Question : Problem: using 8250 UART

hi , my question is a bit long ... I just wanted to make everything clear

My project is microcontroller-based circuit and connected to a server through LAN .. each microcontroller is connected to IO and has a specific job

My aim is to recieve serial data from a network module ( precisely : Mircohip PICDEM.net board)
classify them , and sent the appropraite data to the appropriate microcontroller ( this will be done through packet ordering  and timing )

------

I am confused in serial interfacing , please correct me if I'm wrong with the following:

taking the data from a serial port requires a converter , so I will connect the D9 connector to a MAX232 .
next step is having a microcontroller to classify the coming data and send them to the appropriate microcontrollers

shall I use here a 8250 UART ?

if I could do this , ..

- can I use Assembly or C to write the source code for it?
- I don't know where to start in writing the sourc code , can you guide me , or give me examples ?
- I wish I could design it in Proteus before real implementing , but from what I see that I could not attact to it any .hex files to a 8250A device ( as I used to do with other microcontrollers ?) ...
any idea how can I do this ?



I'll be thankful if someone can help

Answer : Problem: using 8250 UART

This is a nice code, all commented. http://redrival.com/mcgahee/picuart.zip

 Read this first.... http://archive.chipcenter.com/circuitcellar/october01/c1001fe2.htm

 this circuit cellar article will give you a better notion on what you'll need. You are focused on a very simple thask "interfacing the processors via  RS232"  you have no idea how complicated it is to configure the TCP/IP connection correctly. You don't even know if your ethernet module will be able to handle everything and maybe you don't even need to interface with another processor.

 You've got to study all the datasheets. This is a very long subjet.

-------------------------------------------

 Start and stop bits are handled automaticly by the uart... Usually these kind of microprocessors are configured to: 8 databits, no parity, 1 stop bit. You've got to read your ehternet module's datasheet and to know what is the speed it is configured.

Cheers!
-Mark