Moxa NPort 5450 4-Port RS-232/422/485 Serial Device Server

What the NPort 5450 gives a serial instrument

Moxa describes the NPort 5450 as 4-port RS-232/422/485 serial device server. A four-port serial device server with an LCM panel for local IP setup and software-selectable RS-232/422/485 interfaces on DB9 connectors.

Key figures from the Moxa page: the power input is 12 to 48 VDC, 24 VDC for DNV; operating temperature is 0 to 55°C (32 to 131°F); dimensions are 181 x 103 x 33 mm (7.14 x 4.06 x 1.30 in); weight is 740 g (1.63 lb).

Standards and approvals printed for this model include marine approvals (DNV); safety standard UL 62368-1. Approvals can differ between variants of a series, so check the one on the exact order code.

Technical specifications

Selecting the right variant

It is typically used to bring a bank of serial instruments, such as tank gauges or analysers, onto a single IP address.

On the practical side, mounting is listed as desktop; din-rail mounting (with optional kit); wall mounting; the housing is metal; the stated MTBF is 773,682 hrs; the warranty period is 5 years. Treat the MTBF as a manufacturer prediction under its stated method, not a guarantee for your site.

Before ordering, confirm the power input (adapter or DC input), the DB9 or terminal wiring, and the -T grade. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and quotes against the exact code you give us.

Related models in the NPort 5450 family

Other order codes listed alongside it (7 entries in total): NPort 5410, NPort 5430, NPort 5430I, NPort 5450, NPort 5450-T, NPort 5450I, NPort 5450I-T. Suffixes such as -T generally mark wide-temperature versions and fiber suffixes (M, S, MM, SS with SC or ST) mark the connector and fiber type, but the order code printed on the datasheet governs.

Bringing serial devices onto an Ethernet network

Many plants still rely on instruments and controllers that communicate over RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485. Tank gauges, analysers, flow computers, weighing terminals and older PLCs often fall into this group, and they may remain in service for many years. A serial device server such as the NPort 5450 lets these devices be reached over the plant Ethernet network without changing the instrument itself, so a SCADA server, historian or engineering workstation can communicate with them from a control room rather than through long dedicated serial cables.

With four ports on one unit, a small group of instruments in the same area can share a single network connection. Because each port can be set independently to RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485, mixed equipment in the same panel can be handled by one device server.

Choosing the operation mode

The operation modes listed in the specification table cover different integration styles. Real COM mode allows existing software that expects a local COM port to talk to a remote serial device as if it were connected directly to the computer, which is often the simplest way to keep legacy applications working. TCP Server and TCP Client modes suit applications that open network sockets directly, while UDP suits simple broadcast or polling arrangements. Pair Connection mode links two serial devices across an Ethernet network, replacing a long point-to-point cable. Selecting the mode at the design stage avoids rework during commissioning.

Installation and wiring practice

Plan serial wiring according to the standard used on each port. RS-485 networks benefit from correct termination and biasing, which the NPort supports through its built-in terminator and pull high/low resistor settings, and from twisted-pair cable with a consistent common reference. RS-232 links should be kept short, as is normal for that standard. Label each port with the device it serves and record its serial parameters, such as baud rate, data bits, parity and stop bits, so that maintenance staff can check settings quickly.

The two power inputs allow a redundant supply arrangement, which improves availability where the communication path is important for operations. Mount the unit in a control panel or equipment room within the stated operating temperature and humidity limits.

Security and network considerations

Since the device server connects field instruments to an IP network, it should be placed in the appropriate network zone and configured following site cybersecurity policy. The security protocols listed above, including HTTPS with TLS and SNMPv3, support protected management, and unused services can be disabled according to the plant standard. Coordinating IP addressing and management settings with the site IT or OT team helps keep the installation consistent with other networked equipment.

Use in Oman and the GCC

Oil and gas facilities, utilities and marine installations in the region often combine older serial instruments with modern control systems. In such projects the NPort 5450 provides a practical bridge. Because the standard model operates within the temperature range stated above, it is best placed in conditioned panels or rooms, while the -T versions listed in the family are intended for wider temperature ranges.

Documents and quotation

Download the official Moxa datasheet (moxa-nport-5400-series-datasheet-v2.1) from this page and send us your order code, quantity and destination for a quotation.

More products in this range: Industrial Communications.