Serial to Ethernet suggestions

[picette]

Hi, I'm new to the world of PICs and other related electronic gizzmos, and would like some ponters on how to achive the following.

I have a 16F877A PIC that collects input from sensors and controls switches throughout the house. I would like to connect this device via ethernet so that I can access it (monitor and control) from ant other computer in the house. Would PIC to Serial to Ethernet be the solution?

What software would I need to install on the house computers to achieve this?

Thanks

-picette

[kolin]

for ethernet access use Xport from Lantronix or Digi modul from digi. They are relatively cheap and works well. or software, protocols, driver... search open source software doing this. i saw project with in-chip programed console interface with menus, like dos navigator or dos edit. it was connected via serial line to PC. Xport and similar acts as pipe between serial line and opened tcp socket. so if you are using hyperterminal, you only select tcp/ip instead of com1. or you can make simple web page in xport and firmware. firmware must have some protocol for communication with pic. or make it with TV out (there is some project with pic, connected to TV and gui, or project of TV terminal) and RC5 decoder. then you could be controlling entire house from your sofa.
PS: then post that project

[drnewton]

Also see a similar module - the siteplayer is available for telnet access.

[bogdantk]

Hello
Very simple to use Lantronix XPort module.
Not very expensive it saves A LOT of work.
www.lantronix.com

[quadro]

You can also try Tibbo (3xW.tibbo.com) which is similar to Lantronix XPort but can be programmed with Basic (it comes with TIDE developing environment).
It is really interesting product.

BR

[wanderingmoose]

We use three different units at this time.
Comtrol
Sena
Mport

The Mport by Moxa is the lower price, and is simple in features.
When setup, works great. But not very simple to setup.

The comtrol unit also includes software to make virtual ports on your windows machine to talk to the unit through the Lan or Wan.
This is the middle the road unit. Also middle in price.

Sena is more industrial and is used by your upper level system administrators. Very stable and will not disappoint. But at the upper end of the price range. But have found worth it.

All three can be found on the net.
Also the Comtrol has a good forum for getting answers to your application.

Good luck and hope you find a unit that will work for you.
WM