New products in brief

Name

Description

Manufacturer/distributor

ISOLAN Primary Bridge

Extends a LAN in diameter and bandwidth . Buffering of data packets allows extension of a network beyond 3 km while adhering to IEEE 802 .3 standard . Up to 7 bridges may be used in a single LAN, enabling LANs of up to 20 km in diameter to be achieved . 12.5 MHz processor controlled by firmware in Eprom, with two Lance Ethernet controllers and a filtering database, which includes a content addressable data manager . Can maintain 9 .8 Mb/s throughput . Protocol independent

BICC Data Networks, The Systems Centre, Brindley Way, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 9XJ, UK. Tel : (0442) 54701

TORUS INL

Connects any two Ethernet networks, independent of protocol layers. Links between digital circuits, optical fibre links up to 2 Mbit/s, or physically adjacent networks at a speed of 4 Mbit/s . Packet forwarding rate of 480 packets/s, line speeds up to 4 Mb/s on RS422/423 or 19.2 Kb/s on RS232 . Provides high speed link between Tapestry II domains where X .25 is inappropriate

Torus Systems Ltd ., Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 4GZ, UK . Tel : (0223) 862131

Ida 3X

Twinax protocol converter allows linkage of any printer to the IBM system 34/36/38 environments . Compatibility with IBM printer emulations 5224/5225/5256 . Uses a new gate array, 16 bit processor (V30), a hybrid transceiver and an EPROM for parameter storage . Features such as automatic page orientation and computer output reduction on an IBM 5219/3812 emulation will be available for specific printer standards . Throughput of up to 3 000 c/s, supporting 20 pages/m for non-impact printers, or 1 500 lines/m for impact printers

I-Data AS ., Vadstrupvej 35-43, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark . Tel: (45 2 44) 00 77,

Omnispan

Gateway facility for Corvus Omninet system . Also offers upgrade path . Three product packages : (1) X .25 8 User System and 256 User System contains asynchronous, TTY and VT emulation, allowing connection to DEC VAX via X.25 packet switch networks, etc : (2) 3270 for 8 User or 256 User Systems : (3) QLLC 8 User and 256 User Systems permits 3270 access across X .25 packet switch network to an IBM host

Corvus Systems (UK) Ltd ., 7 Fairmile, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 2JR, UK . Tel : (0491) 571100, Telex : 847282 CRVSEU G

Integrated Telex

Allows users of 64K OIS workstations to create, send and receive telexes without leaving the desk . Single line system comprises operating software, streamline auto-dial unit and standard printer . Multiple line versions also available . Telex features accessed through menu driven user interface . Features broadcasting of single messages to up to 99 recipients with three personalized lines each, short-code directory, international dialling code directory, and timed and priority sending

Sipher Designs (Electronics) Ltd ., Unit 14, St George's Industrial Estate, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks HP7 9JQ, UK. Tel: (02402) 5335

MB89000 ISDN

Data and voice interface evaluation and development package for PC-compatible systems . Streamlines component evaluation, hardware design and software development. The card has 12 key Mitel ISDN interface devices, including U, S, S1 (CEPT) and S2 (T1), as well as support for the new Mitel MT8995 digital telephone I .C. Features real-time software, display of inputs and outputs as serial ST-bus streams in hexadecimal format, and hands-free communication with the digital telephone

Available from : Pronto

Software package operating on IBM's System/36 . Interactive applications access available to large numbers of geographically widespread users . Extends full data processing capabilities to remote sites . Single host or front end applications . Facilities for design and creation of videotex screen images ; applications management and interface ; network security and management. Videogates allow up to 256 terminals to be connected to a single System/36 at any one time

Three X Communications Ltd ., The Stable Office, Broughton Hall, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3AE, UK. Tel : (0494) 791050

Bridges

Gateways

Interfaces

Videotex/36

162

Electronics Systems Ltd ., City Gate House, 399-425 Eastern Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex IG2 6LR, UK . Tel: 01-554 6222

computer communications



Name

Description

Manufacturer/distributor

IPL-1 1

Communications software for file transfer and terminal emulation . An interprocessor link providing secure program and data transfer between similar and dissimilar computers running different operating systems . Software updates and upgrades are performed by linking remote user sites to a DEC VAX or PDP-11 over a modem-terminated telephone line

Xoren Computing Ltd ., 28 Maddox Street, London W1 R 9PF, UK . Tel : 01-629 5932

Remote Access Facility

Latest addition to range of products used in customized network systems for users of DEC based equipment . RAF tells a PC that remote files are local, allowing regular software to be used for accessing data on a remote system . Enables PCs to share remote system printers transparently, and can communicate asynchronously or over Ethernet . Data transfer rate up to 100 000 characters/s

Zeta Systems Ltd ., Middlegate, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK

Micro-mainframe

Mobile communications M500 Dealer Package

User-programmable handheld computer package . Programs directly via the keyboard . Based on M500 handheld terminal and GEN 500 application generator, includes GEN 500 library of commonly used modules, a V24 interface, null modem cable plus user manuals . Features 32 Kb memory, 40 character keyboard, real-time clock, simplified connection and single board architecture

Victor Micronic (UK) Ltd ., Parcon House, Upper Icknield Way, Tring, Herts HP23 4JX, UK. Tel : (044 282) 6634

PC Commstar 1 & 2

Communications system, allowing up to 320 handheld terminal users to access data held on twin IBM-compatible PCs in under 2 hours . Commstar 1 is for standalone PCs, supporting up to 8 ports . Commstar 2 supports a twin PC configuration for up to 16 ports, and includes safety back-up . Each port can access up to 20 handheld terminals within a two hour period . Data transfer speeds range from 300 to 9 600 b/s

Victor Micronic (UK) Ltd ., Parcon House, Upper Icknield Way, Tring, Herts HP23 4JX, UK . Tel : (044 282) 6634

Dowty Trailblazer

High speed asynchronous modem for Brown's DN3270 terminal emulation package . Provides IBM and compatible PC users with 18 kb/s dial-up access to IBM 30XX, 43XX, plug-compatibles and other IBM systems . Combines multicarrier modulation, digital signal processing and packet technology for data throughput increase . Error-free transmission over FAST, as well as V.21, V.23, V.22 and V .22bis

Brown's Operating System Services Ltd ., St Agnes House, Cresswell Park, Blackheath, London SE3 9RD, UK . Tel : 01-852 3299

Emulex HF96 DIP

Dual Inline Pin version of half-duplex, dial-up fax modem, for PC to fax applications . Optimized for use in Group 3 facsimile machines, it satisfies requirements for V .29, V.27ter, V.21 Channel 2, and Fax Procedures T .4 and T .30. Operates in either serial or parallel data mode with speeds up to 9 600 b/s

Emulex Ltd ., 6 The Western Centre, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1 RW, UK. Tel : (0344) 484234

Modems

From left Integrated Telex system from Sipher Designs (Electronics) Ltd .; Videotex 136 software package from Three X Communications Ltd.; and M500 Dealer Package from Victor Micronic (UK) Ltd

vol 11 no 3 june 1988

163



Name

Description

Manufacturer/distributor

Honeywell HFM-5300

Allows users of IBM systems 34/36/38 to substitute fibre optic cable for twinax . Transparent to IBM 5250 controller and its protocol . Links lengths up to 3 km ; solves EMI/RFI, ground loop and lighting problems ; gives full display chaining up to 7 peripheral units . Total loss budget available is 12 dBm into 50/125 fibre, due to 0 .63 uW receiver sensitivity and 10 uW power launch

Honeywell Control Systems Ltd ., Honeywell House, Charles Square, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1 EB, UK . Tel : (0344) 416303

Designer

Based on Demon II . Full computer control . Handles 1 200/75 and 300/300 baud rates plus 1 200/1 200 half-duplex for bulk uploading . Automatically selects baud rate for receiving or sending . Other features include over-ride buttons for use with manual software, call progress monitor and rear telephone socket

Dataphone Ltd., 22 Alfric Square, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 OJP, UK . Tel: (0733) 230240

DNA Network

New version, adding PS/2 models 50, 60 and 80 to model 30 giving total networking capability across the PS/2 range . Uses standard MS DOS commands ; supports full file and record locking multi-user software ; enables standard PCs and PS/2s to be combined in one network, with the PS/2 acting either as file server or workstation . Compatible with IBM micro channel architecture

Equinet Computers Ltd ., 114/116 Curtain Road, London EC2 3AH, UK. Tel : 01-739 3450

TOPAZ

Industrial LAN . Allows distributed systems to work together, and connects up to 254 nodes . Offers guaranteed real-time response . Multidrop bus topology, with arbitration by token passing protocol . Raw data transmission at 1 Mb/s . Features continuous self-test diagnosis and cyclic redundancy checking, additional interface to allow users to define and produce custom hardware . Interface on hardware module is 'Manchester' encoded RS485/RS422 allowing screened twisted-pair cable to be used up to a distance of 1 000 m

Syntel Microsystems, Queens Mill Road, Huddersfield HD1 3PG, UK . Tel : (0484) 535101

Network-OS

New features for LAN operating system : software bridging links PCs within CBIS topology and other topologies that are IBM NetBIOS compatible ; auto reconnect keeps the system on line if server workstations go down ; Terminate Stay Resident gives users direct access to spooler control functions. Supports Novell file and record locking functions and network topologies like BUS, Ethernet, etc. Features electronic messaging, exclusive direct printing and asynchronous communications

CBIS Inc ., 5875 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross, Georgia 30092, USA . Tel : (404) 634 5729

PinkLan

LAN for Unisys users with micro or mainframe systems, using the register insertion technique . Equipment with an RS232 interface can be added to the ring via the nearest wall socket . Carries up to 125 nodes per ring. Rings run at 1 .5 Mb/s . Wall sockets connected using twisted-pair cable . Sockets have watchdog security, and contain a relay which removes a node from the ring if the power fails . Available with standard nodes with an asynchronous RS232 port, or with PC nodes

Pink Computing Ltd ., Old Station Road, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1 EJ, UK. Tel: (0371) 4521

Powernet

LAN requiring no cabling . Accompanying software, Powerlan, allows up to 32 users to share data and peripherals by linking PCs through AC power supply. Employs combination of hardware and software to eliminate software interference and surge problems while maintaining data integrity . Connects through standard serial ports, requires 30K of memory, data transmitted at 9 600 baud . Compatible with IBM PS/2, AT, XT, PC and compatibles using PC-DOS or MS-DOS version 2 .0 or higher

Tech-Nel Data Products Ltd ., 8 Haslemere Way, Banbury, Oxon OX1 6 8TY, UK. Tel : (0295) 65781

Model 201ODM Transceiver

LAN transceiver compatible with multiple 10 Mb/s Ethernet Versions 1 .0 and 2 .0, and IEEE 802 .3. Switch-selectable 10 MHz 'heartbeat' assures signal quality error test and controls collision conditions . 'Watchdog timer' prevents one terminal monopolizing the network . Can be used with standard Ethernet, IEEE 802 .3 or Thinnet coaxial cable, and with Ethernet versions 1 and 2, and IEEE 802 .3 transceiver cables

TCL Inc ., 47621 Westinghouse Drive, Fremont, CA 94539, USA. Tel: (415) 657 3800, Fax: (415) 490 5814

Networks

164

computer communications



Name

Description

Manufacturer/distributor

PC-NFS 3 .0

Enhanced version of PC-NFS network file systems . Implementation of ONC/NFS for IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 and compatibles, is a software product allowing PC users to transparently share files and resources in a corporate network environment . Allows PCs to share network resources with computer systems from over 50 vendors . Provides window-driven user interface with pull-down menus and context-sensitive on-line help

Sun Microsystems (UK) Ltd ., Sun House, 31-41 Pembroke Broadway, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3XD, UK . Tel : (0276) 62111

9000 Series Special Device Adaptor

Extends the connectivity of the 9600 series of cluster controllers . Connects up to 8 category A CUT displays and printers at distances up to 10 000 feet. 4 adaptors, supporting 32 devices, can be connected to each controller. Connected to IBM or compatible mainframes using BSC, SNA/X .25 protocols . Features dual and multiple logical units supporting up to 128 host sessions, programmed symbol set graphics, PC attachment and support for high speed communications lines

Alcatel Business Systems, Holbrook House, Cockfosters Road, Barnet, Herts EN4 ODU, UK . Tel : 01-440 4141

DILOG CQ1610

16 channel asynchronous communications controller emulates two 8 channel DHV11 controllers and is totally software compatible . Runs standard DHV11 driver and diagnostics, is supported under MicroVMS, RSTS/E, RSX and ULTRIX-32m, and has its own self-test and micro-diagnostic firmware . 8 channel version, the CQ1 620 (dual-wide), is also available . Single quad-wide board provides software-selectable baud rates from 50 to 38 400 baud . Data buffering per channel is 32 character transmit and 256 character receive . Signal-level flow control maximizes average data rates

Arrow Computer Systems Ltd ., Arrow House, Blenheim Road, Longmead Industrial Estate, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9BA, UK . Tel: (03727) 42557

Comtest Series 200 range

Three data communication testers . Line monitors show signal strength and function without battery power . Pulse Trap/Current Loop option enables user to display short pulses which are impossible to check with standard monitors . Tests short haul modems . Model 212 locates RS232 interface problems and monitors 12 most important lines ; Model 225 monitors all 25 signals ; Model 250 monitors all 25 signals on both interfaces

M-Trade (UK) Ltd ., PO Box 35, London SW1 W BTX, UK. Tel : 01-730 0681

Comtest DLM 100

9-volt battery powered monitor and 28K of CMOS RAM . Monitors RS232 communications on 2 X 40 character LCD display . Menu-driven . Features forward/backward scroll and page with 6 scroll rates ; 'Where' button makes current location easily determinable ; creates permanent record via transmit to printer capability ; 9 asynchronous baud rates (150 to 38.4K) ; simultaneous capture of data while reading buffer or performing menu functions

M-Trade (UK) Ltd ., PO Box 35, London SW1 W 8TX, UK . Tel : 01-730 0681

Terminal controllers

Test equipment

From left: Topaz industrial LAN from Syntel Microsystems ; Powernet from Tech-Net Data Products ; and Comtest Series Model 250 communications tester

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