Terminal Server
Terminal Server
Sometimes referred to as a serial server, a terminal server enables organizations to connect devices with a RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial interface to a local area network (LAN).
Terminal servers can be very simple and offer no security, such as data encryption.
The primary function of a terminal server is to enable serial devices to access network server applications, or vice-versa, where security of the data on the LAN is not an issue.
There are many terminal servers on the market, though, that offer advanced security functionality to ensure only qualified personnel can access various servers and any data transmitted across the LAN, or internet, is encrypted.