FarSync T-Series X.25 Card Range
- Intelligent PCI and PCIe Linux solutions -


The FarSync X.25 T-Series intelligent card range has been developed to provide high performance X.25 and XOT communications for Linux and Windows systems.


The FarSync X25 T-Series datasheet for Linux may be downloaded here. FarSync X.25 T-Series datasheet PDF format Get Acrobat Reader

 

Order Information

Product Name

Description

Product Code
FarSync X25 T1U Intelligent 1 port PCI-X (Universal PCI) X.25 card includes software for Linux & Windows FS6140
FarSync X25 T2U Intelligent 2 port PCI-X (Universal PCI) X.25 card includes software for Linux & Windows FS6240
FarSync X25 T4U Intelligent 4 port PCI-X (Universal PCI) X.25 card includes software for Linux & Windows FS6440
FarSync X25 T2Ue - available Aug 08 Intelligent 2 port PCIe (PCI Express) X.25 card includes software for Linux & Windows FS6250
FarSync X25 T4Ue Intelligent 4 port PCIe (PCI Express) X.25 card includes software for Linux & Windows FS6450
FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack An optional upgrade to the standard X.25 software supplied with the card, allows up to 4,095 X.25 virtual connections (VCs) per line on Linux. FS9505
FarSync XOT Extension An optional upgrade to add XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) with FarSync X.25 cards on Linux. A FarSync X25 card must be purchased with this product. FS9508
Cable Options
Click here for cable order information

 

Overview

The FarSync X.25 T-Series range of cards has been developed to provide high performance and very reliable X.25 connectivity for Linux and Windows (see here for the Windows X.25 support included with the product).


The competitively priced 1, 2 and 4 port PCI / PCI-X (Universal PCI) and PCIe cards in the range are capable of driving each line at speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s with support for RS232C, X.21, RS530 (RS422) and V.35 network interfaces.

There are 2 main APIs to the X.25 layer, a Sockets based interface and a Java API. There is also an APIs to the ISO Transport layers (ISO 8073 - connection oriented). A comprehensive Developers Toolkit is included with the product.

IP over X.25 support is included, permitting TCP/IP operation over a X.25 network.

XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) support is available as an option, using the same API’s. XOT can operate at the same time as X.25.

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, Slackware, Fedora and others. Multi-processor, 32 and 64 bit systems are supported.

FarSite is committed to supporting the FarSync X25 T-Series products on new versions of Linux 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 cards 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
  • PC / Server based X.25 switch with XOT

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 5 cards in the T-Series range offering from 1 and 4 ports.

  • 254 simultaneous SVC and PVC virtual connections per card or 4095 per port using the High Capacity Pack
  • Well over 2,000 pps (X.25 packets per second)
  • PCI Bus mastering DMA interface on all the cards
  • X.21 (V.11), V.35, RS232C (V.24, X.21bis), RS530 (RS422, EIA530)
  • Line speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s
  • Multiple cards, typically 12 or more can be installed in a Server, limit is PCI slot count dependant only
  • Supported on Linux multi-processor, 32 and 64 bit systems

 

FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Linux

A High Capacity Pack upgrade option is available for all the cards. 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 508. The expanded capacity applies to X.25 SVC, PVC and ISO Transport connections.

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.

FarSync XOT Extension for Linux

The XOT extension allows applications using the same API to transmit data over XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP). TCP/IP is normally routed over Ethernet on PCs and Servers. The XOT support is compatible with FarSite's FarLinX X25 Gateway and also other manufactures XOT products. The XOT and X.25 interfaces can be used simultaneously.

The FarSync XOT Extension for Linux is available under product code FS9508, it should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync X25 card is purchased, although a retrofit is possible.

FarSync XOT Runtime software is also available that allows XOT to run over the PCs standard TCP/IP connection.

.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

 

Developers Toolkit

The Developers Toolkit is included free with the FarSync X25 product 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

Download the Developers Toolkit

APIs for Application Development

For application developers needing to access X.25 or XOT there is a choice of a Sockets API and a Java API available, for compatibility with legacy applications a NCB based API is available. All the 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 and XOT

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 or XOT 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.

Further details on the X.25 Sockets API.

Java API - X.25 and XOT

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 and XOT. Full documentation and sample applications are provided.

The Java API is recommend for new developments.

NCB API- X.25

This legacy interface is documented for the use of existing applications only. New developments should not use this API.

ISO Transport API

The interface provides a programming language independent, connection orientated interface controlled by command blocks. Full access is available to ISO Transport (ISO 8073 - connection orientated) Classes 0 to 3.

Configuration

X.25 Configuration application, click for larger imageConfiguration is a Java and XML-based GUI configuration application A typical screen is shown on the right, see a larger sample. XOT and individual X.25 lines can be reconfigured and restarted without reloading the software and disrupting other lines.

Text file based configuration is also available if required.

A comprehensive configuration guide, commands reference and configuration examples are provided as part of the HTML documentation pack.

 


Installation

Installation scripts adapt to install the software on the major Linux distributions and a manual install option is available using the scripts as a guide available on the CD-ROM or from the X.25 download page.

Source code is available as a .tar.gz.

PCI card hardware detection, download and configuration is performed automatically at system startup once the software has been installed.


Utilities

A line monitor utility is included, this can display data sent over the XOT and X.25 lines 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, FarSync X25 T2U, FarSync X25 T2Ue

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), RS530 (RS422) and V.35 are available.

FarSync X25 T4U, FarSync X25 T4Ue

These four port cards use 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), V.35 and RS530 (RS422) are available.


Packaging

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

The X.25 software for the cards are regularly updated and available for downloading from the Download page

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

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

  • Drivers for Linux, Windows XP, 2000, Vista 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
 Top
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, Vista and Server 2003.
Linux Kernel Support All sub versions of kernel releases from 2.4.2 and 2.6.1 onward. The products may operate successfully with earlier versions of the kernel but no specific testing has been undertaken by FarSite.
Multi-processor systems The software has been designed for and tested on single and multiprocessor servers
64 bit systems The FarSync X25 T-Series cards can be used on 32 and 64 bit systems
Multiple cards Yes, limited only by PCI resources, typically up to 12 per PC/Server only limited by the PCI slot count. Any mix of FarSync T-Series cards can be supported.
X.25 Features
X.25 CCITT compliance 1980, 84 & 88
DTE/DCE operation Both and Automatic detection and selection
Maximum SVCs and PVCs 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 simultaneous connections 254 per port
4095 per port using the Sockets interface with the High Capacity Pack
Data Packet size range 0 to 4096 bytes
Data packets per second throughput > 2000 pps
OOB (out of Band) data Supported for Interrupts, Resets and the D bit
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, dial on DTR)
Accessible via API Two APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API
IP over X.25 IP over X.25 support compliant with RFC 1356
X.25 switch X.25 Switch daemon available for free download for use with the FarSync X.25 cards

XOT Option Features
XOT Specification Complies with RFC 1613 - X.25 over TCP (XOT)
Maximum XOT connections 4,095
Maximum SVCs and PVCs 4,095, any mix of SVCs and PVCs
Data packets size range 0 to 4,096 bytes
OOB (Out of Band) data Supported for Interrupts, Resets and the D bit
X25 facilities supported Closed User Group (CUG), Network User Identifier (NUI), Fast Select, Packet and Windows size negotiation, Throughput Class Negotiation.
Accessible via API Two APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API
ISO Transport Features
Standard supported ISO 8073 (connection oriented)
Classes supported Classes 0, 1, 2 and 3
Negotiation between classes Yes
Simultaneous transport connections 254 per port,
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 X.25 and XOT features, recommended for new developments.
Java API, allows easy access to X.25 and XOT from Java applications.
Legacy only NCB based API providing low level access to all the features of X.25.
ISO Transport API NCB based API providing access to all the features of the ISO Transport support. Can operate simultaneously with access to the X.25 layer.
On-Line API reference manuals X.25 Sockets API manual, Java API documentation, a NCB X.25 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

FarSync X25 T2Ue

FarSync X25 T4Ue

  FarSync X25 T2Ue FarSync X25 T4Ue
Product Code FS6140 FS6240 FS6440 FS6250 FS6450
Warranty 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years
Port Count (X.25 lines) 1 port 2 ports 4 ports 2 ports 4 ports
RoHS Compliant Compliant Compliant Compliant Compliant
Hardware Features
Card type and PCI specification PCI-X compatible,
PCI v2.2 compliant,
AMD Processor,
1 Mbyte zero wait state SRAM,
Intelligent Universal bus mastering PCI card,
Short card (height 107mm, length 167mm),
Supports 3.3 & 5 volt signaling,
Suitable for 32 and 64 bit PCI bus slots		 PCI Express
AMD Processor,
1 Mbyte zero wait state SRAM,
Intelligent bus mastering PCIe card,
Short card (height 107mm, length 167mm),
Suitable for 1x to 32x PCIe bus slots
Network connectors available X.21 (V.11) - 15 pin male D type,
V.35 - MRAC-34 male 'brick' type ,
RS232C (V.24, X.21bis) - 25 pin male D type,
RS530 (RS422) - 25 pin male D type,
RS449 (RS422) - 37 pin male D type
Link speed range RS232C: up to 128 Kbits/s
X21, V35, RS530 (RS422), RS449 (RS422): up to 2.048 Mbits/s
Line protection Yes, Littelfuse high speed ESD and over-voltage protection
Multiple cards in a PC Yes, 12 or more, any mix of FarSync T-Series cards
LED line status indicators 1 line status 2 line status 4 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		 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		 < 1.75 Amp @ +3.3V
< 10 mA @ +/-12V
(ESD suppression)
< 6 watts		 < 1.2 A @ +3.3v
< 5mA @ +/- 12v
< 4 watts 		< 1.75 A @ +3.3v
< 10mA @ +/- 12v
< 6 watts
MTBF 339,766 hours 1 295,857 hours 1 238,319 hours 1 229,044 hours 1 284,027 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 9600 baud to 8 Mbits/s on V24, X.21, RS530 and V.35 connections.2

2 No special cables are required to use internal clocks for RS232C, RS530 and X.21.
For V.35 internal clocking the UX35C DCE cable should be used.

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

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: 03-Jul-2008

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