A system for remotely monitoring and controlling devices. A software-based
protocol converter converts asynchronous serial control and data signals
from a host application computer program to Internet Protocol ("IP")
packet-switched signals. The converted signals are transmitted to a
remote device, such as a meter or a valve, by means of a packet-switching
network. The received IP packet-switching signals are converted by a
hardware-based protocol converter into asynchronous serial control and
data signals compatible with the remote device. The hardware-based
protocol converter is also capable of converting asynchronous serial data
feedback signals from the remote device to IP packet-switching signals
and transmitting them to the host application computer program via the
packet-switching network. The feedback signals are converted to
asynchronous serial data signals compatible with the host application
computer program by the software-based protocol converter.