Protocols are determined by several factors such as data rate, encryption methods, file and message formats and associated service. A protocol converter is tasked with taking this protocol and changing it to another one, making devices connected across these networks to communicate directly. Protocol converters, much like a language translator, translate messages or data streams between networks, to enable both networks easily interpret the data.
Protocol converter is a highly beneficial device used by various industries in order to convert the proprietary or standard protocol of a device into suitable protocol of other tools or device in order to attain inter compatibility. Within a network, the large number of different machines and there is a possibility that different machines will run on different protocols. This can make work difficult, because most protocols are inherently incompatible with one another, thus preventing machines with different protocols from integrating. By using a protocol converter, users can bypass this difficulty by changing the protocol, which allows the different machines to work together — as long as the converter supports the protocols of each machine.
The most attractive benefit of the protocol converter is that the users can carry out the networking and serial communication without even bothering about the programming performed at the hardware level. Without the need of any additional programming for the end user, the protocol converter manages well to transmit the transparent data along the channel which connects a combination of two communication ports. Another key feature of the protocol converter is that of being a programmable driver.
Most protocol converter units are programmed to understand a handful of different protocols, and these units use an internal database to track all the protocols. This database will store all the factors associated with the known protocols, and the database also is tasked with helping this device understand what needs to be changed to alter one protocol to another. Unlike regular databases, which can be manually updated, this database typically is locked from users.
Typical types of protocol converters include E1 to Ethernet, V35 to Ethernet and E1 to V35. The E1 protocol converter is used to convert E1 signal to 10/100Base-T Ethernet signal, and vice versa. It extends the bandwidth to 7.68Mbps. It can be used in two LAN connection, remote monitor or video broadcasting. E1 to V35 protocol converter realizes the bi-directional data transfer from E1 port to V. 35 network. This equipment is used in communication network including WAN and LAN, realizing the transfer from E1 channel of SDH or PDH equipment to V. 35, which maybe provided by routers. V35 to Ethernet Protocol Converter accomplish the converting between the 10/100M Ethernet port and the V. 35 port. It provides at most bandwidth N*64kbps data transmission channel for Ethernet through V. 35 Lines. It is suitable for many situations, such as increasing the range of LAN, founding a special Ethernet network, and so on.
The protocol converters have the capacity to support the Modbus ASCII, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP and the RFC-2217, E1, Ethernet, V.35, RS232, RS422 and beyond. There are protocol converters that even allow great solution developers the ability to add the proprietary applications and protocols. Also there are converters like RS422 converter and RS232 converter available.