TRENDnet TI-M42 Industrial Modbus Gateway — 4-Port Serial to Ethernet

The TRENDnet TI-M42 Industrial Modbus Gateway is engineered to bridge four Modbus serial devices with a robust Ethernet network, delivering reliable data collection and control across harsh industrial environments. With four DB-9 serial ports and two Fast Ethernet ports, this gateway provides a compact, rugged solution for scalable industrial automation, SCADA systems, and building-management applications. Designed for factory floors, laboratories, and equipment rooms, the TI-M42 enables seamless integration of legacy Modbus serial devices into modern Ethernet-based networks, empowering central monitoring, data logging, remote management, and secure, low-latency control across distributed assets.

• Four serial DB-9 ports allow you to connect multiple Modbus serial devices directly to the gateway, enabling efficient data collection and real-time monitoring from field devices without adding complexity to your network topology.
• Two Fast Ethernet ports provide reliable network connectivity for both management and data traffic, allowing you to segment traffic, optimize throughput, and maintain low latency for critical industrial processes.
• Up to 100 m (328 ft) distance over Cat5e cabling, giving you flexibility in device placement across large work cells, machine lines, or control rooms while preserving signal integrity and performance.
• IP30-rated housing delivers rugged protection against dust and incidental contact, making the TI-M42 suitable for challenging factory environments where equipment is exposed to dust, grime, and occasional impact.
• Extreme temperature protection supports operation in demanding industrial climates, reducing downtime and maintenance by ensuring reliable performance across a broad temperature range.

Technical Details of TRENDnet TI-M42

• Product name: TRENDnet TI-M42 Industrial Modbus Gateway
• Interfaces: 4 x Serial (DB-9) ports
• Network: 2 x Fast Ethernet ports
• Distance support: Up to 100 m (328 ft) over Cat5e cable
• Housing: IP30 rated enclosure for dust protection and safe operation on the factory floor
• Durability: Extreme temperature protection for operation in challenging industrial environments
• Color: Black
• Model number: TI-M42

How to install TRENDnet TI-M42

• Plan your network layout to place the TI-M42 where it can efficiently reach all four Modbus serial devices while maintaining convenient Ethernet connections.
• Connect each Modbus serial device to one of the four DB-9 ports on the TI-M42 using standard serial cables that match your device interfaces.
• Connect the two Fast Ethernet ports to your local network or a switch to enable management access and data flow between serial peripherals and IT systems.
• Route Cat5e cabling so that serial devices can reach up to 100 m (328 ft) from the gateway, keeping cables organized and away from sources of interference.
• Power on the gateway and configure its settings using the built-in management interface, establishing network parameters, Modbus gateway mappings, and any required routing or security configurations to fit your application.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the TRENDnet TI-M42?

  The TI-M42 is an Industrial Modbus Gateway from TRENDnet that provides four serial DB-9 ports and two Fast Ethernet ports, designed to connect Modbus serial devices to an Ethernet-based network for scalable industrial automation, monitoring, and control.

• How many serial ports does it have?

  It features four DB-9 serial ports to accommodate multiple Modbus serial devices simultaneously.

• What is the maximum cable distance?

  The TI-M42 supports communication over Cat5e cabling up to 100 meters (328 feet), enabling flexible deployment across larger facilities while preserving signal integrity.

• What kind of enclosure does it use?

  It comes in an IP30-rated housing, providing dust protection and safe operation in industrial environments where exposure to dust and contact hazards is possible.

• Is the gateway built for harsh temperatures?

  Yes—the TI-M42 is designed with extreme temperature protection to sustain reliable performance in challenging industrial climates and varying environmental conditions.