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Standards and protocols
Open systems products announced Olivetti has launched a range of integrated hardware, software and services that will comply to existing or emerging standards. Open Systems Architecture is a single comprehensive framework that will embrace all hardware and software components. The system will allow connection to existing installations including those of different manufacturers; it will also allow migration with future evolution of technology and applications and, in particular, the developments that are taking place in standards such as
X/Open, Posix, AT&T/Microsoft, ISO/ OSI etc. The OSA range has four basic components: • a range of minicomputers (LSX 3000), • a range of general purpose and specialized workstations, • a wide choice of networking facilities, and • appropriate software. The range of networks use standard wiring (for example, Ethernet and
Furosinet and Osinet demonstrations Honeywell Bull has initiated, in cooperation with over 25 industry and government organizations worldwide, the joint development of two experimental computer communications networks, Eurosinet and Osinet, in an undertaking to support the accelerated introduction of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards amongst computer manufacturers. Osinet, and its European cousin Eurosinet, are networking resources that customers of OSI computer manufacturers, including Honeywell Bull, can draw upon for demons-
trations of OSI and for research and trials at their convenience. In the UK, access is via Honeywell Bull's DPS6/ 52 minicomputer at the company's Hounslow facility, which runs DSA-6 networking software and utilises MAP 2.1 (Manufacturing Automation Protocol). Access in the USA is via Honeywell Bull's networking facility in Phoenix, Arizona, which provides communications on both sides of the Atlantic via satellite. Running continuously, the networks should be distinguished from the temporary relays set up in association with trade shows and industry exhibitions.
Starlan for local area networks) and the Olinet special software. The server minicomputers in Olinet-Lan can also function as departmental systems, carrying out the information processing for an entire department. Olinet-Wan enables workstations, LANs and mini- and/or mainframe computers, operating in remote offices or departments, to be connected to form wide area networks using ISO/OSI protocols and other de facto standards such as SNA. (Olivetti Ltd., Olivetti House,
86-88 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London SW75 2UR, UK. Tel: 07-785 6666; Telex: 27258) [] Protocols supported by Osinet and Eurosinet are: •
X.25
• • • •
Internet Transport Session File Transfer, Access and Management; DP-2 (FTAM)
Protocols to be supported in the future include: • FTAM (DIS) •
X.400
• ACSE • Virtual terminal
(Honeywell Bull Ltd., Honeywell House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middx TW8 9DH, UK. Tel: 01-568 9191; Telex: 28453) []
British Rail updates protocol analysis equipment
to fulfil two main functions:
British Rail's Western Region has decided to upgrade its protocol analysis equipment for its communications system. Currently the system uses a Total Operations Processing Networkwhich is designed at present to operate in an asynchronous environment. However, the network is going to be updated to operate in SDLC and SNA formats which will be able to use the existing diverse combination of communications devices, such as cable pressurization units, PA equipment, PABX
British Rail wanted to provide one protocol analyser per group of four technicians. The analyser had to be able of interfacing to all the common data codes and protocols and yet require little initial training. There was also a need that all the analysis equipment be identical so that the technicians would be able to communicate problems quickly and effectively. (Componedex Ltd., 21
vol 11 no 1 february 1988
exchanges, modems, etc. British Rail has chosen the Fakarscope E2000, from Compenedex, to meet its protocol analysis requirements. The E2000 combines the functions of a data line analyser, message generator, bit error rate tester and break out box. Each E2000 unit is highly portable and can be used in remote locations for three hours before rechargingwhich can be carried out from a car cigarette lighter. British Rail will be using the E2000
• initial equipment installation and subsequent troubleshooting, and • fault diagnosis.
Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes, MK13 9HA, UK. Tel: (0908) 322177; Telex: 82 75 70) []
41
International quality software standards The British Standards Institution's first Quality System registration of an international standard has been won by British Telecom. The award was made to Network Systems, the division of British Telecom Enterprises (BTE) which designs software packages for advanced computer and communications projects. BTE Network Systems is the first software organization for the UK and probably in Europe to be assessed against the new ISO 9001 (BS 5750 Part I) Quality System Standard for the application software systems it produces. (British Telecommunications pIG 81 Newgate Street, London EClA 7AJ, UK. Tel: 01-726 4444; Telex: 8811510) []
SGML for text and office systems Standard generalized markup language (SGML) is a language for the description of any document. It provides a text markup system for documents which is both versatile and flexible and can be used for all types of documents expressing information content in a formal way. Recently published, BS 6868 Specification for standard generalized markup language (SGML) for text and office systems is a dual numbered standard to ISO 8879. It will rationalize the approach to document publication using electronic means, specifically benefiting those users involved in corporate database publishing and other forms of computer-assisted and electronic publishing. The standard will also act as a base reference document for a number of other standards in preparation. Copies of BS 6868 may be obtained from BSI Sales, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE, UK. Tek 01-629 9000. [] 42
Multi-tasking protocol analyser A protocol analyser that plugs into any IBM or compatible PC and offers cost effective, unattended remote monitoring analysis has just been introduced by Sygnus Data Communications. Called Fedac, it turns a personal computer into a cost effective monitor/protocol analyser. It is available on a full size card which simply plugs into the personal computer, from which the Fedac protocol analyser draws its power. At the same time as running the Fedac System, the host PC can also carry out concurrent tasking. For example, while it is undertaking line diagnosis via Fedac, it can also be
running a terminal emulation function at the same time. A snapshot feature permits the capture of data without wasting countless hours of a technicians's time. The snapshot command is used to capture 'pre' and 'post' data based on a trigger condition. After a snapshot of the line under test has been taken, the snapshot data can be examined locally, automatically or manually uploaded to a host buffer for examination or automatically uploaded and written to a host disc for later examination. (Sygnus Data Communications Ltd., East House, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5AE, UK) []
BSI quality award The British Standards Institution Certificate of Registration to BS 5750 Part 1 has been presented to Pilkington Communication Systems. The award recognizes the company's ability to achieve and maintain consistently high standards in designing and manufacturing fibreoptic and coaxial cable, data and video communication systems and components. Compliance with BS 5750 is
specified increasingly by major public sector purchasers such as government departments and agencies. It is also regarded by the MoD as equivalent to AQAP-1 and Defence Standard 0521. It is also acknowledged by the private sector where assurance of the highest quality standards is required. (Pilkington Communication Systems Ltd., Kinmel Park, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, Clywd LL18 5TY, UK. Tek (0745) 584500; Telex: 61148) []
FDD! implementation launched System Finex, one of the first commercial implementations of the Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) standard has been launched by Fibronics. System Finex, a dual fibre highspeed 100 Mbit/s counter rotating token ring system, will connect IEEE 802 LANs, mainframe computers and link engineering workstations. At a recent exhibition the Fibronics network was used to interconnect an 802.3 segment, to the main Multinet I_AN. System Finex was used to display file transfer and terminal sessions from Ethernet users to various mainframe computers (IBM,
Nixdorf, DEC, Unisys). The system was demonstrated with its own console for network and station management. The Network Management System (NMS) provides a graphic presentation of the network, and a monitoring system for each node's parameters: it traces and displays status of the FDDI layers PHY, MAC, LLC and monitors the network down to the level of individual counters. The high-speed backbone of System Finex enables transfer rates of 100 Mbit/s. (Fibronics (UtO Ltd., Telford House, Hamilton Close, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 2 YT, UK) []
computer communications
X/Open, Posix, AT&T/Microsoft, ISO/ OSI etc. The OSA range has four basic components: • a range of minicomputers (LSX 3000), • a range of general purpose and specialized workstations, • a wide choice of networking facilities, and • appropriate software. The range of networks use standard wiring (for example, Ethernet and
Furosinet and Osinet demonstrations Honeywell Bull has initiated, in cooperation with over 25 industry and government organizations worldwide, the joint development of two experimental computer communications networks, Eurosinet and Osinet, in an undertaking to support the accelerated introduction of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards amongst computer manufacturers. Osinet, and its European cousin Eurosinet, are networking resources that customers of OSI computer manufacturers, including Honeywell Bull, can draw upon for demons-
trations of OSI and for research and trials at their convenience. In the UK, access is via Honeywell Bull's DPS6/ 52 minicomputer at the company's Hounslow facility, which runs DSA-6 networking software and utilises MAP 2.1 (Manufacturing Automation Protocol). Access in the USA is via Honeywell Bull's networking facility in Phoenix, Arizona, which provides communications on both sides of the Atlantic via satellite. Running continuously, the networks should be distinguished from the temporary relays set up in association with trade shows and industry exhibitions.
Starlan for local area networks) and the Olinet special software. The server minicomputers in Olinet-Lan can also function as departmental systems, carrying out the information processing for an entire department. Olinet-Wan enables workstations, LANs and mini- and/or mainframe computers, operating in remote offices or departments, to be connected to form wide area networks using ISO/OSI protocols and other de facto standards such as SNA. (Olivetti Ltd., Olivetti House,
86-88 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London SW75 2UR, UK. Tel: 07-785 6666; Telex: 27258) [] Protocols supported by Osinet and Eurosinet are: •
X.25
• • • •
Internet Transport Session File Transfer, Access and Management; DP-2 (FTAM)
Protocols to be supported in the future include: • FTAM (DIS) •
X.400
• ACSE • Virtual terminal
(Honeywell Bull Ltd., Honeywell House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middx TW8 9DH, UK. Tel: 01-568 9191; Telex: 28453) []
British Rail updates protocol analysis equipment
to fulfil two main functions:
British Rail's Western Region has decided to upgrade its protocol analysis equipment for its communications system. Currently the system uses a Total Operations Processing Networkwhich is designed at present to operate in an asynchronous environment. However, the network is going to be updated to operate in SDLC and SNA formats which will be able to use the existing diverse combination of communications devices, such as cable pressurization units, PA equipment, PABX
British Rail wanted to provide one protocol analyser per group of four technicians. The analyser had to be able of interfacing to all the common data codes and protocols and yet require little initial training. There was also a need that all the analysis equipment be identical so that the technicians would be able to communicate problems quickly and effectively. (Componedex Ltd., 21
vol 11 no 1 february 1988
exchanges, modems, etc. British Rail has chosen the Fakarscope E2000, from Compenedex, to meet its protocol analysis requirements. The E2000 combines the functions of a data line analyser, message generator, bit error rate tester and break out box. Each E2000 unit is highly portable and can be used in remote locations for three hours before rechargingwhich can be carried out from a car cigarette lighter. British Rail will be using the E2000
• initial equipment installation and subsequent troubleshooting, and • fault diagnosis.
Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes, MK13 9HA, UK. Tel: (0908) 322177; Telex: 82 75 70) []
41
International quality software standards The British Standards Institution's first Quality System registration of an international standard has been won by British Telecom. The award was made to Network Systems, the division of British Telecom Enterprises (BTE) which designs software packages for advanced computer and communications projects. BTE Network Systems is the first software organization for the UK and probably in Europe to be assessed against the new ISO 9001 (BS 5750 Part I) Quality System Standard for the application software systems it produces. (British Telecommunications pIG 81 Newgate Street, London EClA 7AJ, UK. Tel: 01-726 4444; Telex: 8811510) []
SGML for text and office systems Standard generalized markup language (SGML) is a language for the description of any document. It provides a text markup system for documents which is both versatile and flexible and can be used for all types of documents expressing information content in a formal way. Recently published, BS 6868 Specification for standard generalized markup language (SGML) for text and office systems is a dual numbered standard to ISO 8879. It will rationalize the approach to document publication using electronic means, specifically benefiting those users involved in corporate database publishing and other forms of computer-assisted and electronic publishing. The standard will also act as a base reference document for a number of other standards in preparation. Copies of BS 6868 may be obtained from BSI Sales, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE, UK. Tek 01-629 9000. [] 42
Multi-tasking protocol analyser A protocol analyser that plugs into any IBM or compatible PC and offers cost effective, unattended remote monitoring analysis has just been introduced by Sygnus Data Communications. Called Fedac, it turns a personal computer into a cost effective monitor/protocol analyser. It is available on a full size card which simply plugs into the personal computer, from which the Fedac protocol analyser draws its power. At the same time as running the Fedac System, the host PC can also carry out concurrent tasking. For example, while it is undertaking line diagnosis via Fedac, it can also be
running a terminal emulation function at the same time. A snapshot feature permits the capture of data without wasting countless hours of a technicians's time. The snapshot command is used to capture 'pre' and 'post' data based on a trigger condition. After a snapshot of the line under test has been taken, the snapshot data can be examined locally, automatically or manually uploaded to a host buffer for examination or automatically uploaded and written to a host disc for later examination. (Sygnus Data Communications Ltd., East House, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5AE, UK) []
BSI quality award The British Standards Institution Certificate of Registration to BS 5750 Part 1 has been presented to Pilkington Communication Systems. The award recognizes the company's ability to achieve and maintain consistently high standards in designing and manufacturing fibreoptic and coaxial cable, data and video communication systems and components. Compliance with BS 5750 is
specified increasingly by major public sector purchasers such as government departments and agencies. It is also regarded by the MoD as equivalent to AQAP-1 and Defence Standard 0521. It is also acknowledged by the private sector where assurance of the highest quality standards is required. (Pilkington Communication Systems Ltd., Kinmel Park, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, Clywd LL18 5TY, UK. Tek (0745) 584500; Telex: 61148) []
FDD! implementation launched System Finex, one of the first commercial implementations of the Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) standard has been launched by Fibronics. System Finex, a dual fibre highspeed 100 Mbit/s counter rotating token ring system, will connect IEEE 802 LANs, mainframe computers and link engineering workstations. At a recent exhibition the Fibronics network was used to interconnect an 802.3 segment, to the main Multinet I_AN. System Finex was used to display file transfer and terminal sessions from Ethernet users to various mainframe computers (IBM,
Nixdorf, DEC, Unisys). The system was demonstrated with its own console for network and station management. The Network Management System (NMS) provides a graphic presentation of the network, and a monitoring system for each node's parameters: it traces and displays status of the FDDI layers PHY, MAC, LLC and monitors the network down to the level of individual counters. The high-speed backbone of System Finex enables transfer rates of 100 Mbit/s. (Fibronics (UtO Ltd., Telford House, Hamilton Close, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 2 YT, UK) []
computer communications