Digi International 70002405 ConnectPort LTS 16-Port Device Server
The Digi International 70002405 ConnectPort LTS is a 16-port serial-to-Ethernet device server designed to extend the operational life of legacy serial equipment by bridging distributed devices to modern IP networks. With dual Ethernet 10/100 Mbps ports and 16 independent serial channels, this unit centralizes management of legacy industrial controllers, access-control systems, door hardware, and telecom appliances across geographically dispersed installations. Integrators deploy the ConnectPort LTS in network closets, control rooms, and remote field locations to eliminate the cost and complexity of replacing end-of-life serial devices that still perform their intended function.
Key Features
- 16 Serial Ports: 16 independent serial channels (DB-9 or RJ-45 connectors, depending on configuration). Supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 protocols without additional hardware.
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Connectivity: Dual Ethernet ports for network redundancy and failover. Standard RJ45 connection integrates into existing network infrastructure without specialized cabling.
- Serial-to-Ethernet Bridging: Converts serial commands and data streams to TCP/IP and UDP protocols. Legacy devices appear as network-accessible endpoints to modern VMS platforms, NVRs, and control systems.
- Centralized Remote Management: Access all 16 serial devices from a single IP address. Eliminates on-site serial console cables and reduces technician travel time for distributed multi-location deployments.
- 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty: Factory-backed warranty covers hardware defects and manufacturing inconsistencies. Reflects Digi's commitment to long-lifecycle industrial products.
- Compact Rack-Mount Form Factor: 21.25 × 15.5 × 5.0 in footprint (8.62 lbs). Fits standard 19-inch network racks alongside switches, NVRs, and PoE infrastructure.
- No Licensing or Per-Port Fees: All 16 ports active out-of-box. No software subscriptions, per-device surcharges, or feature licensing — pricing is transparent and predictable.
- Industrial Temperature Range: Operates reliably in unheated closets and outdoor network enclosures where traditional IT equipment fails.
The ConnectPort LTS solves a recurring problem in mature security and access-control deployments: legacy serial devices (door controllers, intercom systems, gate operators, card readers) that work perfectly but lack Ethernet interfaces. Rather than rip-and-replace equipment still under service contracts, integrators deploy the ConnectPort LTS to extend asset life 5–10 years at a fraction of equipment replacement cost. Each of the 16 ports operates independently, so a single unit can manage a mix of protocols and device types simultaneously.
Configuration and monitoring are handled via web-based GUI or command-line interface (CLI) accessible from any management workstation. Serial devices are provisioned with static IP addresses or DHCP, enabling seamless integration with monitoring dashboards, NVR event triggers, and access-control management platforms. The dual Ethernet ports allow network redundancy — if one switch port fails, the unit remains accessible via the secondary connection, eliminating single points of failure in critical installations.
Deployment scenarios span telecom cabinets (where legacy T-1 multiplexers and CSU/DSU units still carry traffic), industrial automation facilities (motor controllers, PLCs, utility meters), and security integrations (door hardware triggered by NVR alarms, gate operators controlled remotely, legacy badge readers feeding data to modern VMS). The ConnectPort LTS also bridges the gap between older access-control panels and cloud-based management platforms that expect HTTP/REST APIs — a gateway device translates serial protocol to modern IP standards, future-proofing aging infrastructure without expensive forklift upgrades.
Digi is a 30-year incumbent in serial-to-Ethernet conversion; the ConnectPort LTS line has shipped over 500,000 units globally and is widely specified in telecom and industrial settings where reliability and uptime matter more than feature novelty. The 5-year warranty reflects the product's intended lifecycle — devices that live 5–15 years in their deployment environment.
Marty AllisonPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Digi ConnectPort LTS 70002405 is a workhorse serial bridge that solves a problem many integrators face: a facility with 8, 12, or 16 legacy serial devices scattered across multiple closets or remote sites, and management wants them monitored or controlled from a central platform. We've deployed dozens of these units across access-control retrofits, intercom system upgrades, and mixed-protocol industrial automation sites. The key benefit isn't glamorous — it's pragmatic. You get 16 independent serial channels, each addressable over IP, without vendor lock-in, per-port licensing, or cloud dependency. The device server model means your legacy serial devices never need firmware updates or replacement; they simply appear as network resources accessible to your modern VMS, NVR, or control platform. In mature facilities where capital budgets are constrained and operational continuity is paramount, the ConnectPort LTS is the right answer.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Ports: Two independent network connections allow simultaneous failover configuration or load balancing across redundant network paths. In critical access-control or gate-automation deployments, this eliminates the single point of failure that a single Ethernet jack would create. If a network switch reboots or a cable fails, the ConnectPort LTS remains accessible via the secondary port — your door readers stay online.
- RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 Multi-Protocol Support: A single unit handles mixed serial standards without configuration changes or external adapters. We've installed units bridging RS-232 card readers, RS-485 gate operators, and RS-422 industrial meters on the same device. The protocol flexibility eliminates the need to purchase separate gateways for different device families.
- Web-Based Configuration & SNMP Monitoring: No proprietary software or USB drivers required. Any workstation with a browser can configure the device or read performance metrics. SNMP integration feeds serial port status (connection up/down, error counts) into your existing network monitoring stack — SolarWinds, Zabbix, Nagios all speak SNMP.
- TCP and UDP Socket Mode (Multiple Connection Models): Supports raw socket, Telnet, and SSH encapsulation for serial data. Legacy equipment that expects a COM port can be addressed via SLIP or RFC 2217 (COM-port-over-TCP), making integration with older software transparent. Modern platforms use raw TCP socket for real-time control.
- Industrial Operating Temperature Range: Rated for 0–50°C (32–122°F) operation. Unlike consumer-grade network gear, the ConnectPort LTS functions reliably in unheated outdoor equipment closets, utility vaults, and industrial control rooms where summer temperatures exceed 120°F or winter conditions drop below freezing.
- 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty (Hardware): Covers defects in materials and workmanship. In our experience, these units run 7–10 years without failure in stable installations. The warranty reflects Digi's confidence in the design and Digi's intention to support the product for a full decade.
Deployment Considerations:
- Serial Cable Planning is Critical: The ConnectPort LTS provides the serial ports; you must source or terminate the cables to connect your legacy devices. If devices are 50+ feet from the network closet, use shielded serial cable (Cat5/5e wrapped in foil, grounded at one end) to minimize EMI noise. We've seen cable-induced errors disappear by switching from unshielded 25-pair cable to proper shielded pairs. Budget for termination and field labeling — 16 unmarked serial ports create confusion during troubleshooting.
- Static IP Addressing Strongly Recommended: While the ConnectPort LTS supports DHCP, serial devices don't rediscover their gateway after a power loss if the IP changes. Assign static IPs via IPAM or reserved DHCP leases, and document the assignment in your network management system. One instance of a door controller losing its IP address during a switch reboot is enough to justify the overhead.
- Network Bandwidth is Not the Bottleneck: Serial devices typically consume <1 kbps per port during normal operation. A 10/100 Mbps port can handle full bidirectional traffic on all 16 channels simultaneously without saturation. However, if you're doing real-time data logging from 16 industrial sensors at 19.2 kbps each, budget for adequate switch backhaul — 50+ Mbps aggregated in worst case.
- Power Redundancy (UPS) Matters More Than Network Redundancy: A mains power loss instantly disconnects all 16 serial devices. We recommend UPS-backed power for any facility where access-control, gate automation, or critical monitoring must survive a brief power outage. The dual Ethernet ports provide network redundancy, but a 2-minute power loss will still take the device offline.
- No Built-In Encryption — Use VPN or Network Segmentation: Serial data transmitted by the ConnectPort LTS is cleartext over the network unless you use SSH (which some serial devices don't support). For remote access across untrusted networks, route all traffic through a VPN gateway or layer the device behind a corporate firewall. Local network deployments (LAN only) typically don't require additional encryption.
- Firmware Updates are Non-Disruptive: Updates can be applied remotely via web interface without a reboot cycle that causes serial device disconnection. Digi releases security patches regularly; check the support portal quarterly and apply updates during maintenance windows to avoid surprise vulnerabilities.
The ConnectPort LTS is the right choice for integrators managing mature facilities where legacy serial devices are still performing their function, where capital budgets favor operational continuity over shiny replacements, and where distributed multi-location management adds value. It's not the answer if your environment is exclusively modern Ethernet-native devices or if you need built-in encryption for hostile networks — but for access-control retrofits, intercom bridging, and industrial device integration, the ConnectPort LTS is a proven, low-risk deployment. Explore the full lineup of Digi serial-to-Ethernet solutions in the Digi International catalog.
