FarSync Flex X25 - The X.25 USB Adapter
The FarSync Flex X.25 USB adapter has been developed to provide high performance X.25 communications for Linux and Windows systems. |
| The FarSync Flex datasheet may be downloaded here (PDF format). . | 
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Product Name |
Description |
Product Code |
| FarSync Flex X25 | 1 port synchronous USB Adapter with X.25 Software and developers toolkit. Includes the Flex hardware, USB cable, drivers, utility programs, documentation on CD-ROM and a quick start guide. |
FS6100 |
| FarSync Flex | Basic synchronous adapter, click for details | FS4100 |
| Cable Options | ||
| KCR1 | Cable - RS232C (V.24, X.21bis) and RS530 (EIA530, RS422), same cable for both, 1.5 metres | FS6011 |
| UCX1 | Cable - X.21 (V.11), 1.5 metres | FS6062 |
| UCV1 | Cable - V.35 with standard MRAC-34 (brick) male connector, 1.5 metres | FS6063 |
| KC449 | Cable - RS449, 1.5 metres | FS6019 |
| Software Options | ||
| FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Windows | Upgrade to the standard Windows X.25 software that allows up to 4095 simultaneous sessions | FS9504 |
| FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Linux | Upgrade to the standard Linux X.25 software that allows up to 4095 simultaneous sessions | FS9505 |
Overview
The FarSync Flex X.25 adapter is a high quality X.25 solution for business, government and military applications, it has been developed to provide high performance, versatile X.25 connectivity for Linux and Windows systems.
The bus powered USB adapter will support an X.25 line at speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s. The highly flexible universal network connector supports RS232C, X.21, RS530, RS449 and V.35 network interfaces.
Features under Linux: The Flex adapter installs seamlessly as a plug and play device under the popular Linux 32 and 64 bit distributions. The 2.0 USB adapter supports Linux kernel version 2.6 in 32 and 64 bit formats, including the leading distributions supplied by Redhat, SuSE, Mandriva, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Slackware and more. SMP (multi-processor) systems are supported.
There is IP over X.25 and APIs to the X.25 layer, a Sockets based interface and a Java API. There are also APIs to the ISO Transport layers (ISO 8073 - connection oriented). Up to 4095 connections can be supported using the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack or 254 as standard. Configuration is by a Java based GUI.
FarSite is committed to supporting the FarSync Flex X25 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.
Features under Windows: The Flex adapter installs seamlessly as a plug and play device under Windows XP and Server 2003, the driver can be installed under Vista with some extra steps. A full Vista 32 and 64 bit version will be released soon.
The X.25 software has a host of features including ISO
Transport (classes 0 to 3), IP over X.25, support for OpenFT FTAM, a WinSock2 compliant Sockets API,
a Java API, a COM Port API and a LAP-B
layer 2 (HDLC) that is also directly accessible by its own
API. The Sockets API is also accessible from .NET applications.
Up to 4095 connections can be supported using the FarSync
X25 High Capacity Pack or 254 as standard.
Developers Toolkit: A comprehensive Developers Toolkit is included with each product covering Linux and Windows. A GUI multi-port Line Monitor and a Line Statistics
application is supplied.
Typical
Applications
The FarSync Flex adapter is suitable for connection to all types of X.25 networks, X.25 over the ISDN D channel and leased lines. Typical applications include:
- Private X.25 networks such as Lottery, Police, Customs, Military, Fishery, Financial, Government and Airline
- E-Commerce gateways for credit verification
- Mixed X.25 and IP networks
- SMS message gateways
- Billing and Mediation
- FTAM access
- Control applications requiring a HDLC link
- ATM connections
- X.400
The adapter 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.
Key Features
The intelligent FarSync Flex X.25 has been designed for easy installation and to provide high performance in a variety of environments. The Flex adapter uses an ARM processors with Flash for the on board code.
- 254 simultaneous SVC and PVC virtual connections or 4095 per port using the High Capacity Pack
- Over 2,000 x.25 packets per second
- Line speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s (E1 Speed)
- Network interfaces for X.21 (V.11), V.35, RS232C (V.24, X.21bis), RS449, RS530 (EIA530, RS422)
- USB 2.0 high-speed mode (480mb/s) and 1.1 compatible
- High efficiency, USB Bus powered, energy saving design
- Internal and external line clocking
- Dual bank flash for secure in field upgrades and previous system restore capability
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Configuration
For both Windows and Linux configuration is by a GUI configuration application, a typical screen is shown on the right, see a larger sample.
The X.25 line can be reconfigured and restarted without reloading the software.
There is context sensitive help and an on-line manual should it be required. Many of the parameters such as DTE / DCE selection are determined automatically. Selecting the line speed by default automatically sets suitable timer and retry values. An advanced tab permits users to exactly specify the configuration of the line if necessary.
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Application
Development
Application developers have a choice of APIs for X.25, ISO Transport and accessing HDLC. An API selector guide is provided to assist the developer in choosing the most appropriate interface. The comprehensive Developers Toolkit is included with the product. Applications developed to use the FarSync X.25 PCI cards can be used with the FarSync Flex X25 without change.
Sockets API - X.25 - Supported on Windows and Linux
The Sockets API is extremely popular as a simple, easy to use API to access TCP/IP communications networks. The Sockets support for the FarSync Flex X.25 retains this ease of use and also allows the special features of X.25 and ISO Transport classes 0 to 3 to be accessed. The Sockets API is available on both Windows and Linux
Sockets on Windows: The FarSync Windows Sockets interface is WinSock2 compliant, it supports standard AF_ISO / ISOPROTO_X25 sockets used by a number of applications, such as MS-Exchange. It also supports an alternative address family, AF_X25, to allow easy porting of applications between Windows and Linux. The FarSync Sockets API 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 product.
Applications developed in most programming languages including Visual Basic, Delphi, C++ including .NET applications can use the Sockets API to the FarSync Flex X.25.
Sockets on Linux: The FarSync Sockets implementation is compatible with the BSD Sockets interface. 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.
More details on the X.25 Sockets API
Java API - X.25 - Supported on Windows and Linux
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 Flex X.25 adapter. Full documentation and sample applications are provided.
COM Port API - X.25 - Supported on Windows
The COM Port API provides a very quick and easy to use interface to X.25. Each X.25 session is represented by a COM Port controlled by AT commands. The COM Port API is particularly suitable for applications developed in Visual Basic and similar languages or for those who would prefer to address the adapter as if it were a modem type device. Full documentation and a sample application is provided.
HDLC API - LAPB - Supported on Windows
Easy to use HDLC API provides a programming interface into LAPB (X.25 Layer 2). In addition, an alternative API is provided to raw HDLC frames, with the API just providing the CRC generation and the framing. The FarSync X.25 driver is bypassed, with layer 2 being provided by the HDLC API DLL, which takes over completed control of the port being addressed. An example application in C is provided.
NCB API - X.25 and ISO Transport - Supported on Windows and Linux
A legacy API is supplied to maintain compliance with older X.25 cards, access to ISO Transport and X.25 is provided.
Developers Toolkit
The developers toolkit is included with the FarSync X25 products and features:
- Documented working C, Java, Visual Basic and Delphi source sample programs. Source code from these samples can be used to fast-track your development process
- Comprehensive set of API manuals with function call definitions and helpful advice on the best way to utilise the various interfaces
- Source code for the Linux drivers and API libraries
- Free email and telephone assistance to the application developer using the APIs
TCP/IP
over X.25
The IP over X.25 support is included as part of the FarSync Flex X25 product and is integrated into Linux, Windows XP and Server 2003.
Linux Features: 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.
Windows Features: The IP over X.25 support complies with RFC 1356 (IP over X.25), RFC 1598 (PPP over X.25), RFC 1662 (Async format PPP over X.25). Higher level protocols that run over IP including TCP, UDP, HTTP and FTP are supported.
See further details on IP over X.25
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FarSync
X.25 High Capacity Pack option
An optional high capacity pack is available for the FarSync Flex X25. The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack allows up to 4,095 simultaneous connections to be made, a huge increase from the standard 254. The expanded capacity applies to SVC, PVC and ISO Transport connections.
Customer applications developed to use the standard X.25 Sockets API are compatible with the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack.
The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is available under product code FS9504 for Windows and FS9505 for Linux, it should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync Flex X.25 is purchased although a retrofit upgrade is possible. One FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is required per Flex device.
Useful
Utilities
A line monitor utility is included to run on both Linux and Windows, 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 the FarSync Flex X25 are described in the FarSync Flex X25 product range and compatible cables table. Crossover cables, sometimes referred to as null modem cables, are also available.
Packaging
The X.25 software firmware, drivers, utilities and the development toolkit are all included on the CD-ROM supplied with the FarSync Flex adapter. Cables are ordered separately.
The CD-ROM supplied with the FarSync Flex X25 includes:
- Drivers for Linux, Windows XP, Windows 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
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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| Operation Systems supported | Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The driver can be installed under Vista with some extra steps. A full Vista 32 and 64 bit version will be released soon. Linux distributions supplied by Redhat, SuSE, Mandriva, Debian, Ubuntu, Slackware, Fedora and others with kernel version 2.6. |
| Linux Kernel Support | Sub versions of kernel releases from 2.6.12 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 Flex X25 can be used
on 32 and 64 bit systems under Linux 64 bit support under Windows will be included as part of the Vista release |
| X.25 Features | |
| X.25 CCITT compliance | 1980, 84 & 88 |
| DTE/DCE operation | Both and Automatic detection and selection |
| Maximum SVCs (all types) | 254 sessions, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing |
| Maximum PVCs | 254 sessions 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack |
| Maximum simultaneous connections | 254 connections 4095 connections with the High Capacity Pack |
| Data Packet size range | up to 4096 bytes |
| Data packets per second throughput | more than 2000 pps |
| 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 and dial on DTR) |
| Accessible via API | Yes, a number of different APIs to suit various requirements |
| IP over X.25 | Supported, complies with: |
| X.25 switch | X.25 Switch daemon available on Linux for free download for use with the FarSync Flex X.25 |
| 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 sessions, 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack |
| Accessible via API | Yes |
| Developers Toolkit | |
| X.25 APIs on Linux | Sockets API, easy to use, provides access to
the majority of X.25 features, recommended for most developments. Java API, specially developed for Java applications (J2SE, J2EE), quick and easy to use. NCB API A legacy API is supplied to maintain compliance with older products. |
| X.25 APIs on Windows | Sockets API, easy to use, provides access to
the majority of X.25 features, recommended for most developments. |
| ISO Transport API on Linux | NCB based API, providing access to all the features of the ISO Transport support. Can operate simultaneously with access to the X.25. |
| ISO Transport API on Windows | Sockets API, providing access to all the
features of the ISO Transport support. Can operate simultaneously
with access to the X.25. NCB based API, providing access to all the features of the ISO Transport support. Can operate simultaneously with access to the X.25. |
| On-Line API reference manuals | X.25 Sockets API manuals, Java API documentation, ISO Transport API manuals, Com Port API Manual, NCB API manuals, HDLC API Manuals |
| Sample programs | Included, large number of example applications are available for driving the various APIs. |
| Source code | Included for Linux drivers, the Linux API libraries and sample C and Java applications |
| General | Intelligent USB adapter with ARM processor, dedicated RAM and dual bank Flash memory, Field upgradeable onboard firmware, USB Bus powered, USB 2.0 (high-speed - 480Mb/s mode) and 1.1 compatible, Network line connector: HD26 for connection of network cables |
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| Physical characteristics | Size: - Height 30mm, Length 126 mm, Width 62mm Weight: 190g 0.6 metre A to B USB cable |
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| Network connections supported |
X.21 (V.11) - DTE 15 pin male D type, V.35 - DTE MRAC-34 male 'brick' type, RS232C (V.24, X.21bis) - DTE 25 pin male D type, RS530 (RS422) - DTE 25 pin male D type, RS449 - DTE 37 pin male D type |
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| Link speed range | RS232C: up to 128 Kbits/s X.21, V.35, RS530, RS449, RS422: up to 2.048 Mbits/s |
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| ESD protection | Yes, Littelfuse high speed ESD and over-voltage protection | ||
| LED line status indicators | 1 line status | ||
| Approvals | EN55022 class B, CE, FCC class B | ||
| Power requirements | USB Bus powered, < 100 mA on startup, < 500 mA on full load, < 1.6 watt | ||
| MTBF | 308,000 hours - calculation based on Bellcore Method 1 Case 3, 40 deg.C ambient, 15 deg.C case temperature rise above ambient. | ||
| Line clocking (internal/external) | Both, all ports selectable. Internal clock range 9,600 baud to 2 Mbits/s on X.21, V.35, RS232C, RS422, RS530 and RS449 |
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| Cable type compatibility | Cables are ordered separately see the FarSync Flex product range and compatible cables table lists the cables available | ||
| Warranty | 5 years | ||
| RoHS Compliant | Yes | ||
Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are acknowledged.
Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated into new editions of the publication. FarSite Communications may make improvements and/or changes in the products and/or programs described in this publication at any time.s.
Last updated: 03-Apr-2008
