The Digi PortServer TS 1 M MEI connects serial equipment to an Ethernet network, allowing applications to communicate with devices located away from the PC. Its Digi International driver enables compatible Windows software to access the network-connected serial port as a virtual COM port, helping existing serial applications work without a direct physical connection.

Key Features

• Virtual COM port access: Digi RealPort software presents the remote serial interface as a local COM port for applications that support standard Windows serial communication.
• Network-based connectivity: Provides a communication path between your computer and serial equipment through the PortServer’s Ethernet connection.
• Serial communication settings: Supports application-level control of parameters such as baud rate, parity, and flow control, subject to the device configuration and connected equipment.
• Windows deployment options: Use a driver package explicitly listed as compatible with your version of Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, including the correct system architecture.

How to Install

1. Check compatibility before downloading. Confirm that the package supports the Digi PortServer TS 1 M MEI and your Windows version. Review its release notes for architecture requirements and any installation prerequisites.

1. Connect and configure the hardware. Attach the PortServer to power and your Ethernet network. Assign or confirm its IP address using the supported configuration method, and ensure your PC can reach it. Match the serial interface settings to the attached equipment.

1. Install the driver software. Extract the downloaded package if necessary, then run the Digi driver or RealPort installer with administrator permissions. Follow the included instructions; a network serial server typically requires more configuration than a plug-and-play USB adapter.

1. Add the network serial port. If prompted, select the discovered PortServer or enter its IP address. Assign an available COM port number and verify that the PortServer’s serial port is configured for RealPort operation when using that software.

1. Verify communication. Restart Windows if requested, then check the assigned port in Device Manager or the Digi configuration utility. Select that COM port in your application, match the serial settings, and test communication. If the connection fails, check network reachability, firewall rules, and the serial cable before reinstalling the driver.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Installer fails or hangs: Run the Digi RealPort installer as Administrator, temporarily disable antivirus/endpoint protection, and remove any previous Digi RealPort package before retrying. Reboot if prompted.
• Device not detected / no COM port: Confirm the PortServer TS 1 M MEI has a reachable IP address, ping it, and allow TCP 771 (RealPort) through Windows Firewall and network ACLs. Add the device by IP in RealPort rather than hostname.
• Driver or COM-port conflicts: Uninstall old Digi RealPort versions in Programs and Features, remove stale COM ports in Device Manager, reboot, then install the current driver. If the COM number is in use, assign an unused port.