NPort 5600-DT Series

Moxa NPort 5600-DT Series: 8 Serial Ports, One Compact Desktop Device Server

Some facilities have more serial devices than they have rack space, a row of instruments, controllers, and meters that all need Ethernet access, but no 19-inch rack to mount a full-size device server into. The NPort 5600-DT Series solves that specific problem: an 8-serial-port device server built into a compact desktop form factor, small enough to sit on a shelf or bench rather than requiring dedicated rack space.

That form factor is exactly why factory automation, industrial automation, manufacturing, energy, and process automation environments reach for this series when they need to add serial ports without a rack-mount installation. Eight devices, one Ethernet connection, no mounting rail required.

Inside the NPort 5600-DT Series: Ports, Power, and Build

Eight serial ports on a single unit is the headline spec, but which serial standard those ports support depends on the exact model. The NPort 5610-8-DT models are RS-232 only, while the NPort 5650-8-DT models support RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485, all on the same unit. Both connector types are available too, standard DB9 male ports across most models, with an 8-pin RJ45 option on the "-J" variants for facilities that prefer that connector style.

• Model-Specific RS-232/422/485 Support: RS-232 only on the 5610-8-DT models, all three standards on the 5650-8-DT models.
• Two 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet Ports: Not just for redundancy; the dual ports support genuine cascade wiring, letting one unit's second Ethernet port connect to another NPort 5600-DT without pulling in a separate switch.
• Dual 12–48 VDC Power Inputs: A terminal block and a power jack give the unit a backup power path if the primary source fails.
• LCD-Based IP Address Configuration (Standard Models): The LCD panel shows the unit's current IP address and allows basic on-device configuration, but this is limited to standard-temperature models; the "-T" wide-temperature variants don't include it.
• Compact Desktop Design: Built to sit on a desk or shelf rather than requiring a rack or DIN-rail installation, though DIN-rail and wall-mounting kits are available as optional accessories.

For RS-485 wiring specifically, the series includes adjustable 1 kΩ and 150 kΩ pull-high/pull-low resistors along with a 120-ohm terminator, both set through DIP switches on the unit, plus Automatic Data Direction Control (ADDC) that manages transmit/receive switching without input from the connected device. Isolation is limited to the "-I" models (NPort 5650I-8-DT and 5650I-8-DT-T), which carry 2 kV serial isolation that the standard models don't.

Communication Protocols and Network Modes on the NPort 5600-DT Series

Beyond the physical ports, the NPort 5600-DT Series runs a full communication stack designed to work with existing software rather than around it.

This range of operation modes is what makes 8-port serial device networking practical across mixed applications. One port might run Real COM feeding a Windows-based SCADA client, while another runs TCP Server for a system polling that device directly, all managed from the same unit without conflicting configurations.

Real-World Applications for the NPort 5600-DT Series

With eight ports available, this series tends to show up wherever multiple serial devices need centralized management rather than one at a time.

• PLC serial communication over Ethernet for multi-device production lines
• Legacy serial device integration without replacing working hardware
• Remote serial device access for equipment that isn't near a technician
• Centralized management of mixed serial equipment from a single access point
• DNP3 serial-to-Ethernet integration for utility and infrastructure networks

NPort 5600-DT Series Model Comparison: Which Variant Fits Your Application

With eight models spanning two serial standards, two connector types, isolation options, and two temperature ranges, it helps to see them laid out together.

All models share the same core specs: 8 serial ports, two 10/100BaseT(X) Ethernet ports, dual DC power inputs, and metal housing rated for continuous industrial use. The differences come down to serial standard, connector type, isolation, and temperature range.

Get the NPort 5600-DT Series for Your Industrial Network

With eight models across two serial standards and multiple configurations, picking the right NPort 5600-DT model can feel like more of a decision than it needs to be. Our team can help confirm the right fit for your equipment and environment, and the user manual, quick installation guide, and datasheet are also available if you'd rather work through the specifics yourself first.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Moxa NPort 5600-DT Series