In this selection guide, we will walk you step by step, starting with a general overview of the existing types of MOXA NPorts, and then diving deeper into each category. Along the way, you will find comparison tables and links to related products.
Before we move into the actual selection guide, let’s briefly explain why APulsar Technologies, an official MOXA distributor, recommends NPort over any other Serial Device Server on the market.
If you are not familiar with Serial Standards or Serial Device Servers, we suggest reading our two dedicated articles on these topics before continuing. This way you’ll have the bigger picture and a stronger foundation for choosing the right NPort.
Why MOXA NPort is so popular?
If you didn’t know yet, NPort is MOXA’s product line of Serial Device Servers. As we already mentioned in our article about Serial Device Servers, MOXA is one of the world’s top 5 leaders in this market. And it’s also one of the very first. Since its launch in 1998, NPort has been deployed in thousands of industrial automation projects worldwide.
Why is that?
- Trusted Pioneer: MOXA was one of the first Serial Device Server manufacturers in the world.
- In-house Serial Technology: MOXA develops its own serial ASICs and drivers. This means they control the entire lifecycle of NPort products — from hardware design to driver support — allowing continued production as long as the market requires, and fast driver updates for all major operating systems.
- Cybersecurity Commitment: MOXA secures your serial-to-Ethernet connections with solutions compliant to the latest IEC 62443-4-2 standards, backed by ongoing security patch updates to stay ahead of new threats.
- Wide Operating System Support: NPort devices don’t just support Windows. They also provide drivers for a wide range of platforms, including OpenServer, QNX, Solaris 10, FreeBSD, AIX, HP-UX, and even Mac OS X.
- Rich Operation Modes: NPort supports multiple modes, including Real COM, RFC2217, TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP, Pair Connection, Ethernet Modem, and Reverse Telnet. Not every player in this market offers such a wide range of modes.
Add to these strengths the ease of use, the well-known reliability built over 25 years, a 5-year warranty with long-term supply assurance, and seamless integration with MOXA’s MxView One network management platform — and you begin to understand where this reputation comes from.
How to choose your NPort
Before we dive deep into every type of NPort product, let’s have a quick look at a simple table that can be your starting point:
Selection Guide for MOXA NPort Series
| NPort Type | NPort Series | Number of Serial Ports | Number of Ethernet Ports | Main Reason to Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Device Servers | NPort 5000 NPort 5000A | 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 | 1 | All-round |
| Industrial Device Servers | NPort IA5000 NPort IA5000A NPort 5000AI-M12 | 1, 2, 4 | 1 or 2 | Maritime, Oil & Gas, and Transport certificates |
| Terminal Servers | NPort 6000 NPort 6000-G2 | 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 | 1 + optional module | Security features based on IEC 62443 |
| Combo Device Servers | NPort S8000 NPort S9000 | 4, 8, 16 | 4 or 5 | Ethernet Switch / Serial Device Server combo |
| Wireles Device Servers | NPort W2000A | 1 or 2 | 1 + Wi-Fi | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi 4 solution |
Based on the “Main Reason to Choose” column above, you can scroll down to your preferred type, or simply read through all of them one by one to get the full picture.
Let’s go!
Types of NPort
Now that we know the main reasons to buy a Serial Device Server in general, MOXA NPorts specifically, and what key factors should be your starting point, let’s have a quick look at what types of NPorts exist — since the product range is quite vast.
General Device Servers
The most popular and commonly used type of NPorts is General Device Servers, which means they are not dedicated to any specific market or application — they simply do the job described above. You can see them everywhere: from supermarket cashier machines to industrial automation cabinets. In about 80% of cases, this is the most likely type of product you will need.
Selection Guide for MOXA General Device Servers:
| *Not all models in the series |
Industrial Device Servers
Industrial Device Servers are types of NPorts designed specifically for industrial automation use. They are available in two form factors: DIN-rail mount for automation cabinets, and flat designs with screw holes for wall mounting (or DIN-rail mount with an adapter).
DIN-rail models are C1D2, ATEX, and IECEx certified for hazardous industrial environments, while flat models are EN 50121-4 compliant, pass EN 50155 mandatory tests, and feature M12 Ethernet ports. If you need compliance with industrial standards, or DIN-rail/wall-mount design is critical, Industrial Device Servers are your choice.
DIN-rail models have two Ethernet ports for cascading without requiring an external switch. Flat models have one Ethernet port, but offer an M12 connector for enhanced vibration resistance.
The number of serial ports available is 1, 2, or 4 — all models are universal RS-232/422/485.
Industrial Device Servers include:
- NPort IA5000
- NPort IA5000A
- NPort 5000AI-M12
Terminal Servers
Terminal Servers are the right choice when cybersecurity is your #1 priority. They offer additional encryption options and secure operation modes for Real COM, TCP Server, TCP Client, Pair Connection, Terminal, and Reverse Terminal. MOXA’s Terminal Servers are built following the IEC 62443-4-2 design guidelines to securely connect terminals, modems, data switches, mainframes, and POS devices to networks.
The number of serial ports can be 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32. Depending on the model, serial ports may be COM-ports (DB9) or RJ-45 connectors. Some models are RS-232 only; others are universal RS-232/422/485. Form factors vary from compact palm-sized devices to full rackmount units.
All MOXA Terminal Servers support authentication via Local database, RADIUS, and TACACS+. They also support encryption protocols like HTTPS, AES, SHA, and security protocols such as HTTPS (TLS 1.2), SNMPv3, and SSH. Rackmount models additionally support Layer 2 Ethernet redundancy (STP/RSTP/Turbo Ring), while all models support Layer 3 features like RIP v1/v2 and Static Routing.
The most advanced cybersecurity features, such as Secure Boot (which ensures only Moxa-authorized firmware runs), are offered in the 2nd-generation Terminal Servers.
Terminal Servers include:
- NPort 6100
- Nport 6200
- NPort 6100-G2
- NPort 6200-G2
- NPort 6400
- NPort 6600
Note: beside NPorts, MOXA Terminal servers are also presented in CN-series, which are not covered by this article.
Combo Device Servers
MOXA’s Combo Device Servers offer a unique combination of two worlds: Serial Device Servers and Industrial Ethernet Switches.
In simple terms, they are MOXA-managed switches with integrated serial ports. The aim of this product line is to satisfy complex project requirements, reduce the space needed for separate devices, and simplify configuration and maintenance.
In one box, you get:
- From the switch side: Ethernet redundancy protocols like Turbo Ring, Turbo Chain, and RSTP/STP.
- From the Serial Device Server side: classic NPort modes like Real COM, RFC2217, TCP Server, TCP Client, and UDP.
Combo Device Servers are designed for industrial use — supporting IEC 61850 MMS, C1D2 certification, and EMI/EMS certifications.
Form factors are DIN-rail or rackmount, depending on the model. Ethernet ports: 4 or 5. Serial ports: 4, 8, or 16.
MOXA Combo Device Servers include:
- NPort S8000
- NPort S9450I
- NPort S9650I
Wireless Device Servers
Wireless Device Servers is the last NPort type in the list, and it’s quite unique. Instead of converting serial signals into Ethernet packets, these devices transmit serial data via Wi-Fi (as Wi-Fi clients). At the same time, they still include an Ethernet port — giving you dual connection options. However, you need to configure LAN and WLAN settings carefully, as there are different ways to handle them together.
The basic serial functionality is similar to General Device Servers. All models have 1 or 2 serial ports, supporting universal RS-232/422/485 communication.
MOXA Wireless Device Servers include:
- NPort W2150A-W4
- NPort W2250A-W4
Reasons to purchase NPort from APulsar in Malaysia
Now that you understand why MOXA Serial Device Servers are so good, and how to choose the right one for your project, only one question remains: why should you buy NPorts from APulsar?
Here are our top 9 reasons:
- Official MOXA Distributor: APulsar is an official authorized distributor of MOXA products. You can check our status here. On top of that, APulsar is the largest MOXA distributor in Malaysia.
- Certified Expertise: APulsar holds MOXA’s official certifications — MXCA (MOXA Certified Associate Trainer) and MTSC (MOXA Technical Support Certification). MXCA certifies our ability to deliver technical training on MOXA products, while MTSC proves our deep knowledge of MOXA’s latest products and technologies.
- Unmatched Experience: Across our team, we share over 50 years of combined experience working with MOXA products, and NPort devices specifically. Some of our engineers have worked with MOXA Serial Device Servers for more than 10 or even 20 years.
- Ready Stock Availability: We keep the most popular NPort models — especially 1-port and 2-port General Device Servers — in stock. Just send us your request!
- Instant Delivery: If the model you need is in stock, we can ship it to you the same day anywhere in Malaysia. If you are based in Kuala Lumpur, you are welcome to visit our office in Petaling Jaya, pay via cash or Touch ’n Go, and receive your NPort within hours!
- Fast Shipment from Taiwan: If the model you need is not in stock, we can typically deliver it within 1–2 weeks directly from MOXA’s facilities.
- Test Drive Available: Want to try before you buy? You can take any in-stock NPort model for a free test drive.
- Post-Sales Support: We never leave you alone after your purchase. When you buy from APulsar, you receive lifetime free online technical support for your NPort. If needed, we also offer on-site technical support provided by our experienced engineers as an additional service. Whenever you need help, just send us a message or give us a call.
- Personalized Selection Assistance: Struggling to navigate the huge range of products? We are here to help! Just call or message us, tell us a little about your project, and our specialists will quickly help you choose the right NPort for your specific needs.
Get in touch!
The APulsar team hopes that this article has been insightful for you. Anytime you need advice, assistance, or technical support — just contact us.
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