Book excerpt: - Protocol and Topology Considerations - Linux Reference Implementation - Microcontroller Reference Implementation - Virtual COM Port Concept for MS Win This pamphlet shares the practical experience with a simple, yet versatile data aquisition and remote control topology using the Real-time Transport Protocol for IP-based, soft real-time machine-to-machine communication. A Control Data Profile for RTP is discussed along with reference applications of RTP/CDP for bridging serial local bus communication over the Internet Protocol. Furthermore, in-depth implementational details are provided for an exemplary Linux userspace RTP/CDP software as well as for a functional stack and state machine of a RTP/CDP-to-RS232 adapter using an 8-bit microcontroller. On non-Linux platforms, RTP/CDP sessions can be interfaced by virtual COM ports. This concept is discussed in detail and may be combined with the beforementioned adapters to solve the problem of missing physical COM ports in recent computers.