thanks for the replies!

regarding range, i would say not more than 100' from any given Tx to Rx {visualize warehouse}.

i have been looking at these products ...
####
WiFly 802.11b Serial Module - Roving Networks
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...oducts_id=8869

XBee Pro 50mW Series 2.5 Wire Antenna
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...oducts_id=8876
####

however, what Darrel pointed out with the COM redirector is quite interesting after taking a glance at the web page. I had looked at "TCPmaker" from melabs but already having a web server embedded cuts out a lot of work. the redirector takes care of getting transmitted date into, say an app like Excel or mysql.

going to read some more from the Lantronix website.

many thanks!!
Bill