Reviewer, 2008-06-20 09:04:00

Serial Port Splitter allows to share dataflow of one COM port between several applications or vice versa to join dataflow of several COM port devices to one application.

Pros: Serial Port Splitter lets several devices to share a single COM port at the same time. Basically the total available bandwidth gets divided into number of independent data streams. Several devices can send in data to the same port too. The application takes care of the multiplexing/ de-multiplexing necessary. It allows to share dataflow of one COM port between several applications or vice versa to join dataflow of several COM port devices to one application. Such program universality is achieved by means of virtual serial ports technologies. Ports thus created can be set to be read/write or read only for split ports and similarly the ports that are combined (joined) can be set to be read/write or write only. One COM port can be split up to 254 virtual ports and can be opened by several applications at the same time and used simultaneously. Once created the set up is maintained even when rebooted maintaining plug & play , hot plug capability, hot program install without requiring reboot etc.

Cons: In this day and age where adding multiple ports of USB costs hardly anything and does provide high speed communications, this kind of application does not add much value; except when for whatever reason this additional hardware cannot be put in.

Overall: A simple application with absolutely simple interface performs stated functionality well. It is rated at 3 stars.