Secure serial console access for CNC machines, SCADA systems, power infrastructure, and industrial serial devices. RS-232 to Ethernet conversion and serial over IP for legacy OT equipment.
ConX-SFP brings modern out-of-band console access to industrial and operational technology (OT) environments where RS-232 serial interfaces remain the primary management path.
The challenge
Industrial equipment — CNC controllers, PLCs, SCADA RTUs, power distribution units, and building management systems — overwhelmingly uses RS-232 serial consoles. Accessing these consoles today means either walking to the device or maintaining fragile USB-to-serial adapters connected to dedicated PCs.
When something goes wrong at 2 AM, the only option is a site visit.
How ConX-SFP helps
- RS-232 to Ethernet conversion: Insert ConX-SFP into any managed switch near the industrial equipment, then cable the serial lead to the device console. It acts as a serial over IP gateway — instant remote access without an external serial device server.
- No production network exposure: ConX-SFP uses outbound-only TLS to the ConX Portal — no inbound firewall rules, no VPN, no exposure of the OT network.
- Air-gapped option: For environments where internet connectivity is prohibited, deploy the ConX Portal on-premises. Same workflow, fully isolated.
- Central visibility: Console output from industrial devices is captured, timestamped, and available for search, alerting, and AI-assisted analysis via the ConX Portal.
Use cases
- CNC and manufacturing: Monitor machine controllers remotely. Diagnose serial output without stopping production or dispatching a technician.
- Power and utilities: Access console ports on SCADA RTUs, protection relays, and power distribution controllers from a central operations center.
- Building management: Connect to BMS controllers, HVAC systems, and access control panels that still rely on RS-232 serial interfaces.
- Water and environmental: Remote console access to pump stations, treatment plant controllers, and environmental monitoring equipment.
Why operations teams adopt it
- Works with any device that has an RS-232 console — no software agents, no protocol changes
- Fits in existing network switch SFP slots — no additional rack space or power at industrial sites
- Ships preconfigured — non-specialist site staff can install it in minutes
- Outbound-only connectivity works through carrier NAT and restricted industrial firewalls
Note: ConX-SFP supports air-gapped deployment for classified or safety-critical industrial environments. Contact us for industrial deployment guidance.
Ready to deploy ConX-SFP?
Ships pre-configured — insert, cable, connect in under 5 minutes.