USB to Serial Hub

• Ports: 16 RS-232 serial ports to connect a wide range of serial devices from PLCs and sensors to cash drawers and modems.
• Interface: USB connection to the host system, enabling straightforward integration with modern computers and embedded platforms.
• Port Retention: COM port retention ensures consistent port mapping across connection cycles, minimizing software reconfiguration and improving workflow continuity.
• Expansion: Daisy-chainable design allows connecting additional hubs to scale port availability without complex topology changes.
• Mounting: Rack-mountable with included ears for standard 19-inch racks, enabling neat, scalable installations in control rooms and equipment cabinets.
• Power: USB-powered hub designed for reliable operation from the host USB connection, suited for environments where external power sources are minimized and space is at a premium.

How to install StarTech.com USB to Serial Hub

• 1. Plan your layout: Determine which devices will connect to each of the 16 RS-232 ports and how you will route cables in your rack or workspace to minimize interference and ensure easy access for maintenance.
• 2. Mount the hub: If you are installing in a 19-inch equipment rack, attach the provided rack ears and secure the unit in place to prevent vibration and accidental disconnections.
• 3. Connect to the host: Use the supplied USB cable to connect the hub to a USB port on your host computer or embedded controller. Ensure the host has sufficient USB bandwidth for your workload.
• 4. Attach serial devices: Plug each RS-232 device into its designated port on the hub. Verify that each connected device is powered and configured for the correct baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits as required by your application.
• 5. Power up and configure: Power on devices (if needed) and boot the host. The operating system should detect the new serial interfaces as COM ports, and, thanks to COM port retention, mappings will remain stable across reconnects. Install any necessary drivers or rely on built-in drivers as recommended by your OS provider.
• 6. Test and validate: Open a terminal program or your application to confirm that each COM port corresponds to the intended device, perform loopback checks where applicable, and verify data integrity across all channels.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many devices can I connect with this 16-port hub?
  A: The hub provides 16 RS-232 ports, allowing you to connect up to sixteen serial devices simultaneously. This is ideal for expanding legacy connectivity without multiple adapters.
• Q: What is COM port retention?
  A: COM port retention ensures that each RS-232 port maintains its assigned COM number even after re-plugging or reinitialization, reducing software reconfiguration time and the risk of port misassignment in complex setups.
• Q: Can I expand beyond 16 ports?
  A: Yes, the hub is daisy-chainable, enabling you to link additional USB-to-serial hubs to scale your serial interface count while keeping centralized management and organization.
• Q: Is the hub suitable for rack environments?
  A: Absolutely. The 16-port USB-to-serial hub is designed for rack mounting with included ears, making it a strong fit for control rooms, data centers, and industrial cabinets where space efficiency and neat cabling are priorities.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported?
  A: The device is designed to work with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, through appropriate drivers or built-in support as provided by the OS version. Check your OS documentation for driver availability if needed.