The new FarSync T2Ee PCI express adapter supporting 2 synchronous ports with a rich feature set previously only available on PCI cards. The main features are:

Low profile card, yet still supporting 2 synchronous ports, full and low profile brackets are supplied
Line speeds up to 10 Mbits/s
NRZ, Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Diphase, FM0 and FM1 line signalling
RS530, RS232C, V.35, X.21, RS422, RS449, RS485 network interfaces
Terminal Timing, dual independent clocks handling and soft configurable termination resistors on each port
HDLC and Transparent bitstreaming operation
Extra line interface protection for harsh environments
Full range of internally generated clock speeds thanks to a frequency synthesiser on each port
Drivers for Linux (big endian and little endian) and Windows
API support with the FarSync SDK Developers Toolkit

The FarSync T2Ee is planned to be available in March 2012, contact us for further information.

New Protocols and API enhancements for FarSync adapters

FarSite has made a major new release to the FarSync adapter support on Windows it includes:

A new easier and quicker to use API, FsWinAPI, implemented as a superset of the older SDCI API.
Bit streaming encoding and decoding now embedded in the driver for faster application development and improved performance, particularly at higher line speeds with it's intelligent adaptive buffering.
An API to LAPB, V.120 and G.704.
Support for 64 bit as well as 32 bit applications.
New external adaptive clocking support offered by the FarSync TE1e for E1 lines fully supported by the API. This is particularly useful for DAB and DVB operation.
Com port interface to the async ports on the FarSync T4U+Async, T4E, T4E+, T4Ue+Async and Flex.
Additional sample applications.

The updated FarSync adapters and SDK software are shipping now with new orders. See FarSync SDK for further information.

ACTS becomes FarSite’s Channel Partner for Taiwan

FarSite is proud to announce that Advanced Communication Technology & Solutions Corporation (ACTS) of Taiwan have become FarSite’s products channel partner for Taiwan.

About ACTS
ACTS, an established company have very strong telecommunications and networking experience with a number of staff having a long history in the communications arena covering not just current technology but also legacy systems and integrating those systems with current network technology.
In addition to the supply of communications products ACTS are able to provide end to end system integration, planning and implementation and maintenance services.

For further details at ACTS contact Arthur Lee or Michael Chen

ACTS email: farsite_sales@acts-corp.com.tw
ACTS telephone: +886-2-2522-2122
Address: ACTS, 12F, 18, Sec. 1, Chang-An East Road, Taipei City 104, Taiwan
www.acts-corp.com.tw

About FarSite
FarSite Communications Ltd., designs, develops and manufactures high quality, high performance WAN Communications Gateway Appliances and also communications adapters for PCs and Servers used in a business, government and military environments. The products include X.25 Gateways and adapters, synchronous cards, DAB/DMB connectivity, line test and monitoring products.

For further details at FarSite contact: Steve Scott

FarSite email:
FarSite telephone: +44 1256 336740
Address: FarSite Communications Ltd, Tempus Business Centre, 60 Kingsclere Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6XG, UK.

Synchronous 2 port PMC cards - available soon

FarSite will soon be introducing Synchronous PMC cards to it's product range. These industrial specification cards will support either rear facing I/O only, or rear and front facing I/O. The cards can be air or conduction cooled.

The FarSync T2U PMC cards and software for Windows and Linux are designed to provide high reliability and performance hardware communications solutions for business, government and the military who need a Universal PCI synchronous communications card with a PMC interface. The product includes a low level driver that allows access to the communications features available in the hardware. The cards can optionally use the host's standard TCP/IP protocol stack to allow access to IP based networks such as the Internet. The FarSync SDK provides a Developers Toolkit for the product.

The cards will support a synchronous line at speeds of up to 10Mbits/s continuous. The highly flexible universal network connector supports RS232C, X.21, RS530 (RS422 signalling), RS449 and V.35 network interfaces.

Adapter carriers allow PMC cards to work in a cPCI or a VME based chassis.

The product will be supplied with a 5 year warranty.

Conditioned Diphase, FM1 and FM0 line signalling added to FarSync T4E+ adapter - 23 Jun 2011

The FarSync T4E+ and FarSync X25 T4E+ adapters are now being supplied with Conditioned Diphase (AKA Differential Manchester), FM0 and FM1 line signalling encoding in addition to the previously supported Manchester Encoding and NRZ.

The self clocking Conditioned Diphase, FM0 and FM1 all run at line rates from 1,200 baud up to 10Mbps on the adapter.

Initially just the Windows drivers support the new features, drivers for Linux will follow soon, look out for a later announcement on this. All FarSync T4E+ hardware being shipped from today will support Conditioned Diphase, FM0 and FM1 network signalling standards.

A new PCI Express format E1 card with BNC and RJ48 connectors - 4 April 2011

FarSite has introduced a new PCI Express E1 card, called the FarSync TE1e it has all the same features as the PCI FarSync TE1 but in a PCIe format plus an external clock synchronisation through a SMA connector supporting external clocks speeds of 10Mhz, 5Mhz, 2.048Mhz and 1Mhz.. This makes the card particularly suitable for some DAB applications.

See the FarSync TE1e page for full details.

Using LabVIEW with FarSync adapters - 19 January 2011

FarSite is pleased to announce that it has produced a LabVIEW example application that demonstrates how to use the FarSync adapter interface from LabVIEW. This allows LabVIEW applications to be quickly developed to communicate with the wide range of FarSync adapters and hence have access to the flexible communications interface support offered by these adapters.

The example VI (LabVIEW executable/program) will be included in the FarSync SDK.

FarLinX XOT Gateway- 13 January 2011

FarSite has introduced a new product to the FarLinX Gateway range, the FarLinX XOT Gateway. This new Gateway allows connections from TCP to be routed directly to XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) this eliminates the need for the connection to be first routed through a physical X.25 link.

The product allows X.25 to be eliminated from one end of a mixed TCP/IP - X.25 network just leaving short X.25 lines to connect to legacy equipment thus reducing network complexity.

For more details see FarLinX XOT Gateway / FarLinX X25 Gateway.

FarLinX X25 Gateway - 13 January 2011

FarSite have introduced a whole range of enhancements for the FarLinX X25 Gateway with a major upgrade to the firmware. This new firmware version 2.4 is shipping on all new Gateways, older Gateways can also be upgraded with the new version of firmware.

New Features:

The Gateway can route directly between TCP/IP and XOT as a configuration option.
The Gateway performance and general responsiveness has been improved when running large numbers of sessions with a high X.25 packet load.
A Current Sessions activity page has been added, this displays the status of sessions currently in progress on the Gateway that can be sorted in a number of different ways.
New dynamic session mode XDRPD added which allows greater control and information on the status of the X.25 session than supported by the earlier DRPD mode. DRPD is still supported for backward compatibility.
X.29 Host support can now operate with DRPD and XDRPD mode connections.
The Line Monitor support has been completely rewritten. The Line Monitor is now a standalone application that can be run on a local or remote LAN. This FSMon application can monitor multiple lines on multiple Gateways if required and traces can be saved for later analysis. The frame format is also compatible with the popular Wireshark so now Wireshark can be used to monitor the Gateway if preferred.
The activity and transaction logs can now be optionally sent to a remote machine for logging using the syslog mechanism.
A number of improvement have been made to the GUI to simplify the ease of configuration.
There have been improvements to existing sample applications and new ones added for customers using DRPD and the new XDRPD dynamic modes.

For more details see FarLinX X25 Gateway.

FarSync XOT Runtime for Windows - 24 August 2010

Allows an application written to use an X.25 line to use XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) instead. No special hardware is required.

The FarSync XOT Runtime has been developed to provide high performance and very reliable XOT connectivity for system running Windows. Both X.25 SVCs and PVCs are supported with a maximum of 4096 simultaneous connections.

A comprehensive Developers Toolkit is included with the product.

The API is based on Sockets (compliant with Winsock2) and is compatible with the Microsoft defined X.25 Sockets API. Applications written to use the Microsoft X.25 Sockets API will work with the FarSync XOT product. It supports standard AF_ISO / ISOPROTO_X25 sockets used by a number of applications, such as MS-Exchange. It also supports the AF_X25 address family used by the applications written to use FarSync X.25 products.

Applications developed in most programming languages, including Visual Basic, Delphi, C++ and .NET applications, can use the Sockets API to FarSync XOT, and there is a Java Extension API supplied to provide access from Java applications.

FarSync XOT Runtime is supported on Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003 and Server 2008. Multi-processor, 32 and 64 bit systems are supported.

The FarSync XOT Runtime for Windows interoperates with the FarLinX X25 Gateway, FarSync XOT Runtime for Linux and other devices complying with the XOT standard.

FarSync XOT Runtime for Windows full specification

Availability

This product is available now, contact us for further information.

FarLinX X25 Gateway - now shipping in 1U case

FarLinX X25 Gateway

The FarLinX X25 Gateway mode range are now being supplied in a 1U high rack mountable enclosure. This new case supports the same number of WAN ports as the previous larger case but in a smaller volume, lower weight and lower running temperature for greater reliability than the previous model. A temperature activated fan is fitted as standard and a USB port on the back of the unit is now accessible.

The Gateway can now also be supplied in a -48 VDC version.

Full details on the FarLinX X25 Gateway.

The Gateway is being shipped with the 1U case from now.

Note: a limited number of the older FarLinX cases are available to existing customers who want to keep the same design for additional gateway's. This must be explicitly stated on the order.

FarLinX X25 Gateway - support added for E1 X.25 connections and Triple-X PAD access by Telnet and async ports - 14 Dec 09

FarLinX X.25 Gateway

FarSite announces a major expansion to the FarLinX X25 Gateways capabilities with the release of E1 and Async cards together with 2.3.5 firmware. The additional features are:

New Gateway model "FarLinX X25 Gateway-E1", supporting E1 carrier links in G.703 and G.704 configurations
A E1 upgrade option allowing X.25 over E1 support to be mixed with X.21, V.35, RS232C and RS530 (RS422) interfaces
Async option supporting Triple-X PAD in 4, 8 and 16 port versions
The Triple-X PAD support also accessible using Telnet
The async port supplied with all gateways can be used as a Triple-X PAD port
The Gateway can now handle over 2,000 simultaneous connections

DCE cables are now available as well as DTE

The new features make the gateway even more adaptable at seamlessly handling X.25 to TCP/IP transition, for full details see the FarLinX X.25 Gateway page.

Downloadable firmware version 2.3.5 is available to upgrade existing Gateway's from 2.2.8 onwards, for upgrading earlier versions of firmware contact us.

Line testing with a BERT Tester that runs on your Laptop - 11 Dec 09

FarSite is pleased to announce a new product for line testing, a BER Tester that will run on your Laptop or Notebook PC. The BERT Tester product comes complete with a rugged adapter that connects to your Laptop's USB port and a set of cables for testing RS232, X.21, RS530 and V.35 network synchronous and asynchronous network connections.

The product is compact and ideal for test engineers who carry a laptop for their work.

FarSync BERT Tester
Example BERT Tester display on the Laptop

Main Features

Complete set of BERT (Bit Error Rate Test) line test patterns
BERT testing from your laptop, notebook or PC using a USB adapter
Supported on Windows 7, Vista and XP
Order the complete product or purchase individual components as required
Line speed range from 15 baud to 2 Mbits/s
Tests synchronous and asynchronous lines
Connects to RS232C, V.35, RS530 (RS422), X.21 and RS449 network interfaces
User controlled error injection facility

See the full FarSync BERT Tester details.

Meet FarSite at the Military & Aerospace Electronics Conference and Exhibition held on the 10th November 2009 at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Reading, UK - 22 Oct 09

FarSite will be exhibiting its products on Stand 33 at the Military & Aerospace Electronics Conference and Exhibition which is being held at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Reading, UK on the 10th November 2009, see www.mae-show.com.

On the stand you will be able to view FarSite's COTS products which we frequently supply for Military applications and also discuss with some of our Engineers and Sales force your requirements and the relative suitability of the products we supply.

Many of our long life time COTS communications products are supplied for Military applications all over the world including the US Military, UK Military and NATO, these are often supplied unchanged or in some instances customised for specific requirements. We supply a full, very economic customisation service if that is required.

For further details contact us.

FarSync X.25 products - new software releases for Windows and Linux - 27 Jul 09

FarSite has released new versions of the X.25 support for its FarSync card series running on Windows and Linux. The new software is shipping with the X.25 products now. The new releases are also available for download to allow existing customers to upgrade.

Windows

This major new release supports 32 and 64 bit Windows operating systems (Vista and Server 2008) and permits complete flexibility on the use of each of the ports of the FarSync adapters.

The IP over X.25 multi destination support allows IP to operate over an X.25 network without the need for all traffic to be funneled to a central IP router thus reducing the IP frame load across the X.25 network.

New Features Summary

Support added for Windows Vista 64 bit O/S and Windows Server 2008 32 and 64 bit O/S versions
E1 (G.703 and G.704) support provided by the new FarSync X25 TE1 product
IP over X.25 (RFC 1356) multi destination now supported, previously just a single IP address destination was handled
Utilises the Port Manager software to centralise control of all the FarSync adapters installed. This allows for example X.25 to be configured for one port and TCP/IP/PPP on another and transparent bitstream operation on another
Multiple FarSync Flex X25 USB adapters can be installed and Flex X25 USB hot plug in allowed
FarSync Flex X25 USB adapter and FarSync T-Series PCI cards can be inter-mixed
RS530 configurable network interface option on the FarSync X25 T1U, T2U, T4U, T2Ue and T4Ue adapters (was already supported on the Flex)
Wireshark can trace X.25 line activity in real time
The FSMON line monitor can record line traces in pcap (Wireshark compatible) format

Linux

New Features Summary

Support added for kernel versions 2.6.27 and 2.6.28
Particularly for developers on embedded systems a new version of the libxmldb.so file has been provided that greatly reduces the total size of a minimal X.25 installation where GUI configuration is not required. This is particularly useful where the software needs to be fitted in systems with minimal disk and memory size.

For further details see the FarSync X.25 product pages.

FarLinX X25 Gateway - A Line Monitor and TCP/IP authentication and encryption added - 4 May 09

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 - 21 April 2009

Dermot Smith and Steve Scott, company directors.

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 - 5 Jan 2009

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

01-Mar-2010