FarLinX X25 Gateway - A Line Monitor and TCP/IP authentication and encryption added

FarSite has further improved the FarLinX X25 Gateway in firmware release version 2.2 by adding two new features, a line monitor and TCP/IP authentication and encryption using IPSEC.

Line Monitor

The Line Monitor, assessable from a browser allows the X.25 and XOT traffic to be recorded and displayed. This very useful feature allows Network Managers and System Installers to locally or remotely analyse and rapidly diagnose problems that may occur on the XOT or X.25 links without the need for expensive external line monitors.

The line traces can be saved and viewed later, for example in a customer support situation.

Encryption using IPSEC

The FarLinX X25 Gateway now supports the option of selecting IPSEC to provide communications security in IP networks. It can be especially important when public Internet connections are used for part of the communications path.

IPSEC operates between a pair of devices. Each must know details of the remote device in order to authenticate communications and successfully encrypt/decrypt data being sent and received. In the FarLinX X25 Gateway, the details of multiple partner Gateways can be configured. The pre-shared key used to authenticate is unique for each remote partner. Once authentication has completed an exchange of encryption keys takes place under the pre-shared key. The session key is used only for a single session.

For further information see FarLinX X25 Gateway product datasheet.

FarSite receives Queen's Award for Enterprise

FarSite Communications Ltd has just been awarded the coveted Queen's Award for Enterprise - International Trade category, one of the highest and most prestigious accolades a UK business can receive.

The technology-based company was established in 1998 to provide data and voice communications products and services for the business sector and now boasts exports amounting to 85% of its sales with products supplied to over 100 countries worldwide. The company has an impressive international client list from the banking, government, aerospace, military, 3G and retail communications sectors.

Steve Scott commercial director and one of the founding directors of the business comments: "This is a fantastic achievement and represents over 10 years' hard work and commitment from our employees and corporate partners worldwide. In an age where the USA dominates the data communications sector, we've proven that UK companies can compete at the very highest level. Both myself and co-director Dermot Smith are thrilled!"

The Queen's Award for Enterprise is rarely given to companies in the technology and communications sector, which makes the achievement all the more special. The Award will be shared with employees, existing clients and partners and also used to help further build the company's position in the UK and in key overseas markets as a proven specialist in the field of data and voice communications.

For further information contact:

Steve Scott
Tel: +44 1590 681288
Email:

RS485 support added to the FarSync Flex

The FarSync Flex software and drivers on Windows and Linux can now support 2 wire RS485 operation. All existing FarSync Flex devices can be upgraded to support RS485.

RS485 Specification addition

Line type: 2 wire (half duplex) RS485; multi drop and single ended
Line speed: up to 512 Kbits/s
Signal modes: NRZI, FM1 or FM0

For further information see FarSync Flex spec

Product Support, Sales and Shipping dates over Christmas 2008

UK Office Holiday Closure
The UK office is closed on the 25th December 08 and reopens on the 2nd January 09. The office in China is open as normal.

Sales Enquiries
For your sales enquires over the Christmas period holidays please send us an email or use the enquiry form and we will get in contact with you.

Support Enquiries
For support enquires please email us or use the support enquiry form or call the China office.

Shipping
The shipping dates over the Christmas holidays will be as follows:

Last shipping date in 2008: 23rd December
First shipping date in 2009: 2nd January

PCI Express 2 port synchronous card the FarSync T2Ue

FarSite have launched a 2 port synchronous PCI Express card for PCs and Servers.

The 2 port card adds to FarSite's PCI Express adapter range.

The FarSync T2Ue (product code: FS4250) is supplied with support to interoperate with the Windows and Linux TCP/IP stack and also an API. A Developers Toolkit, the FarSync SDK (product code: FS9610) can be used to develop the application to use the API. The product is application level compatible with the FarSync T2U, applications developed for use with the T2U will work with the T2Ue. The full range of cables available for the T2U can also be used with the T2Ue.

See the full details on the FarSync T2Ue page

Contact us for further details.

Version 6.0 of the FarSync adapter test software available

An updated set of test software for the FarSync range of adapters is now available for download.

New Features of Adapter Test Software version 6.0

• Runs on 32 Bit DOS making it compatible with a much wider range of PCs.
  
  
• Bootable ISO image for a CDROM available. Now you can use the ISO Image to create your own Bootable test CD making it a snip to quickly test the cards.
  
  
• The 6.0 software tests a wider range of features supported by some of the FarSync adapter hardware.

Download from here

FarSync WAN and FarSync OEM product ranges merged

FarSite have merged the FarSync WAN and FarSync OEM PCI and PCMCIA products into a single product range supporting the features from both product ranges.

The FarSync WAN products which allowed the FarSync Synchronous card products to operate with TCP/IP have been merged with the FarSync OEM products to create a single product range with an API into the card for developers as well supporting operation under TCP/IP. The adapters can be configured to operate with TCP/IP or use the API. By providing both types of functionality in one product this simplifies for our customers the decision on which product to purchase.

The FarSync T4E now includes support for TCP/IP, this was not available before.

The Developers Toolkit has been split out into a separate purchasable FarSync SDK with support for all the FarSync adapters in the one SDK. One SDK is required for each engineer developing software for the FarSync adapter range. As part of the FarSync SDK package FarSite is providing great technical support to customers using the APIs from it's UK and Chinese offices.

See the product translation list below:

This brings the above products inline with the FarSync Flex and FarSync T4Ue products which were already combined in this way.

The new products are being shipped from the 12th September.

New release of FarSync X.25 for Linux

FarSite have released a new version of the FarSync X25 software for Linux.

The X.25 is now configurable by a GUI, supports 254 connections on each port (previously 254 for each card) and runs faster at higher line speeds. There is an option to support XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) at the same time as the X.25.

Other new features are: OOB data for D Bit, Interrupts and Resets.

The software is supported on the FarSync Flex USB adapter, 1, 2 and 4 port FarSync Universal PCI cards and also the 4 port T4Ue PCI Express card.

For full details of the FarSync X.25 product range. Download the FarSync X.25 Linux software

New multi function X.25 Gateway range to help users migrate from X.25 to TCP/IP

FarSite have launched a new range of X.25 Gateway's supporting more functions, more features, easier manageability and all at a lower cost. The Gateway provides a one stop shop for companies wishing to migrate from X.25 to TCP/IP.

The FarLinX X25 Gateway range consists of 4 gateways supporting from 1 to 8 X.25 lines. All the Gateway's support XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP), TCP/IP to X.25 data conversion and routing and an option to add support for POS protocols.

The Gateway is browser managed with, call and event logging, comprehensive operational statistics, SNMP alerts and resilient dual gateway operation.

The XOT support is new feature and allows users to operate X.25 SVCs and PVCs over TCP/IP. The XOT performance is particularly fast compared with other XOT offerings, allowing large number of connections to be established and cleared quickly. Using the FarLinX X.25 Gateway complete X.25 networks can be replaced by the FarLinX with WAN links running TCP/IP. The Gateway can operate as an 8 line X.25 switch plus XOT.

The Gateway provides connection establishment and data packetization services for general protocols to allow applications sending data over TCP/IP to interface to X.25 connected hosts and also routing facilities to select the appropriate Host from those available and maintains X.25 sessions to the Host as required.

For full details see FarLinX X.25 Gateway.

PCI Express 4 port synchronous cards the FarSync T4Ue and FarSync X25 T4Ue

FarSite can now supply synchronous PCI express (PCIe) cards for PCs and Servers.

The first products available in the FarSite's new PCIe range are the RoHS compliant FarSync T4Ue and the FarSync X25 T4Ue.

The FarSync T4Ue (product code: FS4450) is supplied with support to interoperate with the Windows and Linux TCP/IP stack and also an API. A Developers Toolkit, the FarSync SDK (product code: FS9610) can be used to develop the application to use the API. The product is application level compatible with the FarSync OEM T4U, applications developed for use with the T4U will work with the T4Ue. The full range of cables available for the T4U can also be used with the T4Ue.

For customers requiring X.25 the FarSync X25 T4Ue (product code: FS6450) is available, this includes the API and the X.25 Developers Toolkit. The product is application level compatible with the FarSync X25 T4U, applications developed for use with the X25 T4U will work with the X25 T4Ue. The full range of cables available for the X25 T4U can also be used with the X25 T4Ue.

The FarSync T4Ue (see the full details on the FarSync T4Ue page) and FarSync X25 T4Ue, the products are in stock and available now.

Contact us for further details.

Update on status of FarSync products operation on Vista

The majority of the currently released FarSync products will work on 32 bit versions of the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. Please contact us if you require details on any specific product and we will be pleased to advise you.

We can supply some easy to follow guidance notes for use when installing on Vista, see the Support page for guides available from the web site.

Development is well advanced on new releases of software compatible with the both the 64 bit and 32 bit versions of Windows Vista. If you require 64 bit support then contact us, some beta releases are now available.

The FarSync M1P PCMCIA card has changed

The FarSync M1P PCMCIA card has changed. Due to the unavailability of certain connector parts, a modified version of the product has now been released. The new FarSync M1P v2 is 100% software compatible with the older version. The only difference is the construction of the connector to the network cable. This has therefore also required a new range of cables for the M1P v2 card. These are electrically the same as the older cables, but with a different connector to the M1P card itself. FarSite still have a supply of the older cables for existing customers, see the table below for full details of the replacement products and the status of previous versions of products where applicable.

Customers ordering the older M1P cards using the older product codes will be informed that the replacement products will be supplied instead. Where cables and cards are ordered matching sets of cables and cards will be supplied.

Contact us for further information.

FarSite announce the FarSync Flex, the worlds first USB Synchronous adapter

FarSite have developed a USB connected synchronous serial adapter supporting X.21, RS530, V.35, RS449 and RS232C network interfaces operating at serial line speeds up to 2 Mbits/s. The device is believed to be the only USB Synchronous Serial line adapter available. No external power supply is required as the device is powered from the USB connection. USB 2.0 and older USB 1.1 host interfaces are supported.

There are 2 versions of the Flex product, the FarSync Flex and the FarSync Flex X25.

FarSync Flex - Key Features: X.21, RS530, V.35, RS449 and RS232C network interfaces, drivers for Linux and Windows, NDIS and SDCI Windows API, Raw sockets Linux API, TCP/IP over PPP, USB line powered, Toolkit available for using the API, Line signal modes: NRZ, NRZI, FM0 and FM1, Selectable synchronous or asynchronous, 2 Mbits/s, internal and external clocking, USB 2.0 and 1.1.

FarSync Flex X25 - Key Features: All the features of the FarSync Flex plus: X.25 and ISO transport protocol handlers for Windows and Linux, IP over X.25, X.25 Developers Toolkit. Sockets and Java API to the protocol handlers. Full Details.

Orders are being taken now, the first units will be shipped in April 07, contact us for further information.

Status of FarSync products operation on Vista

Many of the currently released FarSync products will work on 32 bit versions of the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. Please contact us if you require details on any specific product and we will be pleased to advise you. We can supply some additional guidance notes for use when installing.

FarSite is developing new releases of software compatible with the both the 64 bit and 32 bit versions of Windows Vista. If you require 64 bit support then contact us, as a beta release may already be available.

FarSite today announced it has attained Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status

FarSite is proud to announce that it has achieved Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, the top tier in the Microsoft Partner Program. FarSite has additionally achieved the OEM Hardware Solution competency in the Microsoft Certified Partner Program, under the device manufacturing specialisation.

The Microsoft Partner Program represents Microsoft's ongoing commitment to the success of its partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognises partner expertise and rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace.

The OEM Hardware Solutions Competency is intended for partners that that design and manufacture hardware devices used as computer parts, peripherals or accessories. Partners that attain the OEM Hardware Solutions Competency are recognised for their expertise in delivering high-quality hardware solutions and are provided with information and tools needed to expand their market opportunities and maintain a competitive advantage in the industry.

Microsoft Quote: "Partners that acquire the OEM Hardware Solutions Competency have demonstrated expertise and have a track record of building high-quality hardware solutions that are designed and configured with the Microsoft technologies according to customer needs and supported to ensure customer satisfaction," said Kurt Kolb, vice president of Worldwide System Builder Channel and License Compliance at Microsoft. "These partners are able to closely engage with Microsoft and have access to specialized resources to help them meet and even surpass customer expectations."

FarSite Quote: "We are extremely pleased to have attained Microsoft Gold Certification and the OEM Hardware Solutions competency" said Steve Scott, Director at FarSite Communications in the UK and China. "As customers expand and upgrade their information technology assets, there is a demand for high-quality hardware solutions, optimised to run under a Microsoft environment. FarSite will continue enhancing our hardware products for use on the Microsoft platform including supporting Microsoft Windows Vista in 32 bit and 64 bit modes, allowing our customers to expand their market opportunities and maintain a competitive advantage in their industry."

X.25 Protocol Guide

Now available on this web site is an X.25 Guide describing the X.25 Protocol and how it compares with the TCP/IP protocol and PSTN networks.

The guide is intended for Developers and Network Managers who are not very familiar with X.25 to quickly learn about the protocol. It should prove a very useful reference resource on the X.25 the protocol and how it is used in today's networks.

The guide covers the X.25 protocol, types and structure of packets , LAPB, types and structure of frames, the physical layer and using the Sockets API to interface to X.25.