What is ComShare ?
The ComShare is a multi-function serial sharing server designed to overcome the limitation where RS-232/422/485 interfaces support only a single Master in a network, thereby lacking redundancy. By acting as a specialized bridge between serial devices, PCs, and PLCs, ComShare enables multiple devices to perform read and write operations simultaneously, simplifying the process of sharing a single serial port among several computers through straightforward wiring.
Beyond simple port sharing, ComShare offers robust security features. It supports Ethernet source restriction, functioning like a firewall to block unauthorized access. This allows it to safely bridge different network segments while effectively protecting your industrial control systems from cyber threats.
Features
Flexible Port Configuration
Each serial port supports active or passive mode for easy integration with RS‑232/422/485 devices and SCADA systems.
Enhanced Security
Ethernet-based serial access can be restricted by source IP or IP range to prevent unauthorized connections.
Built-in Data Logging
Comprehensive logging enables effective monitoring and troubleshooting like a data scope.
Independent Operation
Ethernet and serial ports operate independently and can be used separately.
Web-Based Management
Intuitive web interface supports easy configuration and interactive serial communication.
How ComShare works
Integrating ComShare into your industrial network is straightforward. Using different wiring methods combined with different settings allows it to easily adapt to various environments.
Connect your devices
Connect your RS-232/422/485 serial devices, PCs, or PLCs directly to the ComShare server.
Configure the ports
Use the web-based interface to independently set each serial port as a Master or Slave based on your equipment's role.
Set up network security
Define the allowed Ethernet source IPs or IP ranges to create a firewall-like barrier.
Enable multi-access
Allow multiple devices to simultaneously perform read and write operations on the shared serial device.
Benefits
True Redundancy
Ensures continuous operation and fault tolerance by overcoming the single-Master limitation of traditional serial interfaces.
Multi-Access Capability
Enables multiple PCs, PLCs, and systems to seamlessly access and control the same serial port simultaneously.
Maximum Flexibility
Available in 2, 4, 8, or 16 port models (CS512/514/518/516), providing high adaptability for any complex field configuration.
Robust System Security
Acts as a secure bridge across network segments, functioning like a firewall to protect critical industrial equipment from cyber threats.
Customer story
From Single-Master Limitation to True Redundancy: Achieving Multi-Access for Factory Automation with ComShare
Our customer is a manufacturer who needs to integrate hundreds of serial devices into their upper-level SCADA systems and multiple PLCs for real-time monitoring and smart manufacturing.
However, traditional serial communication on a network strictly limits connections to a single Master. This restriction prevented the plant from implementing a redundancy mechanism and multi-access capabilities, posing a significant risk of communication disruption and hindering their digital transformation.
During the system upgrade, the engineering team faced several technical issues :
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Lack of Redundancy
The single-Master limitation meant that if the main PC or PLC failed, communication would be completely lost.
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No Multi-Access
Existing architecture could not support the new requirement where multiple PCs and PLCs needed to read and write to the same serial device simultaneously.
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Cybersecurity Risks
Bridging legacy serial devices to the factory's Ethernet without proper access control exposed the system to unauthorized network attacks.
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Inflexible Configuration
Field devices had varying roles, requiring a highly flexible way to configure independent active/passive modes without complex management.
To overcome these challenges, the plant deployed ComShare Multi-Function Serial Sharing Servers (16-port CS516 and 8-port CS518 models) as the central communication bridge :
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Multi-Access Port Sharing
Using straightforward wiring, ComShare acted as an intermediary, sharing a single serial port with multiple PCs and PLCs.
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Independent Port Setup
Through an intuitive web interface, engineers independently configured each serial port as a Master or Slave to match various RS-232/422/485 equipment.
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Network Firewall
The Ethernet source restriction feature was enabled to allow only specific IPs or subnets to access the serial devices, securely bridging different network segments.
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Achieved True Redundancy
Successfully eliminated the single-Master limitation, allowing main and backup systems to connect simultaneously for continuous operation.
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Enabled Multi-Access
Allowed three or more PCs and PLCs to seamlessly perform read and write operations on the same serial port at the same time.
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Enhanced Cybersecurity
Functioned as a robust firewall, blocking unauthorized Ethernet access and protecting critical field devices from cyber threats.
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EAccelerated Troubleshooting
Leveraged ComShare's built-in logging mechanism as a practical Data Scope, helping identify and resolve communication errors.
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