- Email: [email protected]
New products in brief
Name
Description
Manufacturer~distributor
FX8210
FDDI-based backbone for Ethernet networks using VLSI technology. Incorporates Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) SuperNet VLSI chipset. Provides protocol independent MAC level bridge for interconnection of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks over 100 Mbit/s fibre optic FDDI ring system, extending the network in terms of topology, performance & reliability. Enables the construction of an 'extended I_AN' by providing a self-learning bridge connection from Ethernet to the FDDI ring. Is also transparent to Ethernet protocols like DECnet, TCP/IP, XNS and ISO
Fibronics (UK) Ltd., Telford House, Hamilton Close, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 2YT, UK. Tel: (0256) 468794
NETbuilder IB/2000 & 113/2001
Local Ethernet routing bridges based on 3Com's NET-builder internetwork system platform. IB/2000 supports two-way connection to thick Ethernet cable with standard connectors. IB/2001 supports connection to both thick & thin Ethernet cabling. Both designed for use in Ethemet backbone networks and for isolating or connecting PC workgroups, CAD environments & computing resources to other network segments
3Com Ltd., Goswell House, 134 Peascod Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1DS, UK. Tel: (0628) 890670
WAN bridge
Transparently connects remote Ethernet networks via high speed serial interfaces, including BT Megastream. Remote, protocol transparent Media Access (~ontrol layer bridge supporting point-to-point applications up to 2 048 Mbit/s. Filters packets on the basis of selected protocols or of source or destination address. Gives improved management control and greater configuration flexibility
ITL plc., Technology House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7DF, UK. Tel; (0442) 217363
Integrated system of multi-protocol intemetwork bridging & routing for corporate & multi-site users. Logically routes &/or bridges any protocol between a number of LANs via Kilostream or Megastream services (WAN). Support for FDDI is included (MAN). For LAN, support for Ethernet & token ring; for WAN, support for Megastream, Kilostream & X.25, handling protocols such as DECnet, bAT, TCP/IP & ISO. Provides managerial control through a network management console operated on a centralized or distributed basis
FOSS Ltd., Cedar Point, Baker Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 2RX, UK. Tel: (0494) 451221
Bridges
(8o11)
Wellfleet Router
Communications analyser PC-based network performance analyser monitors data lines at speeds of up to 19.2 kbit/s, measuring more than 35 separate parameters. Supports SNA, IBM bisynch, X.25 & Burroughs poll select protocols, among others. Can generate printed reports, or presents data clearly in pie graphs & histograms so that response times & line utilization can be measured & analysed efficiently. Menu & function key driven format permit fast command input
Progressive Computing Inc., 814 Commerce Drive, Suite 1011 Oak Brook, IL 60521-1919, USA. Tel: (312) 574 3399
FastPath 4
Addition of full support for DEC's DECnet routing protocols in Excelan's AppleTalk-to-Ethemet gateway. Supplies DECnet level-1 routing capabilities, allowing Apple Macintosh computers equipped with TSSnet Version 1.3.2 DECnet software full resource sharing in DECnet LANs over Ethernet cabling
Excelan Europe Ltd., Intec 2, Suite 17, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG24 ONE, UK. Tel: (0256) 842296
V2-LAT
Designed to allow low cost connectivity between Cablestream asynch terminal servers on broadband and DEC hosts on a baseband network running I_AT. Transparent user interface, network supervisor interface, load balancing, self-test diagnostics and clear session termination procedure. Enables asynch devices on broadband to communicate with DEC hosts on baseband Ethernet network. Gateway supports up to 64 sessions between PCUs & DEC hosts
Information Technology plc., Technology House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7DE, UK. Tel: (0442) 217363
Strategic presentation service for all applications requiring a form-based or menu-based user interface. Interface technology used within DECforms allows the product to meet diverse user interface requirements of the broad range of application & development environments emerging for the 1990s. First commercial implementation of ANSI/ISO FIMS standard
Digital Equipment Co. Ltd., Queen's House, Forbury Road, Reading, Berks RG1 3JH, UK. Tel: (0734) 868711
PAl Data Communications Performance Analyzer
Gateways
Interfaces DECforms V1.0
370
computer communications
Name
Description
Manufacturer~distributor
Personal 400
Electronic mail software package extending PC-to-PC communications. Based on CCITT X.400 MHS standard, running on IBM and compatibles, enabling users to communicate with other users in the same office or around the world, via public or private X.25 networks, ISDN or LANs instead of the PSTN
Sydney Communications Ltd., Victoria House, Victoria Road, Aldershot, Hants G U l l 1EJ, UK. Tel: (0252) 343100
Mobile communications SYMBOL MSI RS Capability to interface Symbol's hand-held portable data terminal to a transceiver radio frequency transceiver so it can transmit/receive from a remote base station linked directly to host computer system. Users can move.around while still maintaining on-line contact with host up to a range of half a mile. For use in retail stores, warehouses or factories. Base station supports up to six RF terminals
Symbol MSI, 12 Oaklands Park, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, Berks RG11 2DF, UK. Tel: (0734) 771222
Modems
MV213 acoustic modem
Modem providing a coupling match for every type of telephone receiver. Conforms to CCITT V.21, V.22 & V.23, & Bell 103 & 212A. Targe.tted at journalists and salesmen requiring instant contact with offices from numerous locations without standard push-in telephone plugs. Full Hayes compatibility. Operates at 300 & 1 200 bit/s
COM1 SA., Expoburo, cours Charles-Bricaud, 33300 Bordeaux-Lac, France. Tel: (56) 398091
Skyfax modem
Datacomm & fax modem residing inside any of SupersPORT range of laptop PCs. Able to connect to any telephone system in the world. Supports V.21, V.22, V.22bis & V.23 protocols. Digital transmission eliminates definition loss. Laptops can send/receive high resolution graphics & can be programmed to send fax shots & complex messages
Zenith Data Systems Ltd., 452 Bath Road, Slough, Berks SL1 6BB, UK. Tel: (06286) 68588
V.22 bis modem
Supports V.22 bis, V.22, V.23 & V.21, using VLSI circuitry for reliability & to provide many features within a small unit. Most features operate automatically, like automatic data speed selection (from 75 to 2 400 bit/s), & diagnostic facilities. Compatible with Hayes AT & CCITT V.25 bis commands for autodialling
Inmac (UK) Ltd., Westerly Point, Market Street, Bracknell, Berks RG12 1 EW, UK. Tel: (0344) 424333
Multiplexers & concentrators Barkermux Fibre optic multiplexer providing real-time comms link for 8 to 48 channels, each operating at a maximum speed of 19.2 kbit/s. Auto gain eliminates need for set-up, giving easy installation. Input RS-232 data is asynchronously multiplexed into 10 MHz through duplex fibre optic cable. Synchronous version available with 8 to 16 ports
Barkers International Communications, Barkers House, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9TR, UK. Tel: (0234) 327772
Fibrenet Wang Mux
Fibre optic mux unit for Wang-based data networks. Provides both BNC and TNC connections on a single fibre optic cable for first time. Allows connection of up to 16 remote Wang terminals to a single Wang controller. Caters for optional shared-path connections by fibre optic or co-ax cable, & a switch on unit allows fast user selection
Fibrenet Ltd., 1 Apollo House, Calleva Industrial Park, Aldermaston, Berks RG7 4QW, UK. Tel: (07356) 79122
MC 500 range
Data compression mux range apply compression on demand & use artificial intelligence for data compression. Can effectively triple data transmission, so three 9.6 kbit/s lines can be replaced by one, saving modem & leased line costs. Random nature of compression provides data privacy. Supports any asynch or synch protocol
Trend Datalink Ltd., Knaves Beech Estate, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9QX, UK
From left: Wellfleet router from FOSSLtd.; Symbol MSl's radio frequency Portable Data Terminal; and Inrnac"s V.22 bis modem offering
vol 12 no 6 december 1989
371
Description
Manufacturer~distributor
FX8210
FDDI-based backbone for Ethernet networks using VLSI technology. Incorporates Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) SuperNet VLSI chipset. Provides protocol independent MAC level bridge for interconnection of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks over 100 Mbit/s fibre optic FDDI ring system, extending the network in terms of topology, performance & reliability. Enables the construction of an 'extended I_AN' by providing a self-learning bridge connection from Ethernet to the FDDI ring. Is also transparent to Ethernet protocols like DECnet, TCP/IP, XNS and ISO
Fibronics (UK) Ltd., Telford House, Hamilton Close, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 2YT, UK. Tel: (0256) 468794
NETbuilder IB/2000 & 113/2001
Local Ethernet routing bridges based on 3Com's NET-builder internetwork system platform. IB/2000 supports two-way connection to thick Ethernet cable with standard connectors. IB/2001 supports connection to both thick & thin Ethernet cabling. Both designed for use in Ethemet backbone networks and for isolating or connecting PC workgroups, CAD environments & computing resources to other network segments
3Com Ltd., Goswell House, 134 Peascod Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1DS, UK. Tel: (0628) 890670
WAN bridge
Transparently connects remote Ethernet networks via high speed serial interfaces, including BT Megastream. Remote, protocol transparent Media Access (~ontrol layer bridge supporting point-to-point applications up to 2 048 Mbit/s. Filters packets on the basis of selected protocols or of source or destination address. Gives improved management control and greater configuration flexibility
ITL plc., Technology House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7DF, UK. Tel; (0442) 217363
Integrated system of multi-protocol intemetwork bridging & routing for corporate & multi-site users. Logically routes &/or bridges any protocol between a number of LANs via Kilostream or Megastream services (WAN). Support for FDDI is included (MAN). For LAN, support for Ethernet & token ring; for WAN, support for Megastream, Kilostream & X.25, handling protocols such as DECnet, bAT, TCP/IP & ISO. Provides managerial control through a network management console operated on a centralized or distributed basis
FOSS Ltd., Cedar Point, Baker Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 2RX, UK. Tel: (0494) 451221
Bridges
(8o11)
Wellfleet Router
Communications analyser PC-based network performance analyser monitors data lines at speeds of up to 19.2 kbit/s, measuring more than 35 separate parameters. Supports SNA, IBM bisynch, X.25 & Burroughs poll select protocols, among others. Can generate printed reports, or presents data clearly in pie graphs & histograms so that response times & line utilization can be measured & analysed efficiently. Menu & function key driven format permit fast command input
Progressive Computing Inc., 814 Commerce Drive, Suite 1011 Oak Brook, IL 60521-1919, USA. Tel: (312) 574 3399
FastPath 4
Addition of full support for DEC's DECnet routing protocols in Excelan's AppleTalk-to-Ethemet gateway. Supplies DECnet level-1 routing capabilities, allowing Apple Macintosh computers equipped with TSSnet Version 1.3.2 DECnet software full resource sharing in DECnet LANs over Ethernet cabling
Excelan Europe Ltd., Intec 2, Suite 17, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG24 ONE, UK. Tel: (0256) 842296
V2-LAT
Designed to allow low cost connectivity between Cablestream asynch terminal servers on broadband and DEC hosts on a baseband network running I_AT. Transparent user interface, network supervisor interface, load balancing, self-test diagnostics and clear session termination procedure. Enables asynch devices on broadband to communicate with DEC hosts on baseband Ethernet network. Gateway supports up to 64 sessions between PCUs & DEC hosts
Information Technology plc., Technology House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7DE, UK. Tel: (0442) 217363
Strategic presentation service for all applications requiring a form-based or menu-based user interface. Interface technology used within DECforms allows the product to meet diverse user interface requirements of the broad range of application & development environments emerging for the 1990s. First commercial implementation of ANSI/ISO FIMS standard
Digital Equipment Co. Ltd., Queen's House, Forbury Road, Reading, Berks RG1 3JH, UK. Tel: (0734) 868711
PAl Data Communications Performance Analyzer
Gateways
Interfaces DECforms V1.0
370
computer communications
Name
Description
Manufacturer~distributor
Personal 400
Electronic mail software package extending PC-to-PC communications. Based on CCITT X.400 MHS standard, running on IBM and compatibles, enabling users to communicate with other users in the same office or around the world, via public or private X.25 networks, ISDN or LANs instead of the PSTN
Sydney Communications Ltd., Victoria House, Victoria Road, Aldershot, Hants G U l l 1EJ, UK. Tel: (0252) 343100
Mobile communications SYMBOL MSI RS Capability to interface Symbol's hand-held portable data terminal to a transceiver radio frequency transceiver so it can transmit/receive from a remote base station linked directly to host computer system. Users can move.around while still maintaining on-line contact with host up to a range of half a mile. For use in retail stores, warehouses or factories. Base station supports up to six RF terminals
Symbol MSI, 12 Oaklands Park, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, Berks RG11 2DF, UK. Tel: (0734) 771222
Modems
MV213 acoustic modem
Modem providing a coupling match for every type of telephone receiver. Conforms to CCITT V.21, V.22 & V.23, & Bell 103 & 212A. Targe.tted at journalists and salesmen requiring instant contact with offices from numerous locations without standard push-in telephone plugs. Full Hayes compatibility. Operates at 300 & 1 200 bit/s
COM1 SA., Expoburo, cours Charles-Bricaud, 33300 Bordeaux-Lac, France. Tel: (56) 398091
Skyfax modem
Datacomm & fax modem residing inside any of SupersPORT range of laptop PCs. Able to connect to any telephone system in the world. Supports V.21, V.22, V.22bis & V.23 protocols. Digital transmission eliminates definition loss. Laptops can send/receive high resolution graphics & can be programmed to send fax shots & complex messages
Zenith Data Systems Ltd., 452 Bath Road, Slough, Berks SL1 6BB, UK. Tel: (06286) 68588
V.22 bis modem
Supports V.22 bis, V.22, V.23 & V.21, using VLSI circuitry for reliability & to provide many features within a small unit. Most features operate automatically, like automatic data speed selection (from 75 to 2 400 bit/s), & diagnostic facilities. Compatible with Hayes AT & CCITT V.25 bis commands for autodialling
Inmac (UK) Ltd., Westerly Point, Market Street, Bracknell, Berks RG12 1 EW, UK. Tel: (0344) 424333
Multiplexers & concentrators Barkermux Fibre optic multiplexer providing real-time comms link for 8 to 48 channels, each operating at a maximum speed of 19.2 kbit/s. Auto gain eliminates need for set-up, giving easy installation. Input RS-232 data is asynchronously multiplexed into 10 MHz through duplex fibre optic cable. Synchronous version available with 8 to 16 ports
Barkers International Communications, Barkers House, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9TR, UK. Tel: (0234) 327772
Fibrenet Wang Mux
Fibre optic mux unit for Wang-based data networks. Provides both BNC and TNC connections on a single fibre optic cable for first time. Allows connection of up to 16 remote Wang terminals to a single Wang controller. Caters for optional shared-path connections by fibre optic or co-ax cable, & a switch on unit allows fast user selection
Fibrenet Ltd., 1 Apollo House, Calleva Industrial Park, Aldermaston, Berks RG7 4QW, UK. Tel: (07356) 79122
MC 500 range
Data compression mux range apply compression on demand & use artificial intelligence for data compression. Can effectively triple data transmission, so three 9.6 kbit/s lines can be replaced by one, saving modem & leased line costs. Random nature of compression provides data privacy. Supports any asynch or synch protocol
Trend Datalink Ltd., Knaves Beech Estate, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9QX, UK
From left: Wellfleet router from FOSSLtd.; Symbol MSl's radio frequency Portable Data Terminal; and Inrnac"s V.22 bis modem offering
vol 12 no 6 december 1989
371