How to Identify if the USB to Serial Converter is Functioning before Connecting the USB-to-Serial Converter to xPortalNet Server PC

The controllers using XP-MCI converter have their status shown as down in xPortalNet software. User confirmed that ATEN USB-to-Serial converter driver is installed and the device can be found in Microsoft Device Manager, but somehow the controller statuses are still being shown as down.
 
Figure 1: Device Manager Showing that the ATEN USB-to-Serial Converter is Detected

Summary:

• Using PuTTY to perform loop back test on ATEN USB-to-Serial converter.

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Step-by-step Guide:

• Using PuTTY to perform loop back test on ATEN USB-to-Serial converter:

Step 1: Click here to download the PuTTY software.
 
Figure 1: The PuTTY Website

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Step 2: Choose either one of installer according to the Operating System type. Click the link to download. The PuTTY software will then begin to download.

Figure 2: Downloading PuTTY Software

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Step 3: Run and install the PuTTY software.

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Step 4: Plug in ATEN USB-to-Serial converter to any USB Port on PC or Laptop

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Step 5: Go to Device Manger to check the Port No of the plugged in ATEN USB-to-Serial converter.
 
Figure 3: Identifying the Port Number of the ATEN USB-to-Serial Converter

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Step 6: Run PuTTY > select Serial checkbox > key in COM No (COM11) > click Open

Figure 4: PuTTY Configuration Window

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Step 7: Take a metal paperclip or wire and make a contact between pins 2 and 3 to short them together. If you look closely at the female end, the pins should be numbered.
 
Figure 5: Shorting Pins 2 and 3 Together

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Step 8: The COM11 - PuTTY window will then be shown. If there are characters on the window, the USB-to-Serial converter is functioning properly. Otherwise, if the window is blank, the USB-to-Serial converter may be faulty.
 
Figure 6: COM11 - PuTTY Window