ConnectPort TS / PortServer TS vs. Digi Connect EZ TS
Built as a direct next-generation evolution — preserving what works, modernizing everything that doesn't.
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ConnectPort TS / PortServer TS
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Digi Connect EZ TS
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Ethernet speed
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10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet)
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10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit)
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Serial port selection
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Fixed hardware per SKU — separate models for RS-232 vs. RS-422/485
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Software-selectable RS-232/422/485 on every port — one SKU covers all modes
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Serial pinout
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RJ-45 10-pin MEI
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RJ-45 10-pin MEI — identical, existing cables reuse directly
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RealPort support
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Yes
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✓ Same RealPort workflows — no application changes required
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Secure boot
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Not supported
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✓ Digi TrustFence — hardware-validated boot process
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Encryption
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Basic SSL/TLS and SSH
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✓ TLS 1.2+, AES-256, FIPS 197
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Authentication
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Local only
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✓ RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP, local
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Device management
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Connectware Manager (legacy, limited)
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✓ Digi Remote Manager (cloud) + On-Prem Manager (air-gapped)
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Python scripting
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Not available
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✓ Built-in Python interpreter for on-device automation
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Operating system
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Proprietary legacy OS
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✓ Digi Accelerated Linux (DAL) — modern, unified platform
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Warranty
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Standard
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✓ 5-year product warranty
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Support & management
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Standard warranty only
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✓ 1-year LifeCycle Assurance included (24×7 support + DRM)
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Common questions about Connect EZ TS
Is Digi Connect EZ TS a direct replacement for ConnectPort TS and PortServer TS?
Yes. Digi Connect EZ TS was designed as the next-generation successor to ConnectPort TS and PortServer TS. It uses the same chassis footprint, the same RJ-45 10-pin MEI serial pinout, and the same RealPort COM port redirector workflows — meaning existing serial cables connect directly, existing RealPort driver installations are preserved, and host applications require no modification. The primary differences are Gigabit Ethernet (vs. Fast Ethernet), software-selectable serial modes, modern TrustFence security, and cloud or on-prem device management.
Do I need to replace my serial cables when migrating to Connect EZ TS?
No. Digi Connect EZ TS uses the identical RJ-45 10-pin MEI serial pinout as ConnectPort TS and PortServer TS. All existing serial cables connect directly to the new device without modification. This is a core design requirement of the transition — no infrastructure changes are required.
What serial protocols does Digi Connect EZ TS support?
Connect EZ TS supports the widest range of serial connectivity options in its class: Digi RealPort (patented COM port redirector), TCP and encrypted TCP sockets, autoconnect socket, UDP, serial tunneling (peer-to-peer serial bridge), RFC-2217 (COM port control protocol), SSH and Telnet, and Modbus TCP/RTU. Every port is software-selectable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 — no hardware jumpers or separate SKUs required.
What is Digi RealPort and why does it matter?
Digi RealPort is Digi's patented COM port redirector software. It creates native COM or TTY ports on host machines, allowing existing serial applications to communicate over IP as if the serial device were directly connected — without any application modification. RealPort is unique because it supports multiple connections to multiple ports over a single TCP/IP connection, reducing network overhead compared to solutions that require one connection per port. Connect EZ TS preserves full RealPort compatibility with existing ConnectPort TS and PortServer TS deployments.
What is Digi TrustFence and what security does it provide?
Digi TrustFence is Digi's device security framework, built into every Connect EZ TS. It includes: secure boot (hardware-validated firmware, ensuring only approved code runs); protected hardware ports (hardened I/O access control); centralized authentication (RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP); secure connections (TLS 1.2+, AES-256, FIPS 197, IPsec and OpenVPN); and ongoing monitoring and external security audits. Unlike legacy serial servers with basic SSL/TLS, TrustFence is a comprehensive security architecture designed to adapt to evolving threats.
What is the difference between Digi Connect EZ TS and Digi Connect EZ?
Both run on the same Digi Accelerated Linux platform with TrustFence security. Connect EZ TS is purpose-built for serial device server applications — serial tunneling, RealPort COM port redirection, and TCP/UDP sockets — at a lower cost when serial connectivity is the only requirement. Digi Connect EZ is a serial gateway plus edge router, adding WAN routing, cellular (LTE), Wi-Fi, VPN termination, and heavier edge compute for sites that need both serial connectivity and network routing. If you are replacing a ConnectPort TS or PortServer TS and serial-to-IP is the sole need, Connect EZ TS is the right choice.
Does Connect EZ TS work in air-gapped or regulatory-sensitive environments?
Yes. Digi On-Prem Manager provides the same centralized device management capabilities as Digi Remote Manager — but deployed entirely within your private infrastructure. No data leaves your network. This is designed for environments subject to NERC CIP, IEC 62443, HIPAA, or internal air-gap requirements. Connect EZ TS supports both cloud management (Digi Remote Manager) and fully local management (Digi On-Prem Manager) — the choice is yours.