FarSync T-Series X.25 Card Range
- Intelligent PCI / PCI-X bus Linux solutions -


The FarSync X.25 T-Series intelligent card range has been developed to provide high performance X.25 communications for Linux systems. See also details for support on Windows XP and 2000

The FarSync X25 T-Series datasheet for Linux may be downloaded here. If you require an Acrobat Reader to view the datasheet just click on the 'Get Acrobat Reader' button to obtain a free copy.  FarSync X.25 T-Series datasheet PDF format Get Acrobat Reader


Overview

The FarSync X.25 T-Series range of adapters has been developed to provide high performance, versatile and very reliable X.25 connectivity for Linux.

The competitively priced 1, 2 and 4 port PCI / PCI-X (Universal PCI) cards in the range are capable of driving each line at speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s with RS232C, X.21, RS530 and V.35 network interfaces.

There is IP over X.25 and 3 APIs to the X.25 layer, a Sockets based interface, a Java API and a NCB (Network Control Block) based interface. There are also APIs to the Triple-X PAD and ISO Transport layers (ISO 8073 - connection oriented). A comprehensive developers toolkit is included with the product.

The T-Series cards are supported on Linux kernel versions 2.4 and 2.6, including the leading distributions supplied by Redhat, SuSE, Mandriva, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Slackware and more. SMP (multi-processor) systems are supported.

FarSite is committed to supporting the FarSync X25 T-Series products on new versions of Linux and Linux kernels as they are released. The source code for the driver and the libraries for the API are supplied with the product, allowing rebuilding by the end user for use with almost any of the current or future Linux variants.

The FarSync X.25 Switch software for Linux is available for free download when a FarSync X25 card is purchased. The FarSync X.25 Switch software runs as a daemon providing X.25 connection switching functions. FarSync X25 T-Series cards are required to provide the links to the X.25 lines.


Typical Applications

The FarSync X25 T-Series adapters are suitable for connection to all types of X.25 networks, X.25 over the ISDN D channel and leased lines. Typical applications include:

  • Lottery, Police, Customs, Military, Financial, Fisheries, Government and Airline applications on private X.25 networks
  • E-Commerce gateways for credit verification
  • Telecom billing and mediation
  • Tandem host gateways
  • Low cost PC / Server based X.25 switch

The card is compatible with all public X.25 networks, such as Datex-P, BT X.25 Direct, Eirpac, Austpac, Transpac and Itapac to name just a few.


High Performance

The intelligent FarSync T-Series cards have been designed with performance in mind. The cards are driven by AMD processors with on board zero state SRAM memory mapped to the PC. There are 3 cards in the T-Series range offering between 1 and 4 ports. The X.25, ISO Transport and PAD protocol stacks run on the cards embedded processor.

 


FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Linux

A High Capacity Pack software option is available. A best in class 4,095 X.25 VCs can be supported per line, the maximum that the X.25 standard permits. This means for example 8,190 VCs on the 2 port FarSync X25 T2U where the standard version supports 254. The expanded capacity applies to X.25 SVC, PVC and ISO Transport connections.

Performance

The High Capacity Pack is particularly suitable for WAN hubs where there is often a demand for high VC count, high-density X.25 products. The High Capacity Pack for Linux provides an excellent solution since it can be used with multiple FarSync 1, 2 and 4 port X.25 cards. As part of the release the maximum data packets per second handled has been hugely increased allowing for example 4 port cards to handle 4 2 Mbits/s lines making full use of the lines bandwidth. The High Capacity Pack is supported on kernel version 2.6.

Configuration

X.25 Configuration application, click for larger imageAs well as text file configuration a Java and XML-based GUI configuration application is also provided. A typical screen is shown on the right, see a larger sample. Individual lines can be reconfigured and restarted without reloading the software and disrupting other lines.

API

Customer applications developed to use the standard X.25 Sockets API are compatible with the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack for Linux.

Ordering

The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is available under product code FS9505, it should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync X.25 card is purchased although a retrofit upgrade is possible. One FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is required per X.25 card.


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.PC/Server PCI/PCI-X Bus Compatibility

The FarSync X25 TU1, T2U and T4U are PCI version 2.2 compliant and PCI-X compatible, this Universal PCI adapter can operate in PCs using either 3.3 volt or 5 volt signaling. The card is suitable for PCs with both 32 bit bus and 64 bit bus configurations. The power for the card is taken from the 3.3 volt supply rail.

 

Application Development

For application developers needing to access X.25 there is a choice of a Sockets API, a Java API and a NCB (Network Control Block) based API. The three interfaces may be used simultaneously by different programs if required. API manuals and many example applications are included in the Developers Toolkit for both types of interface.

Sockets API - X.25

The Sockets interface provides a programming language independent high level connection orientated interface with access to a comprehensive set of X.25 features. The FarSync Sockets implementation is compatible with the BSD Sockets interface and allows the very basic Kernel X.25 module to be replaced by the much more comprehensive and flexible FarSync X.25 module while still running any applications developed for the Kernel X.25 module unchanged on a FarSync card.

It is easy to convert applications written for TCP/IP to instead use X.25 as the transport mechanism. In many cases the only change required is to the parameters provided when the socket is created to reference the X.25 address family and protocol. Multi-threaded applications are supported.

The Sockets API is recommended for new developments.

More details on the X.25 Sockets API, See the Sockets API manual here.

Java API - X.25

The Java API allows applications written in Core Java Software (J2SE) and Enterprise Java Software (J2EE) easy access to the functions and features of X.25 offered by the FarSync X.25 cards. Full documentation and sample applications are provided.

The Java API is recommend for new developments.

NCB API- X.25 and ISO Transport

This legacy interface is not recommend for new developments. The NCB interface provides a programming language independent, connection orientated interface controlled by command blocks. Full access is available to the X.25, Triple-X PAD (X.3, X.28, X.29) and ISO Transport (ISO 8073 - connection orientated) Classes 0 to 3.

The FarSync NCB API on Linux has a similar call set to that provided for in NCB interface on the FarSync product under Windows. This makes it very straightforward to port the X.25 interface code from existing Windows application using a FarSync card or even from the older X.PORT ISA cards.

Developers Toolkit

The developers toolkit is included with the FarSync X25 products and features:

  • Documented working C and Java source sample programs. Source code from these samples can be used to fast-track your development process
  • Comprehensive API manuals with function call definitions and helpful advice on the best way to utilise the various interfaces
  • Source code for the drivers and API libraries
  • Free email and telephone assistance to application developers

.TCP/IP over X.25

The IP over X.25 support is included as part of the FarSync X25 product.

The IP over X.25 support complies with RFC 1356 (IP over X.25). Higher level protocols that run over IP including TCP, UDP, HTTP and FTP are supported.

IP over X.25

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Installation and Configuration

Installation is achieved using the RPM system with binary and source RPMS available on the CD-ROM or from the Download page. Full installation instructions are provided in the CD-ROM documentation.
Source code is also available as a .tar.gz or as a fully expanded and documented source tree on the CD-ROM for easy browsing without installation.
PCI card hardware detection, download and configuration is performed automatically at system startup once the software has been installed.
A comprehensive configuration guide, commands reference and configuration examples are provided as part of the HTML documentation pack.


Useful Utilities

A line monitor utility is included, this can display data sent over the X.25 line at the frame and packet level, it is invaluable when developing and debugging applications.
A status utility allows display of the channel connection status and maintain statistics of user data, packet and frame types transmitted.


Cables

The cable and connector configurations available for each card type are described in the FarSync X25 T-Series product range and compatible cables table. Crossover cables, sometimes referred to as null modem cables, are also detailed.

FarSync X25 T1U and FarSync X25 T2U

These one and two port cards have separate high-density D type connector for each port on the card. Cables supporting RS232C (V.24, X.21bis), X.21 (V.11, RS422), RS530 and V.35 are available.

FarSync X25 T4U

This four port card uses a single large high-density D type connector on the card with all four lines available though this connector. The quad port cables splits out the four network interfaces into separate network connectors. Cables supporting RS232C (V.24, X.21bis), X.21 (V.11, RS422) and V.35 are available.


Packaging

The X.25 software firmware, drivers, utilities and the development toolkit are all included on the CD-ROM supplied with the FarSync communications adapter. Cables are ordered separately.

The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Linux is supplied separately under product code FS9505.

The CD-ROM supplied with the FarSync PCI communications cards includes:

  • Drivers for Linux, Windows XP, 2000 and Server 2003
  • Numerous example applications with source code
  • Documentation for all the APIs in Adobe PDF format
  • Source code for Linux drivers and API Libraries
  • Various useful utility programs

New releases of the software are made available for free download from the Download page in the Support section of this web site.

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Software Technical Specifications
Operation Systems supported Linux distributions supplied by Redhat, SuSE, Mandriva, Debian, Ubuntu, Slackware, Fedora and others with kernel versions 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6.

FarSite is committed to supporting the FarSync X25 T-Series products on new versions of Linux as they are released.

See also FarSync X25 card support on Windows XP, 2000 and Server 2003.
Linux Kernel Support All sub versions of kernel releases from 2.4.2 and 2.6.1 onward. The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is supported on 2.6.1 onward. The products may operate successfully with earlier versions of the kernel but no specific testing has been undertaken by FarSite
SMP (Multi-Processor Systems) Yes, the software has been designed for and tested on SMP Servers
64 bit systems The FarSync X25 T1U, T2U and T4U cards can be used on 64 bit systems based on the Opteron and Athlon processors
Multiple cards Yes, limited only by PCI resources, typically up to 4 per PC/Server but can be more on some Server systems. Any mix of FarSync T1U, T2U and T4U adapters can be supported.
X.25 Features
X.25 CCITT compliance 1980, 84 & 88
DTE/DCE operation Both and Auto Select
Maximum SVCs (all types) 254 per card, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing
4,095 per port using the High Capacity Pack, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing
Maximum PVCs 254 per card
4,095 per port using the High Capacity Pack
Maximum simultaneous connections 254 per card using the NCB interface, 240 using the Sockets interface
4095 per port using the Sockets interface with the High Capacity Pack
Data Packet size range 16 to 4096 bytes
Data packets per second throughput > 600 pps and > 2000 pps with the High Capacity Pack
X25 facilities supported Reverse charging, Closed User Group (CUG), Network User Identifier (NUI), Fast Select, Packet and Windows size negotiation, Extended sequence numbering (128), Throughput Class Negotiation.
Types of network connection X.25 packet switch, leased line, dial up (X.32, V.25 bis and dial on DTR)
Accessible via API Yes, three APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API and a NCB interface
IP over X.25 Supported, complies with RFC 1356
X.25 switch X.25 Switch daemon available for free download for use with the FarSync X.25 cards

Triple-X Pad Features
Supplied with the X.25 software Included with the standard product, the Triple-X pad is not available when using the High Capacity Pack
Standards supported CCITT 1984 standard - X.3, X.28, X.29
Maximum simultaneous connections 254 per card
Parameter support All 22 of the 1984 standard
Accessible via API Yes
ISO Transport Features
Supplied with the X.25 software Included with both the standard product and the High Capacity Pack
Standard supported ISO 8073 (connection oriented)
Classes supported Classes 0, 1, 2 and 3
Negotiation between classes Yes
Simultaneous transport connections 254 per card,
4,095 per port using the High Capacity Pack
Accessible via API Yes
Developers Toolkit
X.25 API Sockets API, easy to use, provides access to the majority of X.25 features, recommended for most developments.
Java API, allows easy access to X.25 from Java applications.
Legacy NCB based API providing low level access to all the features of X.25.
ISO Transport API Legacy NCB based API providing access to all the features of the ISO Transport support. Can operate simultaneously with access to the X.25 and PAD layers.
Triple-X Pad API Legacy NCB based API providing access to all the features of the PAD support. Can operate simultaneously with access to the X.25 and ISO Transport layers.
On-Line API reference manuals a X.25 Sockets API manual, Java API documentation, a NCB X.25 / PAD API manual and an ISO Transport API manual
Sample programs Included, large number of example applications are available for driving the various APIs.
Source code Included for drivers, the API libraries and sample C and Java applications

 

Hardware Technical Specifications

Product Name

FarSync X25 T1U

FarSync X25 T2U

FarSync X25 T4U
 
Product Code FS6140 FS6240 FS6440
Warranty 5 years 5 years 5 years
Port Count (X.25 lines) 1 port 2 ports 4 ports
RoHS Available RoHS Available RoHS Available RoHS
Hardware Features
Card type and PCI specification AMD Processor,
1 Mbyte zero wait state SRAM,
Intelligent Universal bus mastering PCI card,
Short card (height 107mm, length 167mm),
PCI-X compatible,
PCI v2.2 compliant,
Supports 3.3 & 5 volt signaling,
Suitable for 32 and 64 bit PCI bus slots
Network connectors X.21 (V.11, RS422) - 15 pin male D type,
V.35 - MRAC-34 male 'brick' type ,
RS232C (V.24, X.21bis) - 25 pin male D type,
RS530 - 25 pin male D type
Link speed range RS232C: up to 128 Kbits/s
X21, V35, RS530: up to 2.048 Mbits/s
ESD protection Yes, Littelfuse high speed ESD and over-voltage protection
Multiple cards in a PC Yes,  4 or more Yes,  4 or more Yes,  4 or more
FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack support Yes, order product code FS9505 Yes, order product code FS9505 Yes, order product code FS9505
LED line status indicators 1 line status 2 line status 4 line status
Approvals EN55022 class B, CE,
FCC class B		 EN55022 class B, CE,
FCC class B		 EN55022 class B, CE,
FCC class B
Power requirements 850mA @ +3.3 V
< 5 mA @ +/-12 V
(ESD suppression)
2.8 watts max		 < 1.2 Amp @ +3.3V
< 5 mA @ +/-12V
(ESD suppression)
< 4 watts max		 < 1.75 Amp @ +3.3V
< 10 mA @ +/-12V
(ESD suppression)
< 6 watts max
MTBF 265,965 hours 1 233,833 hours 1 187,427 hours 1
1 Bellcore Method 1 Case 3, 40 deg.C ambient, 15 deg.C case temperature rise above ambient.
Line clocking (internal/external) Both, internal clock
range: 9600, 19200, 38400 and 76800 baud. 2		 Both, all ports selectable.
Internal clock range
9,600 baud to 8Mbits/s. 2		 Both, all ports selectable.
Internal clock range 9,600 baud to 8Mbits/s. 2

2 No special cables are required to use internal clocks for RS232C and X.21. For V.35 internal clocking the UX35C DCE cable should be used. Internal clocking is not supported for RS530.

Cable type compatibility Cables are ordered separately see the FarSync X25 T-Series product range and compatible cables table lists the cables available by card type
RoHS Compliance See the RoHS news item

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.

Last updated: 20-Jul-2007

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