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WIZnet Success Stories: SNMP-based Serial-to-Ethernet Converter Using W55RP20

SNMP-based Serial-to-Ethernet Converter Using W55RP20

Overview

FLS developed a Serial-to-Ethernet converter using WIZnet’s W55RP20. The main purpose of this project was to implement SNMP communication over Ethernet, enabling various power devices with Serial interfaces to be monitored and managed through a network.

The converter receives data from power equipment through the Serial interface and responds to SNMP requests over Ethernet. By using the W55RP20, FLS was able to build a compact embedded solution that bridges Serial-based field devices with Ethernet-based SNMP management systems.

Background

In power infrastructure, many devices still provide operational data through Serial communication interfaces. These devices may include power meters, power controllers, UPS systems, protection devices, or other field equipment used in electrical facilities.

However, modern monitoring environments often rely on Ethernet networks and SNMP-based management systems. This creates a need for a converter that can collect Serial data from existing power devices and make that information available through SNMP.

For this kind of environment, the communication system needs to provide:

• Reliable Serial data acquisition from power equipment
• Ethernet connectivity for network-based monitoring
• SNMP support for integration with management systems
• Stable operation in industrial and power-related applications
• A compact embedded architecture suitable for field deployment

FLS needed a practical solution that could connect legacy Serial devices to Ethernet-based SNMP monitoring infrastructure without requiring major changes to the existing power equipment.

Solution

In this application, WIZnet’s W55RP20 was used as the main communication controller. The W55RP20 enabled FLS to implement Serial-to-Ethernet conversion and SNMP-based communication in a single embedded platform.

The system works as follows:

• Power equipment sends data through a Serial interface
• The W55RP20 receives and processes the Serial data
• The converter manages the collected data internally
• An external management system sends SNMP requests over Ethernet
• The converter responds with the requested power device data through SNMP

The key objective of the project was not only Serial-to-Ethernet conversion, but also SNMP-based data access. By supporting SNMP, the converter can be connected to existing network management systems and used as part of a centralized monitoring environment.

This makes the product suitable for power facilities where multiple Serial-based devices need to be monitored through Ethernet without replacing the original equipment.

System Architecture

The system can be described in the following flow:

1. Power Equipment Interface

Various power devices are connected to the converter through Serial communication.

2. Serial Data Acquisition

The converter receives operational data, status values, or measurement information from the connected power equipment.

3. W55RP20-based Data Processing

The W55RP20 handles Serial communication, data processing, and Ethernet connectivity within the embedded system.

4. SNMP Communication over Ethernet

When an SNMP manager requests data over Ethernet, the converter provides the corresponding information collected from the Serial side.

5. Network Management System Integration

The converted data can be monitored through an SNMP-based management platform, allowing operators to check device status and power-related information remotely.

Key Technologies

W55RP20

The W55RP20 is an embedded Ethernet solution from WIZnet that combines network connectivity with MCU functionality. In this project, it served as the main controller for implementing Serial communication, Ethernet connectivity, and SNMP response handling.

Serial-to-Ethernet

Serial-to-Ethernet conversion allows existing Serial-based power equipment to be connected to Ethernet networks. This helps extend the usability of legacy devices in modern monitoring environments.

SNMP

SNMP is the core communication function of this project. By implementing SNMP, the converter can respond to requests from network management systems and provide power equipment data in a standardized way.

Power Equipment Monitoring

In power infrastructure, remote monitoring is important for checking device status, detecting abnormal conditions, and improving maintenance efficiency. The converter helps bring Serial-based power device data into Ethernet-based monitoring systems.

Benefits

This W55RP20-based Serial-to-Ethernet converter provides several advantages:

• SNMP-based monitoring
  Power equipment data received through Serial communication can be accessed through SNMP over Ethernet.
• Easy integration with management systems
  SNMP support allows the converter to work with existing network management platforms.
• Serial device connectivity
  Existing Serial-based power devices can be connected to Ethernet infrastructure without replacing the equipment.
• Compact embedded implementation
  The W55RP20 enables Serial communication, Ethernet connectivity, and protocol handling in a compact hardware design.
• Improved visibility for power systems
  Operators can monitor connected power devices remotely through an Ethernet-based SNMP environment.
• Practical solution for industrial applications
  The converter is suitable for field environments where reliable communication with power equipment is required.

Conclusion

This FLS project demonstrates how WIZnet’s W55RP20 can be used to implement an SNMP-based Serial-to-Ethernet converter for power equipment monitoring. By receiving data from various power devices through Serial communication and providing that data through SNMP over Ethernet, FLS created a practical bridge between legacy field devices and modern network management systems.

For power infrastructure, the ability to integrate Serial-based equipment into Ethernet and SNMP monitoring environments is increasingly important. In this case, the W55RP20 provided a compact and efficient platform for implementing both Serial-to-Ethernet conversion and SNMP communication, helping FLS deliver a reliable converter for power device monitoring applications.