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Data controllers link mismatched RS232 devices
PC clusters communicate with IBM mainframes A system has been launched that is able to cluster IBM PCs (and compatibles) and connect them to mainframe computers with full communications facilities. The Garnet system, from Network Designers, is initially available in two kits. The first connects four PCs, and the second connects nine PCs. Garnet utilises specially configured versions of Network Designers' Tangogate and Amethyst micro-tomainframe software products for ICL
IPA and IBM SNA environments respectively. The appropriate communications software is included in the kit. The clustered configuration employed by Garnet can be described as a star topology network, with each PC being regarded as a private station with no file server or print server. Unlike protocol converters, Garnet utilizes one PC as the gateway to the mainframe. The remaining PC
Data controllers link mismatched RS232 devices Two data controllers have been launched that provide those users needing simple switching and device sharing solutions with an alternative to complex and expensive LANs. The Mainstreet 1008 and 1032 controllers, from Ericsson, enable users to connect RS232 devices such as PC and ACSII terminals, printers, multiplexers and modems in a flexible network. Both controllers can handle mismatched device speeds, and are capable of transmitting data at rates up to 19200 bit/s. Up to 14 separate asynchronous baud rates are provided. For additional ease of use, Mainstreet data controllers can arrange several devices, such as
modems, into a group enabling it to hunt through and select the first available device. The controller will also queue on a busy device and connect automatically when the selected device becomes free. Mainstreet controllers are supplied with Easystreet software which is memory-resident with DOS. Using a hot-key control, users can pass from existing applications to Easystreet, enabling them to use all Mainstreet's communications capabilities. Mainstreet can also be employed as a workgroup building block, providing shared access to both Ericsson's Personal Office System POS 61 LAN and the MD110 PABX digital exchange.
Data, voice and multicomposite multiplexer A digital multiplexer has been launched by Micom-Borer. The Streamline7600 has the capability to run data, voice and multicomposite communications. The Streamline7600 has been designed to provide building blocks for network expansion. With the
vol 10 no 5 october 1987
Streamline7600 an organization can start with simple 48 or 64 kbit/s point-to-point links and later build up to a network of 16 nodes and over I 000 channels. Users configure and monitor the network by following instructions on the front panel liquid crystal display.
stations then communicate with the gateway via Garnet at speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s. Central to the Garnet system is the media access control unit, which is connected to the PCs using low cost shielded balanced two twisted pair cabling. These units provide the intermachine hub and can themselves be cascaded together. The Tangogate and Amethyst software products run under ICL CO3 and IBM SNA/SDLC protocols respectively. Both provide interactive video displays and printer facilities.
(Network Designers Ltd., The Old Berkshire Hunt Kennels, Kingston Bagpuize, Oxon 0X13 5AP, UK. Tel: (0865) 821177, Telex: 265451) []
There is no limit to the number of Mainstreet 1008 and 1032 controllers that can be connected together. The maximum distance between controllers and devices is 15 m, although with line drivers, this can be increased. The Mainstreet 1008 has an eight port capacity, star topology and 'daisy-chain' accommodation of larger networks. The 1032 can be increased to a maximum of 48 expansion ports, in increments of 8, by employing additional cards. Two or more Mainstreet controllers can be networked to form larger systems. Controllers can be added when necessary, and with the minimum of disruption. (Ericsson Information Systems Ltd., Swan Office
Centre, 1508 Coventry Road, ¥ordley, Birmingham B25 8BN, UK. Tel: 021-765 4444, Telex: 339523)
[]
A personal computer-based network management system can be used to manage large networks. Set-up procedures and configurations are stored in non-volatile memory for instant use on power-up. Four different configurations can be programmed in for rerouting the network. (Micom-Borer Ltd., NetLink
House, Basingstoke Road, Reading, Berks RG20SE, UK. Tel: (0734) 866801, Telex: 847135) [] 271
IPA and IBM SNA environments respectively. The appropriate communications software is included in the kit. The clustered configuration employed by Garnet can be described as a star topology network, with each PC being regarded as a private station with no file server or print server. Unlike protocol converters, Garnet utilizes one PC as the gateway to the mainframe. The remaining PC
Data controllers link mismatched RS232 devices Two data controllers have been launched that provide those users needing simple switching and device sharing solutions with an alternative to complex and expensive LANs. The Mainstreet 1008 and 1032 controllers, from Ericsson, enable users to connect RS232 devices such as PC and ACSII terminals, printers, multiplexers and modems in a flexible network. Both controllers can handle mismatched device speeds, and are capable of transmitting data at rates up to 19200 bit/s. Up to 14 separate asynchronous baud rates are provided. For additional ease of use, Mainstreet data controllers can arrange several devices, such as
modems, into a group enabling it to hunt through and select the first available device. The controller will also queue on a busy device and connect automatically when the selected device becomes free. Mainstreet controllers are supplied with Easystreet software which is memory-resident with DOS. Using a hot-key control, users can pass from existing applications to Easystreet, enabling them to use all Mainstreet's communications capabilities. Mainstreet can also be employed as a workgroup building block, providing shared access to both Ericsson's Personal Office System POS 61 LAN and the MD110 PABX digital exchange.
Data, voice and multicomposite multiplexer A digital multiplexer has been launched by Micom-Borer. The Streamline7600 has the capability to run data, voice and multicomposite communications. The Streamline7600 has been designed to provide building blocks for network expansion. With the
vol 10 no 5 october 1987
Streamline7600 an organization can start with simple 48 or 64 kbit/s point-to-point links and later build up to a network of 16 nodes and over I 000 channels. Users configure and monitor the network by following instructions on the front panel liquid crystal display.
stations then communicate with the gateway via Garnet at speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s. Central to the Garnet system is the media access control unit, which is connected to the PCs using low cost shielded balanced two twisted pair cabling. These units provide the intermachine hub and can themselves be cascaded together. The Tangogate and Amethyst software products run under ICL CO3 and IBM SNA/SDLC protocols respectively. Both provide interactive video displays and printer facilities.
(Network Designers Ltd., The Old Berkshire Hunt Kennels, Kingston Bagpuize, Oxon 0X13 5AP, UK. Tel: (0865) 821177, Telex: 265451) []
There is no limit to the number of Mainstreet 1008 and 1032 controllers that can be connected together. The maximum distance between controllers and devices is 15 m, although with line drivers, this can be increased. The Mainstreet 1008 has an eight port capacity, star topology and 'daisy-chain' accommodation of larger networks. The 1032 can be increased to a maximum of 48 expansion ports, in increments of 8, by employing additional cards. Two or more Mainstreet controllers can be networked to form larger systems. Controllers can be added when necessary, and with the minimum of disruption. (Ericsson Information Systems Ltd., Swan Office
Centre, 1508 Coventry Road, ¥ordley, Birmingham B25 8BN, UK. Tel: 021-765 4444, Telex: 339523)
[]
A personal computer-based network management system can be used to manage large networks. Set-up procedures and configurations are stored in non-volatile memory for instant use on power-up. Four different configurations can be programmed in for rerouting the network. (Micom-Borer Ltd., NetLink
House, Basingstoke Road, Reading, Berks RG20SE, UK. Tel: (0734) 866801, Telex: 847135) [] 271