Which hardware device enables the connection of serial devices across a network?

Which hardware device enables the connection of serial devices across a network?

• A. Switch
• B. Terminal Server
• C. Router
• D. Hub

Answer: (B)

A device that bridges serial ports to a network enables serial devices to be accessed over IP. A Terminal Server sits between serial equipment and the Ethernet network, offering multiple serial interfaces on one side and a network connection on the other. It translates serial data to IP packets and back, so you can reach a serial device remotely through its network address or a managed console. This makes it possible to administer routers, switches, or other serially managed gear from anywhere on the network. In contrast, a switch moves Ethernet frames between devices on the same network but doesn’t convert or carry serial data over IP. A router connects different IP networks and routes traffic, not serial ports. A hub simply repeats electrical signals to all ports without any translation or addressing.

A device that bridges serial ports to a network enables serial devices to be accessed over IP. A Terminal Server sits between serial equipment and the Ethernet network, offering multiple serial interfaces on one side and a network connection on the other. It translates serial data to IP packets and back, so you can reach a serial device remotely through its network address or a managed console. This makes it possible to administer routers, switches, or other serially managed gear from anywhere on the network.

In contrast, a switch moves Ethernet frames between devices on the same network but doesn’t convert or carry serial data over IP. A router connects different IP networks and routes traffic, not serial ports. A hub simply repeats electrical signals to all ports without any translation or addressing.