StarTech.com 1 Port USB to Serial Cable TAA FTDI COM Retention ICUSB2321F
The StarTech.com ICUSB2321F 1-Port USB to Serial Cable provides essential RS232 connectivity, converting an available USB 2.0 port into a reliable DB9 serial port for managing critical infrastructure with a compact 0.2m design.
- Reliable Connectivity: Features an FTDI chipset for stable, consistent serial communication, preventing data loss during critical system configurations.
- COM Port Retention: Automatically re-assigns the same COM port number upon reconnection, eliminating manual configuration and reducing IT troubleshooting time.
- TAA Compliant: Meets Trade Agreements Act requirements, simplifying procurement for government and public sector organizations.
- Broad OS Support: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring seamless integration into diverse IT environments without driver conflicts.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com ICUSB2321F is a purpose-built 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable, featuring a reliable FTDI FT232RL chipset and a compact 0.2m cable length. It converts any available USB 2.0 port into a male DB9 serial port, supporting data bits 7, 8, and baud rates up to 115.2 Kbit/s for precise device control.
Engineered for operational efficiency, this adapter includes COM retention, ensuring consistent port assignment across disconnections. It is TAA compliant and certified with CE, FCC, and RoHS, providing a secure and environmentally responsible solution for critical IT infrastructure management.
- Core Functionality: Converts USB 2.0 to a DB9 serial port, enabling essential console access and management for a wide range of legacy networking and server equipment.
- FTDI Chipset Reliability: Utilizes a proven FTDI FT232RL chipset, delivering industrial-grade stability and preventing communication errors during sensitive system configurations.
- COM Port Persistence: Automatically retains the assigned COM port number, eliminating the need for manual re-configuration and reducing IT support overhead.
- Universal OS Compatibility: Supports Windows (XP-11, Server), macOS (10.6-13.0), and Linux (Kernel 3.0.x), ensuring broad integration with existing IT workstations and servers.
- Operational Value: TAA compliance and robust construction provide a long-term, reliable solution for critical infrastructure, reducing procurement complexities and ensuring consistent performance.
This USB to serial adapter is an indispensable tool for IT professionals seeking reliable, compliant, and efficient management of serial-based devices within their operational infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Ports & interfaces5
Performance8
Weight & dimensions4
Certificates2
Packaging content2
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
Common Uses
Console Management for Network Devices
IT teams frequently need direct console access to network switches, routers, and firewalls for initial setup, troubleshooting, or firmware updates. This adapter provides a reliable USB-to-serial connection, enabling command-line interface (CLI) management from any modern laptop or workstation.
Network operations centers, IT infrastructure teams, field service technicians, data center operators
Legacy System Configuration & Diagnostics
Many industrial control systems, POS terminals, and specialized medical devices still rely on RS232 serial ports for configuration, data logging, or diagnostics. The adapter bridges this gap, allowing IT and engineering staff to interface with these critical systems using standard USB-enabled computers.
Manufacturing facilities, healthcare systems, retail franchises, building automation teams
Server & UPS Monitoring
Servers and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) often provide serial ports for out-of-band management, status monitoring, or graceful shutdown commands. This cable facilitates a stable connection for these essential functions, ensuring system uptime and data integrity during power events or maintenance.
Small business server rooms, mid-market data centers, remote office IT infrastructure, facilities management
Key Features
FTDI FT232RL Chipset
Ensures stable and reliable serial communication, preventing data corruption or connection drops during critical system configurations.
COM Port Retention
Automatically re-assigns the same COM port number upon reconnection, eliminating manual configuration and reducing IT troubleshooting time.
TAA Compliant
Meets Trade Agreements Act requirements, simplifying procurement processes for government and public sector organizations.
USB 2.0 to DB9 RS232 Interface
Provides essential connectivity for legacy serial devices to modern USB-enabled computers, extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure.
Broad Operating System Support
Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring seamless integration into diverse IT environments without driver conflicts.
Compatible With
Networking Equipment
Routers, managed switches, firewalls, console servers from Cisco, Juniper, HPE, Fortinet
Server & UPS Systems
Rack servers, blade servers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for serial management and monitoring
Industrial Control Systems
PLCs, CNC machines, data acquisition units, and other factory automation devices requiring RS232
Point-of-Sale (POS) Devices
Receipt printers, barcode scanners, credit card readers, and other retail peripherals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of the FTDI chipset in this adapter?
The FTDI chipset provides industrial-grade reliability and broad driver compatibility across various operating systems, ensuring stable and consistent serial communication for critical IT tasks.
How does COM retention work and why is it important for IT professionals?
COM retention automatically re-assigns the same COM port number to the adapter each time it's connected to the host computer. This is crucial for IT professionals as it eliminates the need to reconfigure software settings or scripts that rely on a specific COM port, saving significant setup time.
Is this USB to serial cable compatible with Windows Server operating systems?
Yes, the StarTech.com ICUSB2321F is compatible with a wide range of Windows Server versions, including 2003, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019, ensuring broad compatibility for server management tasks.
What types of devices can I connect using this adapter?
This adapter allows connection to various RS232 serial devices, including network switches, routers, firewalls, servers, industrial control systems, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, modems, and other legacy equipment for configuration and management.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.