Networking Hardware, Wireless Networking,Networking Products, Networking Hardware & Access

The Meaning and Nature of Comprehensive Business Networking and Hardware Solutions

2008-09-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Hardware is the term given to the computer machinery and the various individual pieces of the computer. Hardware must be loaded with corresponding software to make a computer system perform meaningfully and thus produce useful output. In all, both hardware and software must work together.

If you find some problem with the computer components, you look for hardware solutions. There are many companies who take up Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) from the customers and provide them complete business networking and hardware solutions, comprising of hardware solutions, network installation service and network security & support service in lieu. These companies have their own trained teams of engineers in both the software and hardware fields.

Many online websites and PC manufacturing companies are also providing comprehensive business networking and hardware solutions in their questionnaire. They are providing on-site support to their customers by their sending representative to the site to diagnose, monitor and solve any hardware/ software/ network problems with the most suitable feasible long-lasting solution(s).

There are several organisations such as banks, insurance companies, hospitals, railways etc. that need on-line processing of large number of transactions and require many computer system to communicate and interact with each other on the same network. In such computing environments, the role of network installation service is vital. The network installation service refers to the way in which a network of geographically distributed multiple computers connected to each other in a manner to enable meaningful transmission and exchange of information among them. In the purview of network installation service, these companies devise and implement the most cost-effective and efficient data paths in a LAN network for the customer organisation.

Generally speaking, these companies also provide the most crucial network security & support services, as a part of their comprehensive business networking and hardware solutions on offer. Under the category of service, these companies engage expert networking engineers to design and maintain a robust network security system that can protect the PCs from viruses. This includes getting firewalls installed in the systems and spam ware for reporting for spam and so on. The network security & support services give valuable assistance in maintaining the network and keeps it prepared with solutions for any inadvertent troubleshooting situation in the network.

Smit Mathur is an expert for writing Articles and is currently working for Swift Computers.For more information related to Business networking and hardware solutions, small and large business networking solutions, network Installation service, pc support, computer support please visit http://www.swiftcomputers.com.au/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Smit_Mathur

Home Based Business and Network Marketing

2008-08-20T21:46:00.003-07:00

Running a home business can be both, easy and hard at the same time, yet your success in reaching your dreams and goals comes down to one important and key factor which is SUPPORTive mentor and unlimited help.

See this is the industry of the future, this is what all of us have been looking for ages, this is the business that offers you time freedom, financial freedom and more money to your pocket than you used to dream about, and still all this in minimum effort and less time. All you have to bring with you here is a dream and goal, and the desire to get there, and do whatever is needed to get there and live your dreams,thus change your life to a better one and create your own future.

You will learn about how you can make the network marketing and home based business work for you, and how you too can start earning big money while you sleep, or go on vacation and enjoy life with family and friends. The network marketing and home based business arena has made all this
a reality and changed the old concept of making money from the hard and long process to a new phenomena defined to be an easy, fun and fast journey.

Life is abundant and is a journey rather than a destination. It's a ride, long, fun, happy, ride filled with harmony excitement and love. And the best part of it, is that we have all the power to create our own future and design it as we want it to be. So why go back to your old routine and unfair reality that you are living in, why not hump in on an exciting journey towards success?

I Am Going To Show You How To Create 'TRUE' Long Term And 'LASTING' Residual Income For Yourself utilizing my cutting edge technology and much much more. To succeed online you need supportive mentor and one who is willing to help you and guide you all the way up http://www.creatsuccess.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hera_Kalaydjian

How to Choose a Chamber of Commerce to Join - Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Case Study

2008-08-20T21:46:00.002-07:00

It makes sense to join your local chamber of commerce and it makes sense to do due diligence. What happens if you do not do your research prior to joining? Well, you end up wasting your money basically, and wishing you had never gotten involved in the first place. Let's discuss a recent case study and consider the ramifications of getting involved in a chamber of commerce in your local area.

Not long ago, our not for profit Think Tank joined several chambers of commerce in the local area. Although, we do most of our work online, it still made sense to tap into the expertise of the local business community. Business people know how to get things done and therefore they make great team members. Unfortunately, contrary to our own best advice, we did not do enough preliminary investigation on the chambers we joined.

We joined four local chambers of commerce, 3 were great and one, we can safely say was a huge mistake. You should never join a chamber of commerce until you attend a few functions and check it out first, talk to members, and if possible talk to all the many members who did not renew their chamber of commerce membership from prior years.

In considering all this and after joining the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, we have only ourselves to blame. It is for this reason that I can make a strong recommendation for you to go and meet the President of the Chamber of Commerce prior to joining, make sure they are not running a mini-fiefdom or micro-managing in a Machiavellian Way. You need to join a chamber of commerce that understands your needs and can assist you in growing your organization in the community.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

More Easy Networking For Teachers

2008-08-20T21:46:00.001-07:00

Networking is not just restricted to professionals, but School Teachers can get in on the action and network for business, professional, personal and social success. School Teachers can lead very demanding and stressful lives and may not view networking as a tool for advancement. But that is all about to change after reading this article which is a part two of Easy Networking for Teachers.

Listed below are more helpful tips of how School Teachers can branch out, make great connections, develop relationships and develop professionally.

Office Supply Stores

School Teachers are encouraged to join membership clubs and office supply incentive programs. Besides getting monthly coupons and discounts, many of these retail shops offer incentives for teachers and educators. Early hours mingling and shopping and networking are just a few ways that these companies reward their local and national educators. This is a great opportunity to meet other educators, learn about various dynamics of the educational sector and link up with business people in the community.

Book Store Events

Along with Retail shops, Book Sores also offer discounts and incentives to teachers and educators. This is a great opportunity to provide resources to students and parents and branch out professionally and socially. Bookstores also hold monthly and weekly events which can draw a large number of people who are interested in education and learning. Being in an environment of like minded business individuals can greatly impact your networking and professional endeavors.

Board of Education

Believe it or not, School Teachers can network, gain more experience and champion causes of education and learning through their local Board of Education. It might require a lot of time management, but School Teachers can meet with officials, talk about pressing issues from the student, parent and educator's point of view. Being connected with the Board of Education can also strengthen ties in the community and encourage on going networking and commitments to the school system.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Chi_Okezie

Business Greeting Cards Are Social Networking Opportunities

2008-08-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

In a competitive business environment, it is important to build existing customer loyalty as well as grow your client list. Christmas cards or seasonal greeting cards are great, but don't miss out on opportunities to stay connected during other times of the year as well. Here are 5 business greeting cards that are sure to drive your sales up and provide social networking opportunities too.

When your customers are treated like family members, they are certain to continue to send business your way and to refer you to others so that your sales dollars will grow. Remember them as you would a family member by sending greeting cards when recognition or a thoughtful gesture is needed.

Business Appreciation Cards are specifically printed and designed to say just that.. .we appreciate you as a customer and welcome your business. By sending a customer this form of business greeting, they feel special and will remember you the next time they have needs your business can provide.

Congratulations Cards are great for boosting self esteem and fostering a team approach in a business/customer relationship. Send greetings of congratulations for a job well done or a big sale you and a customer worked together in securing. And, if you know of a personal achievement for a customer or one of their family members, remember to send congratulations for that as well. The same applies for your own internal employees. A note of congratulations will certainly please and inspire continued loyalty.

Get Well Cards are always appreciated when someone is ill and in need of a kind word. Wish clients, business associates and employees well and offer concerns with this thoughtful gesture. Your genuine concern for their well being will be appreciated and rewarded in kind.

Sympathy Cards are thoughtful expressions that are certain to be warmly received and appreciated in difficult times of sorrow. Remember all those you work with and for when they or their family members have experienced a loss. A simple offering of sympathy will be a pleasant exchange when someone needs a gentle gesture of thoughtfulness most.

Thinking of You Cards can be sent anytime and for no particular occasion. A great social networking tool, these greeting cards can be sent whenever you just want to reconnect or stay in touch. This card will keep your name before a client and generate good will. Don't wait for something bad to prompt you to acknowledge someone, send a card that says they are in your thoughts just to brighten their day. This unexpected gesture is sure to please and enforce your business or personal relationship.

Keep a supply of each of these type business greeting cards on hand for use at a moments notice. Add a short note and your thoughtfulness is certain to be returned many times over, growing and strengthening your business partnerships and corporate prosperity.

Linda Cress Dowdy is an avid greeting card enthusiast and professional author, editor and copywriter. For a great selection of Holiday cards and greeting cards for all occasions, visit http://www.CardsDirect.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Dowdy

Networking Blues - You Are the New Kid on the Block

2008-08-06T23:12:00.003-07:00

As a professional business person, you have joined a networking group or association to build your rapport in the business community, advance in your professional development and build relationships for business and personal success. As a new member, there are many advantages that you can grab hold of and use to benefit your club membership.

Listed below are simple tips that any professional in any industry can use to make the most of their club, association or group membership!

Clean Slate

As a new member, you have a fresh start. You are coming in with new ideas, new perspectives and new ways to develop business and social relationships. The best part is that you have a lot of attention from the organization and the existing members. New members are usually announced at club or organization functions. They are also published in the directories, newsletters or listings which are sent to members, sponsors, partners etc. Being in the lime light can create a positive form of visibility and awareness about yourself, your company, your products, your brand and your valuable contribution to the organization or group. This is also an excellent way for members to reach out to you and offer their assistance and friendship in a sincere and generous manner.

Club Ambassador

Your new membership status can be a great opportunity for you to join committees, sub-groups or be a representative of the club and organization. The informational training or development that you receive from the group will definitely enhance your professional development. It will also give you an opportunity to meet members on a more personal yet professional level. Spending time with members, talking about initiatives and objectives for the club or organization are all brilliant ways of building relationships, referring business, making sales, getting leads and developing new business ventures.

Membership Perks

Being a new member has several added benefits such as discounts on memberships to other clubs and associations that are partners, sponsors or supporters. New members can expect to get discounts on several products and services including restaurants, entertainment, retail/shopping etc. And depending on the rules and regulations of the club or association, if you recruit new members you can receive additional perks, discounts, savings etc. The membership also allows you to offer bonus services, incentives and perks to your new business counterparts and colleagues. As a professional you can take advantage of your new member status by inviting guest, colleagues, clients, friends and family to events hosted by the club or association.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Chi_Okezie

5 Tips to Networking Effectively

2008-08-06T23:12:00.002-07:00

If you own a business, or just want to expand the amount of contacts that you have, networking may be in your best interest. This is the practice of simply building the amount of contacts that you have. You can use networking practices for a number of purposes. You can use it to land the perfect job, expand the amount of potential prospects that you have for your business, build your social contacts, and many other purposes. Here, I will share with you 5 tips on networking effectively. By utilizing the steps listed here, you are sure to find that networking is a breeze.

1. It is important that you take every opportunity you can to communicate with those individuals that you know. Many may not believe that this is effective when it comes to social networking, but it actually is. Think about all the people you know. Now, consider the people that they know. Now, if you continue to consider all of these people and all the people they know and all the people that those people know, you will find that you have the potential to network in a major way.

2. Now, the next step to networking effectively is getting to know as many people as possible. This means that every single opportunity that you have to talk to people and get to know someone is an opportunity that you should take. You should ensure that you carry business cards so that you can provide these individuals with something tangible to hold on to so that they can contact you in the future. You will be amazed at the amount of people that DO contact you. Make sure that you include your phone number and the email address. Many prefer to contact by email rather than phone.

3. When networking, it is important to understand that people enjoy talking about themselves. You should encourage people to do this, and take a vested interest in what they are saying. If you do this, you will quickly discover that these individuals are attracted to you. This attraction is in the sense of you being a likable character, and eventually, they will also develop an interest in you. It is then that you can conduct the business that you have with them for networking.

4. When networking, it is important to ensure that you have good presentation. This means that you should come across as friendly, caring, and willing to assist. You should also come across as professional. This can go a long way when it comes to networking in the area of business and career related endeavors.

5. Once you start to network, it is important to ensure that you get the contact details of everyone that you meet and talk to. This will allow you the opportunity to contact and follow up with the individuals that you come in contact with. If you are networking for business, this can prove to be very effective.

As you can see, there are many effective ways that you can network for success. By following the simple steps listed here, you are sure to achieve success in your endeavors to connect to other people.

Chris Simpson is dedicated to helping people find honest and legitimate work at home and home based business opportunities. Find a legitimate work at home opportunity today and learn to make money online at: http://www.HomeNetPro.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Simpson

Online Social Networking Positive Aspects

2008-08-06T23:12:00.001-07:00

What happens when you put different people into one room together?

You get an introduction to online social networking positive aspects. In the social networking community, there is one true fact, when you have passed the small talk you get to the animated, juicy, revealing conversations. People then find out that they have a lot in common. This is one great benefit to online social networking.

Everyone rushes to chime in and share his or her thoughts in this growing and ever popular online medium. If you have not tried it, you are missing a lot of the online social networking positive aspects you may want to enjoy.

Let the Fun Begin

• Connect with people and build relationships by sharing thoughts. Before you know it, you will be an active member of the community.

• Seniors join social networking sites to expand their horizons and find out what others are doing. They can stay in touch with old friends who moved away. It helps combat loneliness.

• Students enjoy educational opportunities where lesson topics, research, creative ideas, and interactive discussions are at their fingertips.

• Connect with people who share your same specific interests and activities. If you love football, you may join the "your team" football fan club, and have fun at the online tailgate party.

• Easily build a network of contacts in the Business World, which could lead to advancement opportunities.

• Get the dibs on trends and jobs.

• Share photo galleries, videos, initiate surveys and polls.

• Create a network of unlimited contacts. There is no limit to the number of friends you can have.

• Have fun swapping delightful recipes.

• If you like entertainment, hook up with "life of the party" individuals to share jokes, have fun, and lots of laughs. I have even witnessed someone leave and return with virtual martinis.

When you join some of the current sites out there, you will see that the online social networking positive aspects will also include some of the following methods for interaction:

• Email - text, image, and even video
• Instant messenger - text, image, and video
• Web casting
• Blogging
• Pod Casting

Within a brief period of time, the online social networking positive aspects have evolving dramatically. Existing sites also feature the following functionality to users:

• Finding individuals, like old classmates for reunions or friends you lost contact with
• Makes it easy to build and manage directories of contacts
• Allows you access management to your identity and contact list
• Enables you to easily connect with people in your own network
• Offers capabilities for content sharing with your network friends

So what does social networking hold for you? There is no better way to express your self freely with people who are eager to listen. There are millions of frequent visits, sometimes daily from people who want to meet you and hear your thoughts. If you want to make new friends, this is a great way to make a new connection.

Learn more about online social networking positive aspects

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ylva_Jansson

Easy Networking For Teachers

2008-08-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

Networking has many perks and advantages that appeal to almost all industries and professions. Regardless of your work schedule, career path, academic path or networking commitment, working individuals can find several ways to stay in the networking loop. Networking is not just restricted to entrepreneurs, professionals or students. School Teachers can also use networking to build professional and social relationships with their colleagues and bosses, parents of their students as well as family and friends.

Listed below are helpful tips which School Teachers can quickly use to network like business pros!

School Events and Functions

We all know that School Teachers lead business lives and can be overworked and overstressed. So naturally, networking or building professional and social relationships may be desired but hard to achieve with the demands and workloads. A great way to off set that and take advantage of opportunities is to start networking at school events and functions. Come armed with business cards at the next PTA meeting, school fundraiser or sporting event. PTA meetings are excellent ways to network and meet the parents or guardians of the students. Asking a few questions, making a few connections and following up will definitely expand your network and encourage growing relationships. Networking is not just restricted to the parents or guardians of the students, but also reach out to sponsors, partners, vendors, volunteers and associates of the school.

Teacher Associations

Take advantage of local and national teacher associations, groups and organizations. It is an excellent way to develop professionally, get a break from the kids and broaden your horizons. Going to conferences, meetings and gatherings can be an excellent way to find out new information, link up with colleagues and gain resources for teaching and for your students. Also, consider traveling as a way to expand your network and meet people outside of your community. School Teachers can schedule trips during school breaks or low teaching seasons during the semester. There are so many opportunities and chances to learn as well as teach others, share experiences and excel in your profession.

Online Networking

Another good way to stay connected and develop relationships and skills is to network with other teachers on the internet. Look up teacher groups on popular social and business networking websites and connect with others. It is an excellent way to meet people without having to impose on your daily schedule and routine. School Teachers can network online after hours, on the weekends, on holidays or on vacation. This type of social and business networking can bring unity and support to all participating parties as well as increase awareness of issues within your profession and industry.

Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities ... The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chi_Chi_Okezie

Cisco Certifications For Networking Professionals

2008-04-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

In order to achieve the second tier of the Cisco Pyramid, one needs to pass the Cisco Certifications for Network Professionals exam. This exam will prove that a network professional will be able to install, configure, and troubleshoot converged local and wide area networks with one hundred to five hundred or more nodes. They will also be able to manage routers and switches that are part of the network core, along with edge applications that integrate voice, wireless and security into the network. One needs to pass a total of four tests to achieve this title and they will need to renew this certification every three years.

If you are having trouble passing these required tests or just need some extra help, many websites offer a CCNP boot camp which is usually a rigorous and effective course that will improve your chances of passing the test with ease. These classes are no joke and can last from eight AM in the morning to late into the evening, and will be either a great review for the test or it will help you learn the daunting information that will be on the test.

Of course, network professionals will want to move on to the top tier of the pyramid sooner or later. Naturally, one needs to obtain a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification. Less than three percent of Cisco’s network professionals reach the CCIP stage and it’s a very tough test to pass. These skilled experts are able to install, configure, and operate networks that are in highly complex environments with specific protocols, implement Cisco hardware and networking requirements for large scale diverse networks. They will also be able to design and implement innovative network design and handle difficult design and hardware issues.

If you are interested in passing these exams and becoming a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, it would be a good idea to enroll in CCIE boot camps that will help you prepare. These courses are rather expensive and can be priced around nine thousand dollars, but they are worth every penny. The CCIE certification is the most prestigious certification in the Cisco line and will propel you to a better career in a hurry. The course only takes nine days over the span of two weeks, and you will receive your certification right afterwards.

CCIE boot camp training, like any other boot camp in this category, is a great way to help you along with your career and you won’t be disappointed.

Cisco Certifications For Networking Professionals

2008-04-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

Earning your Cisco CCENT certification and passing the 640-822 exam demands that you master networking basics, and part of that is knowing how to work with both physical and virtual Local Area Networks (LANs).

A physical LAN is a collection of PCs, cables, network cards, and other network hardware – switches, routers, printers, and servers, for example. When we refer to the physical network, you’re rarely going to hear anyone actually say “physical LAN”. When someone mentions setting up a LAN, they’re referring to the physical devices themselves.

So…. what the heck is a “virtual LAN”? The name seems to suggest some kind of imaginary network, which isn’t quite true, since the physical LAN devices will also be part of the virtual LAN (“VLAN”). What we’re actually doing is logically dividing the physical network into smaller, logical networks – and these smaller, logical groups are called VLANs.

Let’s look at an example that will illustrate the concept and help explain why we would create VLANs in the first place. Let’s say we have ten PCs connected to the same switch. As I explained in an earlier Cisco CCENT exam tutorial, this can lead to the transmission of unnecessary broadcasts. If one PC sends a broadcast, by default the switch will forward a copy of that broadcast frame to all the other PCs.

Most likely, not all of the other PCs need a copy of that broadcast. We can logically group these PCs into VLANs, and when a member of one VLAN sends a broadcast, only the other members of the same VLAN will receive the broadcast.

For example, we could create three VLANs in this situation by placing PC1, PC2, and PC3 into VLAN 1; PC4, PC5, and PC6 would go into VLAN 2; finally, PCs 7, 8, 9, and 10 could be placed into VLAN 3. When PC1 sends a broadcast, the switch will send a copy of that broadcast frame only to PC2 and PC3 – the other members of that VLAN. The other six PCs will not get a copy of the frame!

As you’ll learn in networking, there’s always a catch. In this scenario, not only will PCs in VLANs 2 and 3 not receive broadcasts send by PCs in VLAN1, but they’ll be unable to receive any kind of traffic from those other hosts. By default, inter-VLAN traffic is not possible on a switch; an OSI model Layer 3 device must get involved. We’ll talk about how to enable inter-VLAN traffic in the next installment of my Cisco CCENT exam training series!

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of free Cisco CCENT Certification and CCNA Certification Exam tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.

You can also visit his blog, which is updated several times daily with new Cisco certification articles, free tutorials, and daily CCNA / CCNP exam questions!

Computer Networking Simplified

2008-04-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

So what is computer networking? To the uninitiated this term may sound intimidating but you may have already come across it or have even used it either at work or at home. For those new to computer networking, simply put, a network refers to a system where two or more computers are connected to each other. This is done so people can share things like information or computer hardware, like a printer for instance.

Now there are several things you need to set up a computer network. The most basic system consists of a protocol, NICs or network interface cards, cable and a hub.

A protocol is a set of rules that the computers have to follow in order for them to "speak the same language". For example, http is a protocol. If you want to be able to access a website from your computer that operates on http, the website you are accessing must also operate on the same protocol otherwise you won' be able to read the site.

NICs are cards that you put at the back or side of a computer. This allows the computers to communicate with each other. A cable is simply a wire that connects the computers together and the hub is a device that controls traffic, for example, information that one computer sends to another.

Now this is a list of items for a standard network. You're going to need a different set of devices if you are to go for wireless networking.

How does a computer network work? Let's say for instance, you want to send information from your desktop to your father's computer. The NIC on your PC transfers the file through the cable into the hub. The hub then transfers the data to your father's computer. If each of the units uses the same protocol then the information is accepted by your dad's computer and he will be able to open the file you just sent.

There are two types of networks: the LAN or local area network and the WAN or wide area network.

The LAN is a very simple type of network where all the units you connect are located in one place. There are two types of LAN, peer to peer and client server. A peer to peer network is where two or more computers are connected to each other directly. For example, computer 1 is connected to computer 2, computer 2 is connected to computer 3 and so on. The computers are dependent on each other so if one unit experiences problems, the others simply won't be able to connect to each other. The client server type is where all computers are connected to a main unit. This is more convenient because if one computer has problems, the others won't be affected. You will still be able to exchange data.

An example of a WAN is the internet. As you can see, this is a very large type of network allowing millions of users to connect with each other.

More and more people are looking to computer networking, even at home. This affords people more convenience and makes day to day life more efficient

Networking Interview Questions

2008-04-09T00:56:00.001-07:00

Here are the basic interview questions for the network administrators, system administrators and IT manager posts. These questions provide the basic information about the network communication technology, network topologies, network troubleshooting techniques, network devices and the basic overview of the LAN - WAN communication model.

What is DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Technology. The basic purpose of the DHCP is to assign the IP addresses and the other network configuration such as DNS, Gateway and other network settings to the client computers. DHCP reduces the administrative task of manually assigning the IP addresses to the large number of the computers in a network.

What is DNS and how it works?

DNS stands for Domain name system and it translates (converts) the host name into the IP address and IP address into to the host name. Every domain and the computer on the internet is assigned a unique IP address. The communication on the internet and in the network is based on the IP addresses. IP addresses are in this format 10.1.1.100, 220.12.1.22.3, 1.1.1.1 etc. IP addresses can’t be remembered but the host names are easy to remember instead of their IP addresses.

What is a Firewall?

Firewall is a protective boundary for a network and it prevents the unauthorized access to a network. Most of the Windows operating system such as Windows XP Professional has built-in firewall utilities. There are the large number of the third party firewall software and the basic purpose of all the firewall software and hardware is same i.e. to block the unauthorized user access to a network.

What is WAN?

WAN stands for wide area network and it covers the broader geographical area. Basically there are three types of a computer network LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication in a WAN is based on the Routers. A WAN network can cover a city, country or continents.

Define VOIP Communication Technology

VOIP stands for Voice over IP and this technology is used for transmitted the voice over the IP based long distance network to make phone calls. VOIP phone calls are very cheap and a large number of the corporate offices and home users are using VOIP technology to make long distance phone calls.

What is Wi Max Technology?

Wi Max is a wireless broadband technology and it is a advance shape of the Wi Fi (which was a base band technology). Wi Max supports data, video and audio communication at the same time at a very high speed up to 70 Mbps.

Define Network Gateway

Network Gateway can be software or a hardware. A gateway is usually a joining point in a network i.e. it connects two networks. A computer with two LAN cards can act as a gateway. What is a Router?

A router routes the traffic to its destination based on the source and destination IP addresses, which are placed in the routing software known as routing table.

How Fiber Optic Cable Works

Fiber optics provides the fastest communication medium for data and voice. Data can travel at the speed of light through the fiber optic cables. ISPs and corporate offices are usually connected with each other with the fiber optic cables to provide high speed connectivity.

What is File Server?

A file server is a computer in a network that authenticates the user access in a network such as Windows 2000/2003 Servers.

Define Seven Layers of OSI Model

There are seven layers of the OSI model. The basic purpose of these layers is to understand the communication system and data transmission steps. The seven layers are Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link and Physical. You can remember the name of these layers by this phrase. “All people seems to need data processing”.

Define GSM Technology

GSM is a short range wireless technology and is usually used in the mobile phones, hand help devices, MP3 players, Laptops, computers and in cars.

Network Administrator Certifications - An Overview

2008-04-09T00:53:00.001-07:00

In the modern business world, computers are king. Widely present in offices of all types, from law firms to doctors' offices to the business world, these machines have the ability to store and quickly manipulate large amounts of data. Computers have been around in one form or another since the 1940s; however, it was only since the 1980s that computers enjoyed widespread use in business, with personal and networked computing truly gaining popularity when the Internet became widely available in the 1990s.

Accordingly, the number of computer-related careers has expanded considerably in availability and scope since then. There exist jobs for high- and low-level programming professionals; user interface designers; and software engineers. These jobs typically require extensive schooling, with additional experience acquired on the job.

There are, however, information technology and computer jobs that require significantly less schooling. Individuals are employed as network administrators; technical support professionals; and computer repair technicians -- and often, they are eligible for this sort of employment after just several months of study. This article will discuss some types of quick-study computer education and career training programs that lead to professional certification -- and often, directly to technology careers.

The A+ certification is designed to prove a student's abilities as a general computer technician. A+-certified technicians understand computer systems inside and out. They are as comfortable working with hardware (the "guts" of the computer) as they are with operating systems, software, networks, and files. They have the ability to troubleshoot computer problems and to achieve resolutions to those problems.

Students seeking technical support, computer repair, or networking administration careers often begin with the A+ certification. This certificate is recognized as showing worker competence and achievement in several computer- and technology-related fields. CompTIA sets the standards for this exam, which provides a good foundation for further competency classes and exams, such as Linux/UNIX exams and various network certifications. This certificate can lead to an entry-level technology career, from which the worker might eventually move to an advanced technical support or networking career.

The Network+ certification is also a CompTIA standardized exam. To prepare for this exam, students will study the basics of computer networking, as well as more advanced networking concepts. These concepts can include networking hardware; Ethernet setup and configuration; cable interface; network protocols like TCP/IP protocols, and wireless networking. Students will also study how to connect networked systems and to set up clients and servers for remote Internet access.

CompTIA suggests that individuals who wish to seek a career in the networking field should have 9 months of experience, or equivalent training, before sitting for the certification exam. There also exist a number of adult learning institutions and quick-study programs that can give students the appropriate levels of experience they will need for such an exam.

Like the A+ certification, the Network + certification also enables students to pursue further technology certifications, or to seek increasingly advanced computer technology career positions. The Network + certification is also good preparation for other certifications, such as those required by Cisco or Novell.

The Security 5 certification is established and administered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. This organization considers it to be an entry-level security certification. Nonetheless, it is recommended that students or network administration career professionals possess the equivalent knowledge of A+ and Network + exam material if they wish to seek careers in network security.

This exam covers a variety of network and desktop security principles. Students will need to have a solid foundation of basic computer security concepts, like firewalls and hack-proof log-ins. They will also need to understand computer cryptography, e-mail and communications security, secure site and Web browser procedures, and file transfer/FTP security. Desktop and hard drive security, portable and wireless security, and secure computing with third-party devices are additional topics covered.

This exam, when combined with another professional certification or prior networking and information systems experience, can be a powerful career asset. For those computer users who are not employed in the networking or information sciences sectors, the Security 5 certification can be a great asset in protecting the privacy and integrity of personal data.

The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) certification is specific to information technology applications in the Windows desktop environment and Windows operating system. It is considered to be a beginner-level credential, and it demonstrates that an individual is competent in assisting end users and helping to test and troubleshoot Microsoft desktops and applications. This Microsoft certificate can be completed in tandem with other certifications supported by Microsoft, including the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification and the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDA).

Currently, professional Windows environments are in a transitory phase between Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista. Vista's large allocated operating memory requirements and compatibility difficulties have caused XP to remain widely used in the workplace -- so there are some career environments in which the MCDST, MOS, MCDA, and other certifications are necessary. Network administration specialists and information sciences students should be aware, however, that Microsoft is changing the certification requirements in accordance with the new Vista user interface and desktop functions.

in assisting end users and helping to test and troubleshoot Microsoft desktops and applications. This Microsoft certificate can be completed in tandem with other certifications supported by Microsoft, including the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification and the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDA).

What is a Hardware Firewall and Which Hardware Firewall is Best?

2008-04-09T00:53:00.000-07:00

If you have more than three computers in your home or business that share the same internet connection, a hardware firewall is something you may want to consider. A hardware firewall is a device that sits in between the internet and your network, protecting all computers on the inside from dangerous intruders on the outside.

As opposed to a software firewall (also known as a personal firewall), a hardware firewall is designed to protect ALL the computers on a network instead of just one PC. It is generally more efficient and cost-effective to purchase a hardware firewall (as opposed to several software firewalls) if you have three or more computers you need to protect.

A hardware firewall is a special device that is designed to prevent outside intruders from getting you’re your network (where they can then easily get into your PC’s and servers). Firewalls can be configured to prevent access to certain types of applications that are considered dangerous (like P2P file-sharing programs) by blocking the communication ports that these applications use. A firewall will also provide some protection against hidden spyware infections, as it can help stop outgoing data packets that an infected PC may be sending to a cyber-criminal.

A firewall is considered to be the first line of defense in protecting computers from unwanted “visitors” such as hackers, worms, and remote control applications via hidden spyware. Without firewall protection your network is an “open door” to the internet, and anyone (or anything) can easily come in and out. Even if you don’t have any important files to protect, hackers and curious intruders can easily kill all your computers, take control of your network, or damage hardware beyond repair. The small investment in a firewall is nothing compared to the cost of replacing or repairing computer equipment as the result of an intruder’s visit.

Hardware firewalls use various techniques to protect your network against intruders and other internet threats. All firewall rules can be configured to apply to outbound or inbound traffic, so giving you a lot of flexibility and control in how the firewall works. Hardware firewalls can be simple or very complex, depending on the size of the network they are designed to protect. High-end corporate firewalls should be installed by a certified technician, but most home office and small business firewalls can be set up by anyone with a general understanding of networking and good technical ability.

Most hardware firewalls use some form of packet filtering, which is somewhat like a "checklist". Certain types of data packets are allowed through, and others may be blocked. If a packet attempting to travel in or out of a network meets the criteria set for "blocked", it is not allowed to pass.

Another technique that is often used with hardware firewalls is called Stateful Packet Inspection, also known as SPI. With SPI, a hardware firewall analyzes additional characteristics of the data packet in order to determine what to do with it. It checks to see where the packet came from, if it was sent as a response to a user request for information, if it just "appeared" out of nowhere, etc... Combined with packet filtering, SPI really makes a firewall appliance "smart", as it can make decisions whether to block or allow data packets based on logical analysis.

Depending on the type of network they are designed for, hardware firewalls can cost anywhere from $100 for a home firewall appliance up to several thousand dollars for an enterprise-class device. Simple (easy to install and configure) hardware firewalls designed for home use are offered by D-Link, Lynksys, and NetGear. SonicWall and HotBrick are very popular hardware firewalls for small and medium businesses.

System controls security cameras

2008-03-01T03:39:00.000-08:00

In a typical installation the UBL-CPA unit is located at the DVR with the camera's power supply plugged into the unit

Hall Research Technologies (HRT) has entered the balun market with a product created for security and surveillance camera extension. This product is used to extend the video and optional audio from a camera to a DVR (digital video recorder) to over 762m on Cat5/5e/6 UTP cable. It also carries the power from the DVR location to the camera.
In a typical installation the UBL-CPA unit is located at the DVR with the camera's power supply plugged into the unit.

At the camera location a second UBL-CPA is used to connect to the cameras video (and possible audio) output.

The cameras power input plugs to the 2.1mm power jack located on the unit.

The video signal at the camera and DVR are 100% isolated from power ground to prevent any grounding issues or video interference.

For a typical installation two units are required, one for the camera end and one for the DVR end.

Device server protects serial interfaces

2008-03-01T03:35:00.000-08:00

The JetPort 5604i offers 2kV optical isolation protection and 15kV ESD surge protection of serial interfaces

Korenix has released the JetPort 5604i industrial four-port isolation redundant serial device server. Users can use one IP address and redundant Ethernet paths to control up to four serial devices over the Ethernet. It has two types of power inputs, four 5V TTL digital inputs and two digital outputs.
It provides 2kV isolation protection for industrial environments and has dual Ethernet ports.

When the dual Ethernet ports are connected, only one path will be activated, this is known as the primary path.

The inactive path will be the backup path.

When the primary path is down, the backup path will recover Ethernet connection in less than 200ms.

The system allows users to connect the termination unit's 5V TTL digital input/output.

JetPort Commander allows users to monitor the status of the DI and DO and assign the value of 0 or 1 to the DO.

JetPort also provides one data port for user to program DI/O 'get' and 'set' commands figure on the right.

The logic Low (Value=0) power voltage is 0-0.8V, 0.8V is the maximum value.

The logic High (Value =1) power voltage is 2-5V, 2V is the minimum value.

JetPort also opens one TCP socket port for DI/DO programming commands.

The JetPort 5604i offers 2kV optical isolation protection and 15kV ESD surge protection of serial interfaces.

Optical isolation solves the problem of ground looping by effectively lifting the connection between the serial data line and 'ground' at either end of the serial networking line.

HTTPS is a web protocol built into browser that encrypts and decrypts the user's page requests as well as the pages that are returned by the web server.

It is a security protocol that provides communication privacy over the internet.

By adapting HTTPS technology, encrypted data packets can be transmitted safely between the JetPort 5604i and PC web browser, preventing unauthorised access.

The SSH technology enables users to securely login to remote host computers.

It uses a client/server architecture to provide secure communications between two nontrusted ends.

Automotive networks standards receive overhaul

2008-02-26T05:05:00.000-08:00

Most specifications have continuously been amended and extended in order to narrow the possibility for different interpretations by implementers

The Most Cooperation has overhauled the automotive multimedia network specifications and implemented an integrated compliance verification process to enhance quality while reducing the cost at the same time. The supply chain for optical connectors has been shortened and the requirements for new ICs with more implemented functions for Most nodes have been introduced.To further optimise robustness and user friendliness, the specifications have been refined to remove ambiguities and add clarity.

Since its first volume implementation, the Most specifications have continuously been amended and extended in order to narrow the possibility for different interpretations by implementers.

For example the management of a Most network has been described in a very detailed way.The specification is further complemented through respective standard driver stacks (NetServices) that are available from several sources.

They have been optimised for seamless portability to different system architectures.

The Most Cooperation has added descriptions of the dynamic behaviour of functional entities such as various APIs.

The necessary master functions to manage a Most network have been described with message sequence charts.

These specifications have been implemented in software that is available as standard code.

Third parties have been encouraged to develop products.

New tools are available for network analysis and compliance verification that cover most aspects of development, production and quality assurance of Most components.

Since the optical components account for about two thirds of the cost of a Most interface, the Most Cooperation invested the effort of restructuring the fibre optic transceiver (FOT) supply chain.

The fibre optic transceiver (FOT) has previously been delivered to the connector manufacturer, who assembles the FOT and connector into an optical header and then delivers it to the Tier 1.

The margin multiplication and duplication of process steps makes the optics very expensive.

With the new design, FOT and connector will both be directly delivered to the Tier 1.

This new principle will be standardised as the optical physical layer is developed for Most150.

It is therefore expected that cost of the optics for Most150 will be less than the current generation optics.

Comms appliance hosts network services

2008-02-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

Unified appliance is capable of a broad array of network service applications, such as network security, QoS, bandwidth management, load balancing and VoIP

Available now from Lanner Electronics, a the FW-8650 is a unified communication appliance capable of a broad array of network service applications, such as network security, QoS, bandwidth management, load balancing and VoIP. 'Lanner has added to its diverse portfolio of network technologies offering a universal platform to build multiservice network appliances', says Will Chen, CTO.
'Based on the Intel Q965 Express Chipset and Intel Core 2 Duo processor combo, and featuring two expansion slots, Lanner has delivered a system that is not only incredibly powerful, it also scales to meet the needs of your specific application'.

'The Intel Q965 Express chipset offers features that specifically address key requirements in network service applications, such as; increased memory bandwidth, faster system bus and low power processor support', says Rose Schooler, Director of Marketing, Embedded and Communication Processor Division, Intel.

'When combined with the Intel Core2 Duo processor, it delivers a host of benefits that enable Lanner's customers to deploy more responsive network service appliances with increased energy-efficient performance, flexibility and scalability'.

The system design focuses on scalable architecture with support for 1066/800/533 system bus processors including Intel Core2 Duo processors, Intel Pentium 4 processors and Intel Celeron D processors.

The inclusion of six gigabit LAN ports with three pairs supporting segment bypass results in a ramp up in network traffic throughput performance.

System performance is increased through the integration of dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM with 64bit memory addressing, providing shorter access time for data.

Dual expansion slots offer the user the ability to choose between two PCI or two PCI-express slots, giving a valuable advantage when designing an appliance for multitasking applications.

WAN updates legacy networks

2008-02-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

The Managed WAN Gateway acts as an IP communications server that allows system architects to consolidate several individual pieces of equipment, saving valuable rack space

Performance Technologies' Managed WAN Gateway provides a communication bridge from legacy serial networks and protocols to contemporary internet Protocol (IP) networks. Other members of the Performance Technologies' line of communication servers will be announced in the near future. The Managed WAN Gateway acts as an IP communications server that allows system architects to consolidate several individual pieces of equipment, saving valuable rack space.
These gateways are ideal for applications in aerospace and defence as well as commercial settings.

Built on standards-based hardware platforms, the Managed WAN Gateways include options for up to 56 ports of WAN connectivity as well as eight 10/100 and two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports for IP connectivity.

Any combination of WAN protocols can be supported on the ports.

Additional features include remote system management with the company's exclusive Intelligent Shelf Management (ISM) architecture for all chassis elements, as well as optional redundant power supplies and hot-swap capability.

All Managed WAN Gateways come pre-loaded and configured with Performance Technologies' Linux-based NexusWare software suite that provides designers with a variety of WAN protocol packages such as Radar, TADIL-B, X.25, Frame Relay and HDLC, commonly used in WAN environments.

NexusWare also includes a set of APIs available for Linux, Windows and Solaris operating systems.

'These robust, pre-integrated platforms provide engineers with a flexible suite of solutions to easily bridge legacy systems to today's evolving IP networks, as well as dramatically reduce the development time to market of new communication offerings', said Steven Wigent, Product Manager at Performance Technologies.

Desktop appliance hosts secure networking

2008-02-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Designed and developed for SIs, OEMs and software developers who want to expand edge networking applications for their security-conscious customers

New from American Portwell Technology, the NAD-2075-414 is a cost-effective desktop communications appliance for edge network applications. The new NAD-2075-414 uses VIA Technologies' ultra-low voltage Eden 500MHz processor - with a thermal design power (TDP) of just 1W - a VIA chipset, CN700 north bridge and VT823R south bridge.
The fanless design and low power consumption makes the NAD-2075-414 the ideal choice for system integrators (SIs), OEMs and software developers designing and implementing edge networking security applications such as network intrusion prevention/detection, spyware control, content filter, P2P control, instant message recording for small office/home office (SOHO) and remote satellite office.

'With its fanless design, low power consumption and no-noise working environment, the new NAD-2075-414 is the most cost-effective solution for today's smarter edge network security applications', says Mark Huang, American Portwell Technology's Product Marketing Manager.

'Features of the NAD-2075-414 include: four fast 10/100 Ethernet ports with RTL8100 chip; onboard DDR2 256M and a SODIMM socket of up to 1Gbyte that combine for a maximum memory support of 1.25Gbyte; 256Mbyte of CompactFlash memory; and a reset button to change the system back to the manufacturer's default setting'.

'This last feature is definitely not available on commercial motherboard-based systems', Huang confirms.

'The NAD-2075-414 is a fully configured system at a very attractive price', says Frank Shen, American Portwell Technology's Product Marketing Director.

'It was designed and developed for SIs, OEMs and software developers who want to expand edge networking applications for their security-conscious customers'.

'While the enterprise has traditionally been the main focus, more and more users are working from home or from satellite offices where the low price point, noiseless operation and low power consumption of the NAD-2075-414 make it the perfect entry-level small office/home office solution'.

Surf and Artesyn collaborate on media processing

2008-02-18T04:57:00.000-08:00

Surf Communication Solutions is working with Artesyn Communication Products to develop open architecture, triple-play (voice, video and data) media processing solutions

Surf will combine its PTMC and AdvancedMC DSP farms, based on Texas Instruments' TMS320C64x DSP generation, with Artesyn's PICMG 2.16 and AdvancedTCA blades to create media gateway and media server subsystems that deliver voice, video, fax and modem over IP, mobile, wireline, and wireless networks.
Artesyn's open architecture blades provide an excellent platform for our AdvancedMC and PTMC media processing DSP farms', said Amir Zmora, Vice President of Marketing at Surf.

'The resulting integrated solution is a comprehensive 'hardware and software', high-availability, high-density infrastructure subsystem for telecom equipment manufacturers, which greatly reduces their time-to-market'.

'Surf's extensive DSP hardware, software and media processing expertise makes them an ideal partner for creating open architecture, triple-play media processing solutions', said Todd Wynia, Vice President of Marketing at Artesyn.

'Our PICMG 2.16 and AdvancedTCA blades, together with Surf's AdvancedMC and PTMC media processing DSP farms, will give telecom OEMs an out-of-the-box solution for building a broad range of modular, open architecture media processing gateways and servers that offer triple-play capability'.

'Surf is a valuable member of TI's Third Party Programme, as they continue to drive innovation by leveraging TI's high-performance C64x DSPs to deliver superior media processing solutions', said Danny Petkevich, Worldwide C6000 DSP platform Marketing Manager, TI.

'By using TI's C64x DSPs, Surf's triple-play software solution enables customers to invest in a single architecture that scales from low cost, lower performance applications such as voice access gateways to performance intensive applications like voice/video transcoding and media servers, all while preserving the customer software investment'.

WAN protocol support enhanced

2008-02-18T04:43:00.000-08:00

Performance Technologies has announced NexusWare WAN, an enhanced offering of its WAN communications protocol environment

NexusWare WAN offers protocol support coupled with a flexible development environment for the company's popular packet-based network access products. Performance Technologies' WAN protocol products, shipping for over ten years, have been used by numerous equipment manufacturers and government agencies for telecom, military and civilian applications.

By offering added WAN protocol development flexibility and utilising the company's Linux-based NexusWare Core development, integration and management environment, developers have the ability to add a wide range of protocol packages to NexusWare Core.

This allows for the creation of powerful and flexible subsystems that address multiple communications applications.

'Traditionally our WAN protocols have been sold as individual software packages'.
'While we will continue to offer this format, we will also have NexusWare WAN, which furthers our commitment to provide tightly integrated, installable software packages for NexusWare Core', said Steve Wigent, Product Manager for Performance Technologies.

'This approach to software allows developers to easily add and remove software packages to NexusWare Core as their requirements change, and represents a significant reduction in development efforts, system integration costs and time-to-market'.

NexusWare WAN provides WAN connectivity, multi-protocol processing and a well-defined, easy-to-use application programming interface (API) that allows interoperability with WAN stacks such as HDLC, X.25 and Frame Relay.

Performance Technologies' WAN protocols, powerful integrated development environment and high performance CompactPCI controllers provide a complete WAN development solution for OEMs.

NexusWare WAN marks the latest addition to the growing NexusWare Linux-based software suite.

The base product, NexusWare Core, enables users of Performance Technologies' Advanced Managed Platforms and stand-alone embedded hardware to rapidly develop and deploy value-added capabilities with their solutions.

Other products in this software line include NexusWare C7, an MTP-2 starting point for SS7 development, NexusWare ISM, programming and control tools for intelligent shelf management, and NexusWare MG, protocols and tools for media gateway control, IP call control and PSTN signalling.

Appliance secures network applications

2008-02-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Mid-range network security appliance supports a wide range of expandability options for high-end performance

The ALS-3206 is the latest rack-mount Internet security platform from Adlink Technology. The unit is positioned as a mid-range network security appliance, yet supports a wide range of expandability options for high-end performance. The ALS-3206 supports several Intel processors, including the Core2 Duo, Core Duo, Core Solo and Celeron M processors; supports the Intel 945 GME and ICH7 chipsets; and provides two slots of PCI-X and one PCI extension slot.
One novel feature of the ALS-3206 is the option to configure the two PCI-X extension slots: one to extend a four-port gigabit Ethernet card and the other to extent a network security accelerator.

This combination of features presents an excellent choice for antivirus software security, content security and PKI software applications.

For extended connectivity, the ALS-3206 offers six 10/100/1000Mbit/s LAN ports at the front panel.

There is also an RS232 serial port (DB-9 connector) for local system management, maintenance and diagnostics.

The ALS-3206 provides four SATA II HDD interfaces, two DIMM sockets supporting up to 4Gbyte of DDR2 RAM, four USB 2.0 ports, two PS/2 ports, a CompactFlash slot, and one VGA port-all in a 1U form factor.

Extender sends serial over Cat5

2008-02-13T02:03:00.001-08:00

The KVMS Extender allows users to operate keyboard, video, mouse and serial devices up to 300m from a computer using a single Cat5 UTP/FTP cable

New from Minicom Advanced Systems, the KVMS Extender allows users to operate keyboard, video, mouse and serial devices up to 300m from a computer using a single Cat5 UTP/FTP cable. In addition to adding tremendous flexibility to KVM applications, the new, long range solution is highly suited to the digital signage market - delivering real-time, high quality video media to plasma/LCD screens at greater distances than ever before
'KVMS represents an unprecedented leap in potential for production lines, clean-rooms, banks, schools, museums, training centres, and digital signage installations', said Amir Ginossar, Product Manager for Minicom.

'To eliminate the risk and impracticality of exposing valuable PC's and players at the site of the plasma screen or KVM workstation, our customers can now connect them 300m away - keeping their PCs and players in a secure, environmentally controlled operations room'.

KVMS Extender is an easy to install, plug-and-play hardware solution that requires no software and creates no network conflicts.

It is compatible with virtually any operating system and an extensive range of KVM switches.

The system consists of a transmitter and receiver connected by a single Cat5 cable.

The transmitter connects directly to the computer or media player and the receiver connects to the extended keyboard, video, mouse or plasma/LCD screen, its small form-factor making it ideal for desk or flat-panel mounting.

An additional user can be added at the transmitter end, creating a dual-user system.

Full serial communication via bidirectional RS232 facilitates touch-screen and additional serial device applications.

For digital signage applications, the system facilitates high quality video transmission, and allows the IT administrator to power on/off and query the status of the extended display installation from the player.

Aculab stars in Alliance supplier awards

2008-02-13T01:57:00.000-08:00

After consistently outperforming 17 other global suppliers Aculab has been honoured with the supplier of the year award from Alliance Systems

This is the fourth year that Alliance has held its supplier awards. The winning supplier was chosen based on rigorous analysis of suppliers' monthly performances, against criteria set out by the TL9000 quality management system (QMS), established to meet the quality requirements of the worldwide telecommunications industry.
Scoring an overall supplier performer index of 1.05 (with a perfect score being 1.00), Aculab consistently excelled across all the measurement criteria, which included; supplier quality rating (the proportion of items returned), supplier delivery rating (on time deliveries) and supplier fill rating (supplying orders in full quantities).

Chris Gravett, Sales and Marketing Director at Aculab commented: 'This is a tremendous achievement for Aculab, and we are delighted to accept this award'.

'This demonstrates Aculab's ongoing commitment to our partnership with Alliance and to meet and exceed their expectations'.

'Aculab looks forward to a continued relationship with Alliance in the future - working together to achieve common goals'.

Speaking on awarding Aculab with this accolade, Rusty Cone, President of Alliance said: 'The selection of Aculab as our supplier of the year is based on objective measurement of its products' quality performance, and their superior on-time delivery'.

'This award recognises Aculab's commitment to excellence and the results Alliance has attained through this affiliation'.

'The entire team should be congratulated for this achievement, and Alliance is extremely satisfied to have Aculab as a key supplier'.

Embedded processor module is top innovation

2008-02-11T00:09:00.000-08:00

The Lantronix XPort Architect with Evolution networking operating system was awarded the EDN Innovation of the Year award at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose

The Lantronix XPort Architect (AR) with Evolution networking operating system (NOS) was awarded the EDN Innovation of the Year award at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose. Selected as the most innovative embedded system in 2005, XPort AR is an embedded processor module that goes beyond simple network connectivity and provides manufacturers an unprecedented level of device intelligence to the network.
This exclusive award specifically honours outstanding engineering innovation and invention in electronic products and technologies.

Lantronix XPort AR was one of hundreds of products considered and was chosen as the winner by the EDN Editorial Advisory Board, EDN Editors and readers.

Lantronix XPort AR enables manufacturers to quickly and easily build networking and web server capabilities into embedded devices and machines, enabling them to be easily and securely integrated into an enterprise data network.

Running Lantronix Evolution NOS, XPort AR is the first embedded device networking solution to incorporate standards-complaint information transport protocols including XML and RSS and security protocols SSH and SSL.

In addition, XPort AR is fully IEEE802.3af power over Ethernet (PoE) compliant for pass-through PoE capability and provides 'Cisco like' command line interface (CLI) capabilities to simplify remote or local configuration.

'We designed XPort AR to give our customers additional features such as increased network security, management and embedded intelligence capabilities beyond anything else currently on the market', said Marc Nussbaum, CEO of Lantronix.

'We are very pleased to have won this prestigious award from EDN and its readers, who are on the front lines of developing the next-generation of consumer and commercial devices and applications that will utilise M2M technology solutions, such as the XPort AR.

This award further validates Lantronix reputation for market-driven design innovation and the need for a new era of intelligent device networking'.

Universal device server is RoHS compliant

2008-02-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

The UDS1100 is a more powerful RoHS-compliant version of the best selling Lantronix UDS external device server

Lantronix has introduced the UDS1100, a more powerful, RoHS-compliant version of its best selling UDS external device server. Lantronix UDS (universal device server) family is well-known for helping manufacturers worldwide to network-enable their products and services. Mandated by the European Parliament and Council of the European Union, RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) requires that manufacturers reduce the usage of certain substances in electrical and electronic equipment by July 2006.
'The Lantronix UDS device server family continues to be the industry flagship for network-enabling devices in a variety of emerging machine-to-machine applications', said Marc Nussbaum, CEO of Lantronix.

'We took the RoHS green initiative as an opportunity to add functionality, making this new UDS1100 solution available with higher performance and more flexibility to meet the needs of our M2M customers'.

A cost-effective solution, the new Lantronix UDS1100 is a 10/100 single port device server with increased serial port speeds and is a drop-in replacement for current users of the Lantronix UDS family.

The UDS1100 contains a complete miniaturised web server, is compatible with all standard web browsers and is customisable using Lantronix development tools.

The UDS can also be used as a modem replacement allowing customers to replace PCs with modems or dedicated modem hardware with fast and reliable Ethernet based broadband networking.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) technology provides the device intelligence needed to gain real-time access to information from anywhere.

This technology has revolutionised many forward-thinking industries including industrial/building automation, medical, point-of-sale, security and audio-visual/entertainment.

Now with a more powerful web server, processor and memory, the UDS makes it even easier to make M2M data accessible to backend corporate systems.

The embedded computing business of Emerson

2008-02-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

The embedded computing business of Emerson Network Power will offer a full range of professional services to augment the OpenSAF integration experience

Emerson Network Power has pledged to support the OpenSAF Foundation and has confirmed its commitment to provide OpenSAF on all of its future AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA Avantellis platforms. In order to broaden the reach and success of the OpenSAF Foundation - which is dedicated to the development of a base platform middleware consistent with Service Availability Forum (SA Forum) specifications - the embedded computing business of Emerson Network Power will offer a full range of professional services to augment the OpenSAF integration experience.
To ease platform and application integration, customers will have access to Emerson Network Power's embedded computing design engineering services as well as development consulting and development support services.

This extended support will supplement their own design staffs with experienced engineers who can provide assistance with software development, programming and debugging.

Additionally, Emerson Network Power will offer a full range of training, support and maintenance services to the broad OpenSAF community and will provide adopters and application developers with access to its technical support resources.
'As a founding member of the OpenSAF Foundation, the Embedded Computing business of Emerson Network Power will continue to actively contribute to the Open Source project, which is evident in our commitment to provide OpenSAF on all of our future ATCA and MicroTCA Avantellis platforms', said Jorge Magalhaes, Vice President of Marketing for the Embedded Computing business of Emerson Network Power.

'This pledge will introduce OpenSAF benefits to a large, rapidly growing customer base, which in turn will help to improve time to market, as well as reduce hardware dependency and increase R and D efficiency for a significantly increased number of OpenSAF users'.

The open source project was initially released in mid 2007 and has been under development by an informal group of supporters of the OpenSAF initiative.

A nonprofit organisation, the OpenSAF Foundation was established 22nd January, 2008 by communications and enterprise computing companies to facilitate the OpenSAF Project and to accelerate the adoption of the OpenSAF code base in commercial products.

Concurrently, the code base was released under the LGPL v2.1 licence.

Eight-channel convertor produces E1/T1 output

2008-02-02T02:55:00.001-08:00

The Technisys eight-channel NRZ to E1/T1 convertor is a stand-alone device designed to provide conversion of eight channels of NRZ clock and data to E1 or T1 line outputs

The NRZ differential inputs are via RJ45 connectors, and the E1/T1 Line outputs are via concentric twinax connectors. Clock and data validity for each channel is indicated by front panel LEDs. The line interface (E1/T1) and corresponding datarate (2.048/1.544MHz) are selected by a front panel switch.
Front panel switches provide the ability to selectively invert the incoming data and clock for each channel.

The unit also contains a test pattern generator, which provides R3, R7, R15, R20 PRBS patterns, and all ones pattern.

In addition to this model, Technisys also offers units for clock/data recovery (CDR) from E1/T1 line input and E1/T1 line rate conversion.

These units, P/N 701319 and 701321, respectively, are available in the same 1U package, which includes auto-ranging AC mains.

The unit pricing for this chassis is at under US $3000 with significant discounts for quantity orders.

Shelat brings IT industry experience

2008-02-02T02:49:00.000-08:00

Hall Research has recruited AJ Shelat to the position of National Sales Manager responsible for expanding its dealer base and OEM relations

Shelat will also oversee all HRT's manufacturer's representatives, search for new markets, and direct the advertising and marketing publications of Hall Research. Shelat will be able to draw on his extensive experience and stellar background in the IT and AV industry - most notably at ViewSonic Corporation, Altinex and CompView.

Distribution deal covers hardware and software

2008-01-31T23:54:00.001-08:00

Diamond Point will sell and provide hardware and software systems support for Performance Technologies' line of standards-based embedded hardware and software in the UK, Ireland and India

Performance Technologies has formed a distributor partnership with Diamond Point International of Rochester, UK, for the company's embedded hardware and carrier-grade software. Design engineers and OEM system architects in telecommunications, commercial, as well as aerospace and defence industries use Performance Technologies' solutions to meet strict time to market product development schedules while maintaining project cost controls.
Diamond Point will sell and provide hardware and software systems support for Performance Technologies' line of standards-based embedded hardware and software in the United Kingdom, Ireland and India.

Performance Technologies brings its PCI, PCI Express, CompactPCI, AdvancedMC, MicroTCA, multiprotocol servers and carrier-grade Linux products to Diamond Point's offering of core-computing technologies.

Packet processing module enables high throughput

2008-01-31T23:48:00.000-08:00

With superior density and throughput for each slot, the ATCA-7220 helps companies minimise capital expenditures by reducing the amount of equipment needed

RadiSys has released the Promentum ATCA-7220 Dual Octeon Plus packet processing module, the industry's first blade to enable highest density of Gigabit Ethernet interfaces in a single slot. With significantly higher processing power and bandwidth access than other platform available today, the advanced telecommunications computing architecture (ATCA) module enables a complete solution for packet processing applications such as radio network controllers, session border control (SBC), security gateways, edge routers and media gateways.
The ATCA-7220 module is designed with a Cavium Networks Octeon Plus multicore MIPS64 processor, which enables the highest throughput and wire speed available, giving manufacturers a competitive advantage in taking next-generation equipment to market.

The architecture incorporates a 'Smart FrontEnd' with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch with content-aware capabilities.

The Smart FrontEnd allows offloading preprocessing from the Cavium Processors, enhances the manageability of the processors and enables flexibility of data flow to and from the processors.
With superior density and throughput for each slot, the ATCA-7220 helps companies minimise capital expenditures by reducing the amount of equipment needed.

The new module features RadiSys' optimised IP data path software, which improves manufacturers' ability to accelerate time to market and time to revenue.

In addition, the future-proof ATCA platform gives manufacturers a clear path to migrate easily to the next generation of Octeon processors.

'Soaring internet traffic is not only prompting a multitude of new, enhanced services, but it's also posing greater security threats, making it critical that manufacturers incorporate deeper packet inspection and processing capability into their all-IP network infrastructures', said Anthony Ambrose- General Manager and Vice President for Communications Networking Business Unit, RadiSys.

The ATCA-7220 is a single-slot ATCA module that supports the Option 9 (10 GE) fabric interface.

It incorporates an onboard 10GE switch to facilitate flexible data flow models and enables powerful packet processing solutions needed for the next-generation equipment.

The ATCA-7220 includes a local management processor to enable blade management functions and offers front or rear I/O.

Modems do not drain computer resources

2008-01-30T02:49:00.000-08:00

Radicom's USB modems contain a hardware controller, a data pump and an International DAA

Radicom Research has released its new line of USB hardware modems. Available in modular and stand-alone configurations, these modems process data using their own hardware and do not use any processing power of the host computer. These modems are CDC-compliant and are supported by Microsoft CDC modem drivers and Linux CDC-ACM drivers.
They work with Linux, Windows and Mac operating systems.

Radicom's stand-alone V92HU-E modem measures 36 x 64 x 25mm, enclosed with USB interface and RJ-11 phone jack.

The modular V92HU measures 36 x 25 x 6mm and has no on-board jacks, permitting custom jack placement.

Radicom's USB modems contain a hardware controller, a data pump and an International DAA (data access arrangement).

The International DAA in these modems does not draw power from the telephone line, but only draws low power from the USB port.
They thus operate reliably when line current is low due to long lines or poor line conditions.

Radicom USB modems have their own built-in DSP (data signal processing), and support V.92 analogue data, V.44 data compression, 14.4kbps fax, and remote telephone answering machines (TAM) without using host processing power.

USB 1.1 and 2.0 host controllers and hubs are supported.

They are USB hot swappable and can operate at data rates from 300 to 56Kbyte, and accept AT command set.

'Radicom engineers designed these USB hardware modems at the request of OEM designers who wanted compact USB hardware modems that would work with Linux, Windows and Mac operating systems and have all the features found in larger packages', said Alex Tsau, Vice President of Operations for Radicom Research.

'The results are small, low-power USB hardware modems that satisfy a wide spectrum of applications'.

With international DAA and RoHS compatibility these modems comply with most international standards and are ready to ship to US, Canada, Europe and other major countries.

Digital Line Guard automatically detects an over current on tip and ring lines and protects the modem from over current that might result from an accidental connection to a digital telephone line.

Line-in-use and connection detection features allow the modem to share a phone line with other equipment, eliminating the cost of a dedicated phone line, allowing field personnel to check status and receive reports on remote facilities and respond to abnormal conditions immediately.

Radicom's USB hardware modems are suitable for design into compact systems such as medical devices, POS (point of sale) terminals, gaming devices, vending machines, remote monitoring and data collection systems, industrial monitoring systems, home security networks, handheld computers, back-up communication systems, and any small footprint device that needs to communicate reliably with low power consumption.

Companies agree communications purchase

2008-01-30T02:42:00.000-08:00

Motorola's ECC business is set to become part of Emerson Network Power

Emerson has agreed to acquire Motorola's embedded communications computing (ECC) business for US $350 million in cash. Motorola's ECC business, which had 2006 revenue of approximately US $520 million, will strengthen Emerson's position in the US $6 billion merchant embedded computing industry.
Upon completion of the transaction, Motorola's ECC business will become part of Emerson Network Power.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Motorola's ECC business is a provider of embedded computing products and services to communication infrastructure and equipment manufacturers in telecommunications, medical imaging, defence and aerospace and industrial automation.

For Emerson, the transaction enhances its ability to meet the embedded computing needs of customers in telecommunications and other industries.

Motorola's ECC business brings complementary advanced technology and leverages existing marquee customer relationships with Emerson Network Power's embedded computing and embedded power businesses.
For Motorola, the transaction sharpens its focus on its core businesses and technologies and provides additional capital to drive further growth and enhance shareholder value.

David Farr, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Emerson said 'The combination of Motorola's ECC business with the US $100 million embedded computing business we acquired as part of Artesyn last year establishes Emerson as a leader in the embedded computing industry'.

'Through this transaction, Emerson can provide greater capabilities to our customers as they adopt advanced new technologies and expand applications for their customers'.

'We are pleased to announce this transaction with Emerson', said Ed Zander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Motorola.

'We regularly evaluate our company's portfolio to ensure alignment with our core vision and business strategies to enhance shareholder value'.

'We believe that Emerson has the proven track record to continue to serve ECC's customers with the same high-quality and level of products and services'.

The primary purpose of embedded computing technology is to control machines or other computer systems and manipulate data.

For example, in telecommunications, embedded computing consolidates, translates, routes and monitors voice, video and data information across multiple networks.

Local and long distance wireline offices and wireless base stations depend on embedded computing technologies to operate at peak performance.

Emerson Network Power and Motorola ECC embedded computing technologies feature industry standards known as Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA) and Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MicroTCA).

These standards are being adopted by major telecom companies because they increase network capacity while lowering the total cost of ownership.

'Wireless adoption is driving long-term telecommunications market growth and broadband applications are reviving near-term wireline investment', Farr said.

'As we watch the telecom world quickly bring voice, video and data together for its customers, we believe the addition of the Motorola ECC business significantly strengthens our position for growth'.

Embedded board secures network applications

2008-01-28T23:28:00.001-08:00

Highly integrated network appliance board is designed for network security or gateway applications, including firewall, VPN, UTM, antivirus and intrusion prevention systems

New from VIA Technologies, the VIA 7500 embedded board is designed for advanced network security solutions. Building on VIA's strength in bringing to market power-efficient, highly targeted platforms, the VIA NAB 7500 brings VIA's expertise to the network appliance sector. Designed to address the needs of today's modern network security systems, the feature-packed VIA NAB 7500 is a highly integrated network appliance board for network security or gateway applications, including firewall, VPN, UTM, antivirus and intrusion prevention system products.
Other network applications include proxy server, quality of service and load balancer products.

To meet the demand for high performance, reliable and secure networks, the VIA NAB 7500 features five gigabit Ethernet ports (four of which run through PCI Express) supporting LAN bypass, a USB WLAN interface, four S-ATA ports for data logging or signature, serial ports for console redirection with an LCM power function, plus several other features for added reliability and security, including a TPM module for hardware-based data protection, all powered by a low heat, energy-efficient VIA C7 processor.

'VIA is proud to bring to market a product specifically designed to accurately meet the needs of network system integrators', says Daniel Wu, Assistant Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies.

'Being designed specifically for this sector, the NAB7500 offers superb networking performance without compromising on power efficiency or security'.

Powered by an energy-efficient 1.5GHz VIA C7 processor (with other speed options available for project customers) and the versatile VIA CN896 chipset, the VIA NAB 7500 supports up to 3.5Gbyte of DDR2 system memory, four gigabit Ethernet ports on a high bandwidth PCIe bus with an additional gigabit LAN port on the PCIbus.
The VIA NAB 7500 also supports a LAN bypass feature for added protection from system hang-up and power failure, with control available through the watchdog timer, GPIO or custom developed software.

System expandability is provided through a Golden Finger expansion module for discreet system expansion in a multiboard configuration or the addition of up to three PCI cards.

Data storage is simple with four SATA ports supporting RAID 0 and RAID 1, as well as a 44-pin IDE/CompactFlash socket.

With an optional TPM chip for superior software and content security, a COM port, eight GPIO ports, pin headers for PS/2 and VGA ports, LAN and LAN bypass front panel LEDs and up to six USB 2.0 ports, the VIA NAB7500 offers tremendous design flexibility.

Security can be augmented by enabling the VIA PadLock Security Engine, a hardware based security technology that provides the latest military-grade encryption and protection with the world's fastest x86 security engine.

VIA StrongBox is an application that uses the power of the VIA PadLock Security Engine allowing users to create up to 10 encrypted virtual drives.

Prerelease samples are available now to project-based customers.

Real-time Ethernet platform takes control

2008-01-28T23:25:00.000-08:00

By adding TTEthernet switches, guaranteed hard real-time communication pathways can be created in an Ethernet network without impacting existing applications

TTTech has developed a scalable real-time Ethernet platform for control systems deployable for a variety of applications. TTTech offers switches and products supporting this open modular control platform under the brand label TTEthernet (Time-Triggered Ethernet). TTEthernet will be launched by Honeywell for applications in the aerospace and automation industry.
Honeywell has already signed up for production programmes.

'We are proud to win our long-time customer Honeywell as development partner and launch customer for our TTEthernet switch technology', says Georg Kopetz, Managing Director of TTTech.

'This flexible and open real-time Ethernet technology platform facilitates the design of complex integrated systems'.

'It is optimal for world-leading technology companies, such as Honeywell, that serve a large number of customers with various networked innovations in highly competitive markets'.

The technology of TTEthernet provides broad compatibility with existing Ethernet standards.

Key TTEthernet operation principles allow its future use with other Ethernet-based networks in heterogeneous or legacy systems.

By adding TTEthernet switches, guaranteed hard real-time communication pathways can be created in an Ethernet network without impacting any of the existing applications.

TTTech's new Ethernet platform is designed for growth.

It scales from purely software-based real-time Ethernet control solutions to demanding redundant networked applications.

Integrating Ethernet with certified and production-proven time-triggered services provides a low-cost system integration platform solution.

Combining the experience of how to handle safe and deterministic solutions with the open Ethernet infrastructure has led to a unique architecture.

This platform supports the fast integration of various network technologies at substantial lower total life cycle cost.

The current TTEthernet product family supports 100Mbit/s and 1Gbit/s standard network components, as well as copper and fibre optics physical networks.

It enables purely synchronous and asynchronous operation over the same network

Server management system handles huge network

2008-01-28T05:29:00.001-08:00

With Spider, The Planet is now able to add remote IT users one server port at a time, providing the most cost-effective and scalable solution for its customers

The Planet, the world's largest privately held hosting company, has selected Lantronix SecureLinx Spider to address customer needs for KVM-over-IP (keyboard/video/mouse) management of their servers. Responding to customer requests for a remote KVM solution, The Planet looked to Lantronix Spider to meet their specific needs for an affordable, single-port device.
In hosting environments equipped with a broad range of servers, it is difficult to separate individual customer ports to diagnose a problem over the network.

With Spider, The Planet is now able to add remote IT users one server port at a time, providing the most cost-effective and scalable solution for its customers.

Additionally, the KVM solution provides hands-on access to remotely diagnose attached servers, install software and files using Virtual Media tools and virtually manage everything from the operating system up, all from one central location.

'Lantronix enabled us to meet our customers' requirements with its single-port offering', said Aaron Conklin, Product Manager for The Planet.

'Spider has allowed us to significantly scale the amount of equipment we can monitor at once, which provides our customers with the remote management capabilities that helps ensure their assets are constantly up and running'.
The Planet currently offers its KVM-over-IP services across its entire server fleet and in each of the company's six data centres.

The Planet selected Spider as an internal solution for managing its own IT infrastructure.

The company now uses Spider as an extension of its internal technical support staff.

SecureLinx Spider is one of the lowest 'cost-per-remote-user' server management solutions available and guarantees nonblocked 1:1 BIOS-level access to remote servers.

This flexible solution eliminates server-to-switch CAT5 cable distance limitations and gives system administrators 24/7 access to mission-critical servers distributed across a wide variety of network environments.

Available in USB and PS/2 models, Spider requires no additional client software.

About the size of a small chalkboard eraser, Spider provides flexible mounting options and can be attached directly to the back of the server and is light enough to be cable-supported.

It takes virtually no space and can be powered from the server, eliminating the need for an external power supply.

Featuring a dual-Ethernet port design and integrated Ethernet switch, the Spider allows multiple units to be cascaded, providing simple and cost-effective 'add-as-you-grow' scalability.

'Lantronix Spider was designed specifically for distributed IT environments that do not require the typical, high-port count KVM solutions that are currently on the market', said Reagan Sakai, interim CEO and CFO for Lantronix.

'With Spider, The Planet gains a competitive advantage through better customer service and a tool to increase their customer base and revenue stream'.

'The Planet's customers can reap the benefits of remote management with an affordable solution that enables them to successfully grow their individual businesses'.

Processor module joins wireless card on show

2008-01-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

The ConnectCore 9P 9215 is a powerful and cost-effective embedded processor module based on Digi's new NET+ARM NS9215 ARM9 processor

Digi International will launch the new ConnectCore 9P 9215 module and Digi Connect Wi-Wave at the Embedded World exhibition. The Digi ConnectCore 9P 9215 is a powerful and cost-effective embedded processor module based on Digi's new NET+ARM NS9215 ARM9 processor. It combines application processing, real-world interfacing and 100/100 Ethernet networking support with advanced power management features and security features.
The Digi Connect Wi-Wave is a wireless addon card with a PCI Express form factor and a USB 2.0 high-speed interface that adds 802.11b/g wireless connectivity to embedded products.

Its benefits include long-term availability, operation of an extended temperature range, and support for WPA2 enterprise grade security.

Additionally, Digi will be launching a newly expanded range of its very popular JumpStart Kits, which help make embedded development faster and less expensive.

The new range will feature kits including a variety of production-ready add-on hardware and integrated software, with device drivers implemented in Digi's NET+OS 7, Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and/or Linux.

Digi will of course also showcase its existing range of embedded device networking products and chipsets at the show including ZigBee modules and devices and application kits from both Digi and Rabbit Semiconductor.

VGA extenders are ideal for signage applications

2008-01-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

SY Electronics has launched a range of Cat5/6 KVM, VGA and distribution extenders. They are ideal for digital signage applications, producing high quality VGA output over Cat5/6 UTP cable

SY Electronics has launched a range of Cat5/6 KVM, VGA and distribution extenders. These VGA extender products are ideal for digital signage applications, producing high quality VGA output over Cat5/6 UTP cable at competitive prices. At Gitex 2005 this new range of Cat5/6 KVM, VGA extender products will be on display on the company's stand in Hall 1 (B1-67).
These products are already installed as part of many public information display systems, outputting high quality VGA up to 300m.

There is also a specialist product for use with touch screens that use a serial interface.

Many digital signage applications require a single VGA output to be distributed to multiple displays.

This is easily achieved by using the distribution system developed by SY Electronics.

Using two, four- or eight-port transmitters, up to 24 displays can be supplied from a single VGA source.

SY Electronics has also developed a skew correction system.

XSQ Technology eliminates the effect of transmitting VGA signals over longer distances, especially when using Cat6 cable.

This technology is also available as a stand-alone unit that can be used with any brand of Cat5/6 VGA extender system.

Common applications include flight information displays at airports, retail shopping malls, public buildings and education establishments.

Many customers report this range is easy to install, reliable and because all the units are compatible, installations can easily be modified or expanded at minimal cost.

The units are compatible with CRT, TFT, LCD and plasma displays and output up to 1600 x 1200, at 72Hz, at the maximum distance.

Higher resolutions are possible at shorter distances.

Software takes charge of KVM management

2008-01-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

KVM.net is a 'remote-presence' KVM management solution for the enterprise environment

Minicom, leading innovator and manufacturer of KVM over Cat5 switches and IP access for KVM management, has announced delivery of KVM.net, its 'remote-presence' management solution for the enterprise environment. KVM.net is designed to help medium-to-large, distributed, and enterprise size data centres centralise management over remote KVM access.
It ensures secure, nonblocking remote access to target servers and devices for any number of users, to any number of servers, from anywhere in the world via a simple, intuitive browser interface.

The system provides IT users and administrators with a unified, graphical view of their KVM infrastructure, even if the access is distributed across a number of remote branches.

'KVM.net provides an enterprise-wide overview of your KVM servers'.

'It merges powerful out-of-band KVM access with all the advantages of network management systems'.

'The KVM.net system is designed to integrate perfectly with 3rd party legacy KVM switches'.

'It enables you to upgrade your remote access capabilities while still preserving your KVM investment', says Gali Hacarmeli, Minicom's Digital Products Specialist.

For users, KVM.net is an 'always in control, always at your servers' way to access the data centre.

The intuitive, browser based GUI provides complete transparency for users regarding location and topology.

Users log on to a single IP address which routes them to their assigned targets.

KVM.net simplifies user access to their targets while enhancing the security of the KVM network.

Comms appliance hosts network services

2007-12-27T02:14:00.001-08:00

Extenders send video 300m over Cat5

2007-12-27T02:10:00.000-08:00

The UV(X)-16X series routes 16 individual input signals through a 2RU enclosure and extends them over UTP cable up to 300m

New from Hall Research Technologies is the UV(x)-16X video over Category-5 UTP product line. The UV(X)-16X series routes 16 individual input signals through a 2RU enclosure and extends them over UTP cable up to 300m. The UV1-S-16x transmits the receiver power and video (VGA or component) over UTP.
Compatible receiver units (sold separately) are required to convert the UTP signal back to VGA.

The UVA-16x transmits audio and video (VGA or component) over UTP.

Compatible receiver units (sold separately) are required to convert the UTP signal back to VGA and audio.

Optionally, the transmission of audio can be replaced by serial (RS232) in the UV232-16x.

Hall Research can also build custom units with fewer than 16 outputs or a mix of capabilities giving the end user the most flexible installation possible.

Comms appliance hosts network services

2007-12-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

Extenders send video 300m over Cat5

2007-12-19T22:55:00.000-08:00

Defence contractor spends $900,000 on GPS cards

2007-11-29T02:36:00.001-08:00

A primary US defence contractor has ordered delivery of prototypes of a complete circuit-card assembly for use in a global positioning system (GPS) communications receiver

White Electronic Designs has received a purchase order from a primary US defence contractor, valued at approximately US $900,000. The contract is for the delivery of prototypes of a complete circuit-card assembly for use in a global positioning system (GPS) communications receiver. The company expects to deliver these prototypes starting in February 2008 with the potential for follow-on production orders in early 2008.
The sizes of potential production contracts are estimated to be in excess of $10 million over the next four years.

There are upwards of 100,000 military communications receivers currently in the field that could be retrofitted with GPS receiver modules.

White Electronic Designs will integrate GPS technology and anti-tamper (AT) process technology into the circuit card assemblies for the next generation of receivers to protect more effectively against 'friendly fire' incidents.

Hamid Shokrgozar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of White Electronic Designs Corporation, comments: 'Providing complete circuit-card assemblies to our leading military contractor customers is one of our most important operating initiatives in 2007'.

'Receipt of this order from a primary military contractor is a strong validation of our ability to integrate various components, along with our leading-edge multichip modules, to provide complete circuit-card assemblies that make our customers' manufacturing processes more efficient and cost-effective and their products operationally superior'.

Defence contractor spends $900,000 on GPS cards

2007-11-29T02:36:00.000-08:00

DaVinci-based board IP-enables camera designs

2007-11-29T02:32:00.000-08:00

Mango DSP and ObjectVideo have codeveloped a reference design based on Texas Instruments' DaVinci technology supported by ObjectVideo OnBoard

The design will provide camera manufacturers a fast and simple integration of ObjectVideo's content analysis capabilities into their IP cameras, offering a revolutionary 'off the shelf' approach for creating an intelligent original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or original development manufacturer (ODM) solution, positively impacting the time to market and development cost of new IP cameras.
ObjectVideo OnBoard allows OEMs to significantly increase the value and effectiveness of their solutions by embedding intelligent video into a wide variety of devices.

ObjectVideo OnBoard provides comprehensive capabilities and packages them as embedded firmware that runs on TI's TMS320DM6446, based on DaVinci technology, inside many video network devices.

Mango DSP launched the Pegasus Embedded reference design, an intelligent video server, at the worldwide Texas Instruments Developer Conference (TIDC) less than a month ago.
The Pegasus offers the industry an open application programming interface (API) with integration of ObjectVideo's analytic software with DaVinci technology.

The Pegasus is equipped with a Micron CMOS sensor and is packaged in a very small form factor, enabling integration to a large variety of cameras.

Pegasus supports leading video codecs such as MPEG4 and H.264 with high resolution capabilities, including the option to extract megapixel JPEG images.

Pegasus supports applications such as video streaming, analytics, onboard storage options and USB connectivity.

'Mango has consistently developed very high quality reference design and video server solutions and is a key player in making device-based video analytics a reality for a variety of manufacturers', said Joel Moss, Managing Director, Partner Channels for ObjectVideo.

Ethernet kit released for .NET Micro

2007-11-29T02:30:00.000-08:00

Digi JumpStart Kits are a new breed of development kits that make it easy, fast, and economical for engineers to develop network-connected devices

Digi International has introduced the Digi Connect ME JumpStart Kit for Microsoft .NET Micro Framework - the industry's first Ethernet networking solution for .NET Micro Framework. Digi JumpStart Kits are a new breed of development kits that make it easy, fast, and economical for engineers to develop network-connected devices.
The .NET Micro Framework JumpStart Kit is ideal for industrial automation, building automation, point-of-sale, medical and numerous other applications.

'Digi was one of our earliest partners, and we have been working closely together to bring the advantages of .NET to small embedded devices', said Colin Miller, Product Unit Manager of the .NET Micro Framework at Microsoft.

'The Digi Connect ME JumpStart Kit for the .NET Micro Framework is a great starting point for opening embedded programming to the large community of software developers familiar with C# and Visual Studio'.

'Our collaboration with Digi has been very strong and we anticipate working with them on more and more products as we continue to change the way embedded development is done for small devices'.

'We are one of only a few companies shipping kits for .NET Micro Framework, and the first for Ethernet networking', said Joel Young, Senior Vice President of Research and Development and CTO, Digi International.

'We have a strong relationship with Microsoft, and we look forward to expanding our relationship in the future'.

Telecommunication modules use embedded Linux

2007-11-19T04:46:00.001-08:00

Artesyn Communication Products, a subsidiary of Artesyn Technologies has partnered with MontaVista to offer MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) for its telecom blades and modules

Artesyn will offer bundled, certified MontaVista CGE solutions for its PICMG 2.16, AdvancedTCA, AdvancedMC, Processorev/minC blades and modules, pre-installed in flash memory. Artesyn blades and modules equipped with MontaVista CGE provide a modular open architecture platform for building scalable, high-availability network infrastructure equipment.
'Embedded Linux is emerging as a dominant platform for building high-availability network infrastructure products, and we are committed to offering our telecom equipment OEM customers the finest Carrier Grade Linux solutions', said Todd Wynia, Vice President Of Marketing at Artesyn.

'Soon, network equipment providers (NEPs) will be able to purchase MontaVista's carrier grade Linux directly from Artesyn, certified by MontaVista, and pre-installed in flash on our telecom blades and modules'.

MontaVista Linux CGE is an open and flexible development platform designed specifically to address the unique and demanding requirements of carrier grade class applications, with a strong focus on open standards and high availability services.

MontaVista CGE is the industry's most field tested and proven Linux distribution.

It is the only carrier grade Linux deployed by the world's leading NEPs in carrier networks for over three generations of product, and it serves as the foundation for advanced telecom solutions currently in design.
MontaVista CGE is also the only carrier grade Linux operating system that complies with both the Service Availability Forum (SA Forum) Application Interface Specifications for high availability services and the Open Source Development Lab's (OSDL) requirements for Carrier Grade Linux 2.0.

'As the telecom industry responds to the extreme pressure to redesign their networks and introduce new advanced capabilities, NEPs are requiring a reliable, robust and flexible software platform to build out sophisticated designs while not putting their project schedules at risk', said Peder Ulander, Vice President of Marketing at MontaVista.

'Artesyn has been a pioneer in the development of open architecture telecom platforms and recognises the need for the telecom industry to leverage cost-effective off-the-shelf (COTS) components with advanced Linux technologies'.

'MontaVista atop Artesyn's blades and modules gives our joint customers a tested, out of the box, best of breed foundation for building and deploying reliable, feature-rich, carrier-class solutions'.

MontaVista CGE is available immediately from MontaVista for Artesyn's PICMG 2.16 Katana 750i, 752i, 3750 and 3752 blades, which feature PowerPC processing complexes, high-performance packet-switched backplane interfaces, PMC/PTMC mezzanine expansion, and integrated IPMI system management.

MontaVista CGE is also available for Artesyn's PowerQUICC-based Pm8560 protocol engine, an octal E1/T1 card optimised for SS7/SIGTRAN signalling.

Artesyn will announce bundled, certified MontaVista CGE solutions for select PICMG 2.16, AdvancedTCA, AdvancedMC and Processorev/minC blades and modules at a future date.

'We are excited to see Artesyn and MontaVista join forces, and look forward to working with them on future PowerPC- and PowerQUICC processor-based high-availability Linux platforms', said Jeff Timbs, a Marketing Director at Freescale Semiconductor's Networking and Computing Systems Group.

Product families integrated for better performance

2007-11-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

Adax has strengthened its partnership with Continuous Computing by integrating the Adax HDCII and the ATMII product families with Continuous Computing's Trillium+plus binary solutions

Adax, an industry leader in high performance communications and signalling infrastructure, has strengthened its partnership with Continuous Computing by integrating the Adax HDCII and the ATMII product families for narrowband, broadband and IP signalling with Continuous Computing's Trillium+plus binary solutions.
This joint effort has advanced the Trillium+plus product line to yield pre-integrated, high-performance packages serving SS7, ATM and SIGTRAN over T1/E1, OC3 and Ethernet interfaces across PCI, CompactPCI and AdvancedTCA architectures.

Continuous Computing's Trillium+plus product line enables customers to accelerate time-to-market and reduce project risk and complexity by eliminating the need for costly software integration.

Trillium+plus products provide off-the-shelf flexibility and ease of use to upgrade, change or converge network interfaces without the need to retool and retrain.
This offering also supports Continuous Computing's patented Distributed Fault Tolerance/High Availability (DFT/HA) for Trillium SS7, SIGTRAN (M2UA/M2PA/SCTP), wireless, VoIP, IMS and broadband stacks.

In a business climate where the demand for speed, bandwidth, and new services increases almost daily, this solution offers both wireline and wireless telecom equipment manufacturers and service providers a faster time to market.

With many customers in common, Adax and Continuous Computing have taken special care to ensure that these latest products retain the cohesive Trillium and Adax style and interfaces with which their users are familiar.

'If your need is SS7, ATM, IP signalling, or convergence among all three, with Trillium+plus Adax and Continuous Computing have the fully integrated and tested product set', said Dr Barry Zuckerman, Adax President.

'Adax and Continuous Computing's customers like being able to purchase from a single source and eliminate the need to integrate the two companies' products'.

'Trillium+plus allows customers the option of buying Trillium protocol software as pre-certified and pre-tested binary solutions - a convenient, time-saving alternative to our traditional source code model', said Garrett Choi, General Manager of Continuous Computing's Trillium business unit.

USB connections are easily extended

2007-11-19T04:42:00.000-08:00

The new Rover 200 Series of USB isolator and extender pairs from Amplicon provides USB isolation and extends USB connections up to 40m in length

Employing patented 'ExtremeUSB' technology, it offers unrivalled reliability and compatibility, compared with other USB extenders. Approved by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the series comprises a pair of USB extenders with factory fitted fibre-optic cable between them, providing an out-of-the-box USB extender with complete optical isolation, end to end.
Options with 1, 20 and 40m of fibre are available as standard.

Optical isolation is often required when connecting medical instruments to PCs or for connecting USB devices in electrically noisy environments.

EMC test houses may also benefit from the Rover 200 when exercising the USB interface of equipment under test.

All versions ship with a power supply and can be used in conjunction with a USB hub to provide connections to multiple devices.

For instrument manufacturers looking to integrate such a system directly into their equipment, OEM versions are available.

David Evans, Data Communications Product Manager at Amplicon commented: 'The success of Amplicon's first range of Cat 5e USB extenders has led to the rapid introduction of the Rover 200 series'.

ZigBee modules survive encased in ice

2007-11-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

XBee ZigBee modules were chosen to monitor the temperature of a ice skating rink

PTC Remote Management and Service wanted to create a new way to monitor and control numerous devices spread over an area. The company had a pilot project in mind - monitoring the temperature and environmental influences on Thialf ice skating rink in Heerenveen. However, PTC first had to figure out how to go about creating a solution that could be embedded in -20C ice, transmit through the ice and run on ultra low battery power.
The solution came in the form of XBee ZigBee modules from Digi International's MaxStream brand.

The uMesh system specialises in data transfer and communications by means of a self-forming and self-healing mesh topology network.

The network is formed of individual nodes which can relay data off any other node in range until it reaches the destination.

Every node consists of monitoring sensors and a MaxStream XBee module.

The data gathered is relayed from XBee to XBee until it reaches a central point which routes it by either a wired Ethernet connection or via a cellular GPRS signal over IP.
internet connection to access this data anywhere in the world by logging in to the PTC website and entering the appropriate username and password.

E-mail and SMS alerts can also be set up for critical notifications.

'We had previously used the MaxStream XBee modules in a transport and logistics operation for tracking and tracing trailers attached to lorries', explained Wessel Koning, Technical Director, PTC.

'So, when we needed a wireless module for uMesh Digi was the first place we turned'.

For the the skating rink, nodes were placed at different points within the ice and also on wind speed and humidity sensors.

All the data was relayed to a central location, where it was added to data coming from the ice making machines themselves.

This information will now be used to determine optimal ice composition for future winter seasons.

One of the additional benefits of the XBee-based uMesh system is that even though it is low power, lasting up to five years on just two standard AA batteries, it can be used for more than simple monitoring.

The system can transmit both ways and can also be used for control applications thanks to an inbuilt microprocessor.

It is possible to link the ice making machines to the system so that when certain changes in temperature, wind, or humidity occur the machines can adjust accordingly.

Overall the project took approximately 18 months, including hardware and software development.

In the end, this solution should result in faster times on the rink by speed skaters thanks to superior ice conditions.

The International Skating Union is considering making these systems standard for all competitions.

Simulator integrates old modems

2007-11-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Digi DialServ extends the life of existing remote equipment by allowing devices to communicate with a centralised location as if they were TCP/IP devices

Digi International has released the Digi DialServ, a phone line simulator that integrates with Digi's cellular gateways to allow legacy devices with built-in modems to easily drop-in to cellular IP networks. Remote legacy devices with built-in modems include devices like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), security panels, automated teller machines and point-of-sale devices.
Digi DialServ extends the life of existing remote equipment by allowing devices to communicate with a centralised location as if they were TCP/IP devices.

Replacing old phone lines with IP communications eliminates the cost of additional phone lines and speeds transaction times.

'The Digi DialServ provides a migration path for customers from old analogue dial-up networks to more efficient, lower-cost wireless IP networks', said Larry Kraft, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Digi International.

'Best of all, customers can get these benefits without changing their applications'.

When used with Digi cellular gateways, the Digi DialServ works with both dial-in and dial-out applications by simulating the Telco network and converting the requested phone number to an IP address.

It makes the device think it is still communicating over Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

Motherboards provide long-term stability

2007-10-25T23:33:00.001-07:00

The Endura series of motherboards is designed to support long-life embedded applications and to provide ongoing support for current Intel processors

RadiSys has released three motherboards that are compatible with Intel Core2 Duo processors. The latest additions to RadiSys' Endura portfolio of motherboards are based on the Intel Q35 Express chipset, which provides enhanced graphics performance, support for the latest DDR2-800 memory technology, more USB 2.0 ports for a larger number of external peripherals, support for external SATA drives and greater energy efficiency.
The Endura series of motherboards is designed to support long-life embedded applications and to provide ongoing support for current Intel processors to enable customers to deliver their products to market quickly.

The Endura motherboards are particularly suited to medical imaging, military and gaming markets in applications such as medical ultrasound, industrial automation and video surveillance.

The JD35Q and QZ35Q ATX boards are designed for use in tmaging applications with a x16 PCI Express slot for graphics acceleration cards,and a second x16 connector (with 4 PCI Express lanes) for use with an additional graphics acceleration card.
With integrated DVI and S-Video interfaces and a x4 PCI Express slot for high bandwidth data capture devices, the PL35Q microATX board is suitable for medical ultrasound equipment.

The QZ35Q ATX board is designed to meet the more demanding slot and port needs of industrial automation applications that typically require more I/O.

This board is ideal for applications that require many legacy PCI slots, such as a video surveillance system with multiple PCI video capture cards.

All boards come with support services, including expert product lifecycle management.

'Time to market is critical in the manufacturing business', said Wade Clowes, Vice President of RadiSys' Commerical Segment.

'Our goal with the Endura line of motherboards is to stay in lock step with Intel processor technology to ensure equipment manufacturers timely access to new technology so they can get their products to market quickly'.

Joe Jensen, General Manager of Intel's Embedded Market Division said 'Developers can use motherboards, such as the new Endura line from RadiSys, to streamline their product development and help speed time to market'.

System controls security cameras

2007-10-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Networking node provides flexible connections

2007-10-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

Providing true protocol translation and not protocol packet encapsulation, the ProtoNode interfaces to over 85 building and industrial automation protocols

Designed to enable fast, flexible and easy interfacing of new or existing devices with other protocols, the ProtoNode from Solid State Supplies uses the extensive FieldServer driver library to support virtual nodes. This allows multiple OEM controllers to connect to a single ProtoNode and be seen as separate controllers on the various field networks.
The ProtoNode includes all the hardware and software required to enable the customer's products to interface to various networks.

It includes two serial ports and one Ethernet port.

Each ProtoNode is provided with the necessary protocol drivers and multiple drivers can be installed on a single device.

Custom driver support is also available.

Providing true protocol translation and not protocol packet encapsulation, the ProtoNode interfaces to over 85 building and industrial automation protocols and bridges between Allen Bradley DF1 or Modbus RTU or ASCII to BACnet MSTP/IP or Allen Bradley EtherNet/IP or Allen Bradley CSP as well as translating between Ethernet to Ethernet protocols such as Modbus TCP and Allen Bradley EtherNet/IP devices and vice versa.

Easily supporting the OEM's custom host serial or Ethernet protocols, the ProtoNode's multiple-client and multiple-server support ensures interoperability between any industrial or building automation protocols.

Companies agree communications purchase

2007-10-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

Network Troubleshooting Commands

2007-10-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

Troubleshooting computer network is among the most important job descriptions of the network administrators, system administrators, network technicians and the IT consultants. A computer network can have different kinds of problems such as it can be infected with virus and spyware, attacked by hackers, accessed by unauthorized users and may face connectivity failure issues due to the faulty network devices or configurations. Following is a list of the basic network troubleshooting commands that are built-in the Windows based operating systems and UNIX etc. The right use of these troubleshooting commands can helps a lot in diagnosing and resolving the issues with your computer network.

PING
Ping is the most important troubleshooting command and it checks the connectivity with the other computers. For example your system’s IP address is 10.10.10.10 and your network servers’ IP address is 10.10.10.1 and you can check the connectivity with the server by using the Ping command in following format.

At DOS prompt type Ping 10.10.10.1 and press enter

If you get the reply from the server then the connectivity is ok and if you get the error message like this “Request time out” this means the there is some problem in the connectivity with the server.

IPCONFIG
IPconfig is another important command in Windows. It shows the IP address of the computer and also it shows the DNS, DHCP, Gateway addresses of the network and subnet mask.

At DOS prompt type ipconfig and press enter to see the IP address of your computer.

At DOS prompt type inconfig/all and press enter to see the detailed information.

NSLOOKUP
NSLOOKUP is a TCP/IP based command and it checks domain name aliases, DNS records, operating system information by sending query to the Internet Domain Name Servers. You can resolve the errors with the DNS of your network server

HOSTNAME
Hostname command shows you the computer name.

At DOS prompt type Hostname and press enter

NETSTAT
NETSTAT utility shows the protocols statistics and the current established TCP/IP connections in the computer.

NBTSTAT
NBTSTAT helps to troubleshoot the NETBIOS name resolutions problems.

ARP
ARP displays and modifies IP to Physical address translation table that is used by the ARP protocols.

FINGER
Finger command is used to retrieve the information about a user on a network.

TRACERT
Tracert command is used to determine the path of the remote system. This tool also provides the number of hops and the IP address of each hop. For example if you want to see that how many hops (routers) are involved to reach any URL and what’s the IP address of each hop then use the following command.

At command prompt type tracert www.yahoo.com you will see a list of all the hops and their IP addresses.

TRACEROUTE
Traceroute is a very useful network debugging command and it is used in locating the server that is slowing down the transmission on the internet and it also shows the route between the two systems

ROUTE
Route command allows you to make manual entries in the routing table.

Wireless Networking, Part 1: Capabilities and Hardware

2007-10-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

Wireless Networking, Part 1: Capabilities and Hardware

These days it isn’t uncommon for a home to have multiple personal computers, and as such, it just makes sense for them to be able to share files, as well as to share one Internet connection. Wired networking is an option, but it is one that may require the installation and management of a great deal of wiring in order to get even a modestly sized home set up. With wireless networking equipment becoming extremely affordable and easy to install, it may be worth considering by those looking to build a home network, as well as by those looking to expand on an existing wired network.

The first installment in this two-part series of Tech Tips will provide an introduction to the basic capabilities and hardware involved in wireless networking. Once that foundation has been established, we’ll take a look at a few setup and security related considerations that should be addressed once the physical installation is complete.

Capabilities

The basic standard that covers wireless networking is the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) 802.11, which is close kin to the wired Ethernet standard, 802.3. Many people will recognize 802.11 more readily when accompanied by one of three suffixes (a, b, or g), used to specify the exact protocol of wireless networking.

The 802.11a protocol first hit the scene in 2001, and despite a small surge in recent popularity, it is definitely the least common of the three at this time. The signals are transmitted on a 5 GHz radio frequency, while “b” and “g” travel on 2.4 GHz. The higher frequency means that the signal can travel less distance in free space and has a harder time penetrating walls, thus making the practical application of an 802.11a network a bit limited. The maximum transfer rate, however, is roughly 54 Mbps, so it makes up for its limited range with respectable speed.

As mentioned, 802.11b and 802.11g networks operate on a 2.4 GHz radio band, which gives a much greater range as compared to 802.11a. One downside to being on the 2.4 GHz band is that many devices share it, and interference is bound to be an issue. Cordless phones and Bluetooth devices are two of many items that operate at this frequency. The range of these two protocols is about 300 feet in free air, and the difference between the two comes down to speed. 802.11b came first, released back in 1999, and offers speeds up to 11 Mbps. 802.11g first appeared in 2002 and it is a backwards compatible improvement over 802.11b and offers speeds up to 54 Mbps.

On top of these protocols, some manufacturers have improved upon the 802.11g standard and can provide speeds of up to 108 Mbps. This doesn’t involve a separate protocol, but just a bit of tweaking in areas like better data compression, more efficient data packet bursting, and by using two radio channels simultaneously. Typically, stock 802.11g equipment is not capable of these speeds, and those interested need to shop for matched components that specify 108 Mbps support. I say “matched components” as this is not a standard protocol and the various manufacturers may take different approaches to achieving these speeds. In order to ensure the best results when trying to achieve these elevated speeds, components from the same manufacturer should be used together. For instance, only Netgear brand network adaptors rated for 108 Mbps data transfer should be used with something like the Netgear WG624 wireless router (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=WGT624NAR).

Considering your typical broadband Internet connection is going to offer data transfer rates of 10 Mbps or less, it can be seen that even 802.11b would be more than adequate if you just want to surf the web. Sharing files on your LAN (Local Area Network) is where the faster protocols will really make a difference, and comparing the prices of 802.11b and 802.11g components may show that there is little to no difference in selecting a “g” capable device over a comparable “b” capable device.

Hardware

Access Point – Wireless Access Point (WAP) is the central device that manages the transmission of wireless signals on a network. A base access point may be capable of handling up to 10 connections, and more robust APs may be able to manage up to 255 connections simultaneously. The D-Link DWL-1000AP+ (http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=37) is an example of a wireless access point capable of 802.11b transmissions.

Router – In somewhat technical terms, a router is a network device that forwards data packets. It is generally the connection between at least two networks, such as two LANs, or a LAN and ISP’s (Internet Service Provider’s) network. For our purposes, and for the sake of simplicity, a wireless router is basically an access point with the added feature of having a port for sharing a broadband Internet connection. The D-Link AirPlus G (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DI524-R&cat=NET) is an 802.11g capable router that provides access for numerous wireless connections and four hard-wired connections to one WAN (Wide Area Network Internet) connection. A typical router for home use will generally cost less than an access point, and via settings within the firmware, can be used as just an access point anyway. Wired or wireless, all the computers using the router can share files over the network, as well as sharing a broadband internet connection. Communication between wireless computers (or a wireless computer and a wired computer) will max out at 54 Mbps, while communication between wired computers will take full advantage of the 100 Mbps provided via the 802.3 protocol.

Network Adaptor – A network adaptor is required for every computer that you would like to be connected to the wireless network. Many laptops, such as this Sony Centrino 1.5 GHz (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PCGZ1RA-R&cat=NBB) now include a wireless adaptor built in, so no extra hardware is needed. For those with systems that don’t have wireless capabilities built in, adding them is fairly simple, and can be done using a variety of connections. Desktop computers can go wireless by adding a PCI slot network adaptor such as the 802.11g capable D-Link DWL-G510 (http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=308). Notebook users can easily add wireless connectivity by using a PCMCIA adaptor, such as this 802.11g capable device (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PBW006-N&cat=NET). And for truly convenient plug-n-play connectivity to wireless networks, USB adaptors such as this 802.11g capable dongle (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=80211GWUD&cat=NET) are available.

Antenna/Extender – These items are not essential, but given the specifics of a wireless environment, they may be helpful. Devices such as the Hawking Hi-Gain Antenna (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=HAI6SIP-N&cat=NET) or the Super Cantenna (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SCB10&cat=NET) serve the purpose of increasing the wireless signal strength, and therefore extend the range of a given wireless network. Not only can a large area of open space be covered, but the signal quality may be improved in structures with walls and floors that obstruct the signal transmission.

Final Words

In this Tech Tip, we took a look at the basics of wireless networking as it relates to capabilities and hardware. In the second part of this two-part series, we will look at some of the basic setup and security considerations that should be addressed. The physical installation of a wireless network may be exponentially easier than a wired network, but the more difficult part is setting up the software and security to make sure everything stays up and running without incident.

Project aims for aircraft electrical standard

2007-10-10T03:23:00.000-07:00

MOET stands for More Open Electrical Technologies, and the project aims to establish a new industrial standard for electrical system design in commercial aircraft

The project on More Open Electrical Technologies (MOET) was launched successfully on 5th July 2006. TTTech is a participant in this joint development project formed by 61 companies in the EU's Framework Programme 6. MOET stands for More Open Electrical Technologies and aims to establish a new industrial standard for electrical system design in commercial aircraft.
This will strengthen the competitiveness of the EU's aerospace industry.

One of MOET's important design objectives is to improve operational aircraft capacity.

Its Power-by-Wire (PbW) concept will enhance aircraft design and electrical power flexibility.
The main result of the three-year project will be the validation of scalable electrical networks up to 1MW for future air, actuation and electrical systems, considering new voltage levels and advanced concepts.

To achieve its goals, MOET will need to develop new design principles, technologies and standards.

The entire project will run under the overall management of Airbus France.

TTTech's contributions will be in work package 6 (WP6), which emphasises the core avionics interfaces between electrical sources and users, as well as advanced electrical distribution.

The work package is led by Intertechnique, a leading expert in onboard electronics and electrical power management in aircraft systems.

This working group, which includes EADS, Airbus, Smiths Aerospace and TTTech, will build up the common core definition of electrical power distribution systems, focusing on the field bus interface development.

TTTech's knowhow in time-triggered data communication is especially valuable in this work package, since the fieldbus technology will be based on a time-triggered network solution.

TTTech will develop a software package for aircraft obsolescence management that will enable effortless upgrades as well as the 'plug and play' exchange of hardware modules in more electric aircraft.

Another software package to be developed by TTTech for the MOET project will enhance data and application download during aircraft operation.

'We very much appreciate TTTech's participation in MOET's work package 6 since their in-depth knowledge of fieldbus solutions will be important for the development of distributed high voltage systems', commented Christian Thiry, Project Manager for MOET WP6 at Intertechnique.

'TTTech, being a renowned supplier of high-dependability distributed systems with considerable project experience in the aerospace industry, adds essential know-how to the working group'.

Provisioning tool eases network management

2007-10-10T03:20:00.000-07:00

Brand-Rex has announced a major enhancement to its real-time physical layer management system, Smartpatch, with the launch of a fully integrated, automated provisioning tool

By simplifying routine network maintenance, Smartpatch's provisioning tool set will reduce avoidable errors and offer significant increases in the efficiency of IT service delivery, according to the company. Designed to significantly improve the planning and provisioning processes undertaken by network technicians within datacentres and work space environments, Brand-Rex's Smartpatch automated provisioning tool provides users with a range of facilities that automate and speed deployment and reduce the amount of time spent on planning and implementing MAC (moves adds and changes) tasks.
Greater acceptance and awareness of the importance of 100% availability of IT services has already led to the introduction of best practice standards for IT Service Management.

Setting the benchmark in service management is ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) which has been adopted as the basis for ISO20000, recently published as the global standard for IT Service Management.

Smartpatch uses a combination of web-based software and intelligent hardware, which allows Infrastructure managers to maintain an accurate, real-time connectivity database of all active network equipment and physical layer components.

The system is designed to bring a traditionally inert network infrastructure under control and align it to other processes within the IT function, bringing an unprecedented level of visibility of network assets, how they are connected together and where they are physically located.

'Smartpatch is already one of the industry's leading intelligent, real-time, physical-layer infrastructure management systems', commented Brand-Rex Marketing and Business Director Ian Wilkie.
The system's new provisioning facilities add further weight to the already-compelling argument for a fully integrated approach to network infrastructure management and will prove a significant asset for businesses in achieving the new ISO20000 IT service management standard', he added.

Fully supporting the provisioning of data and voice services on both copper and fibre networks, Smartpatch's Automated Provisioning Tool can calculate and produce Automated Work Orders in compliance with policies specifying services, privileges and media type, together with the rules for their management.

Simple drag-and-drop/point-and-click functionality to move/add/change/swap/remove any device, devices, user, workspace or group of workspaces, automatically creates a work order which can then be followed through using the simplified and highly visual physical management processes featured within Smartpatch.

Brand-Rex's provisioning tool also includes a versatile user-friendly operating method that enables quick and easy access via the Smartpatch GUI.

The provisioning tool can also be integrated with external applications using the Smartpatch Software Developers Kit (SDK) to provide an integrated provisioning process across multiple systems.

Typical integrations could include systems such as network management, asset management, help-desk and security.

Reference system meets Metro Ethernet specs

2007-10-04T03:27:00.000-07:00

Tpack has been named as one of the first companies to receive the Metro Ethernet Forum's MEF 14 certification

This certifies that Tpack's Carrier Ethernet reference systems comply with Metro Ethernet Forum requirements established in the MEF 14 Abstract Test Suite for Traffic Management Phase 1 for EPL, EVPL and E-LAN Ethernet Services. The MEF 14 tests were performed by Iometrix and the devices under test were Tpack's Coleburn 40Gbit/s Carrier Class Ethernet reference system and Millburn 6Gbit/s Carrier Class Ethernet reference system, which are also certified in compliance with MEF 9.Based on the Tpack TPX3000 40Gbit/s carrier packet engine solution, the Coleburn reference system is designed for customer demonstration and evaluation of Tpack Carrier Ethernet switching technology.

The reference system supports Ethernet, IP/MPLS, VPLS and PWE3 with full application software and a GUI element manager.

This allows rapid configuration of the switch, as well as advanced quality of service features per flow.

Media processor supports comms development

2007-10-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

The Aculab Prosody S media processing product will support the latest features of the Envox 6.2 Communications Development Platform

Envox 6.2, which has been certified by the VoiceXML Forum, is a communications development platform that significantly reduces the time, cost and complexity of developing and deploying a wide range of open, standards-based voice solutions including interactive voice response (IVR) and enhanced self-service, call centre applications, alerts and notifications, voice portal, carrier service and enterprise communications.

Prosody S, a software only media processing product, supports a number of speech processing features including matrix conferencing with automatic gain control (AGC), noise input gating, DTMF clamping and identification.

Matrix conferencing allows connection between multiple parties, allowing several groups to participate in the conversation.

These features allow clearer and more consistent voice-call quality, particularly important over voice over IP/SIP voice connections.

Easy-to-use audio conferencing is frequently demanded by users as part of their company's internal phone system.

Audio conferencing is driven by the growing trend of home-based and mobile workers who need to communicate with colleagues and customers effectively with easy conference call set up and in-call management (adding new and dropping participants).

The AGC feature ensures that conference callers hear a consistent volume level enabling better participation and understanding; a major step forward compared with many conference calls today where each speaker is often heard at vastly different volume levels.

The additional features extend the capabilities available for solution designers to rapidly develop innovative and high quality voice solutions.

Altera adds weight to third-generation technology

2007-10-04T03:12:00.000-07:00

Altera is to assist Tpack in promotion of its third generation of packet mapper and switching technology on a global basis

Tpack and Altera Corp have entered into a joint marketing and sales agreement whereby Altera will assist Tpack in promotion of its third generation of packet mapper and switching technology on a global basis. Tpack provides solutions for packet data switching and transport across Ethernet/MPLS and Sonet/SDH networks.

Tpack's third generation of solutions includes 10Gbit/s NG-Sonet/SDH packet mapper and 40Gbit/s switching technology.

Tpack solutions are based on Altera FPGA devices where Tpack uses the inherent reprogrammability of FPGAs to offer customised solutions to its customers.

As part of the agreement, Altera agrees to assist Tpack in promotion and sales support of third generation technology and solutions.

This provides Tpack with access to a world-class sales and marketing organisation, while at the same time providing telecom customers with powerful technology that takes full advantage of FPGA technology.

'Our relationship with Tpack demonstrates Altera's commitment to enabling sophisticated, high value customer solutions', said John Sakamoto, Senior Director of Altera's Wireline Business Unit.

'Tpack applies Altera's high-performance FPGAs in telecom applications enabling a rapid response to evolving market needs'.

'They also employ Altera's seamless, risk-free HardCopy structured ASIC for a dramatic, pin-compatible cost-reduction path'.

'We are very excited about this business relationship, which we believe is a true win-win for both Altera and Tpack'.

'Tpack receives the support of a strong global organisation, while Tpack provides solutions that showcase the strengths of FPGA technology', according to Peter Viereck, CEO Tpack.

Performance Technologies Partners With Interphase

2007-09-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

Performance Technologies partners with Interphase Corporation to deliver AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA product solutions

Performance Technologies, has announced that the company will partner with Interphase Corporation for select AdvancedMC I/O modules for Performance Technologies' industry-leading application-ready platform solutions. Throughout its 25-year history, Performance Technologies has led the industry in the development of open standards, including CompactPCI, PICMG 2.16, SIGTRAN and VME.

The company continues this tradition by announcing its new 10Gb AdvancedTCA platform products, and expects to augment platform offerings by partnering with Interphase for I/O solutions that are fully-integrated and target wireless and IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) applications.

This partnership aims to broaden Performance Technologies' Advanced Managed Platform offering by exploiting the company's Linux-based NexusWare software suite for use with Interphase hardware elements.

NexusWare will add additional value to these elements while offering a consistent software offering to that of other Performance Technologies products.

Additionally, the partnership will allow Performance Technologies to bring new and enhanced platforms to market, rapidly resulting in a broad set of application-ready platform solutions.

'Performance Technologies is aggressively pursuing a leadership position in the embedded market, therefore it is necessary to provide our customers with cutting-edge technology that enables them to develop sophisticated, high-demand applications,' said Michael Skarzynski, president and CEO of Performance Technologies.

'Working with Interphase gives us the ability to add additional functionality that is integrated with our platform offerings for applications in the wireless and IMS markets'.

Interphase, a leading provider of robust building blocks, highly integrated subsystems and innovative gateway appliances for the converged communications network, has established a key leadership role in delivering next-generation AdvancedTCA, MicroTCA and AdvancedMC solutions.

'We are pleased that Performance Technologies has chosen Interphase as a partner to help deliver AdvancedTCA platforms,' said Greg Kalush, president and CEO of Interphase.

'Our broad portfolio of communications solutions targets the connectivity and traffic processing requirements of emerging wireless infrastructure and IMS network elements'.

'Interphase delivers a highly complementary portfolio of solutions, which will enable Performance Technologies to deliver high-performance, integrated platform solutions to address the density and scalability needs of network infrastructure platforms in a cost-effective manner'.

Fully-managed and based on open standards Performance Technologies helped pioneer, the company's line of application-ready platforms incorporates a complete set of solution elements, slot components, operating system software and HA middleware, eliminating the tedious steps involved in platform development.

These platforms are an ideal basis for the most demanding wireless, IMS and VoIP communication applications.

PicoChip technology selected by Korea Telecom

2007-09-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

PicoChip technology selected by Korea Telecom for first WiBro/wimax Femtocell development

picoChip has announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Korea Telecom (KT) to develop WiBro/Wimax access points, sometimes called Femtocells or Home-Basestations. KT is a leader in wireless technology and has launched commercial WiBro service. picoChip's multi-core DSP is the industry standard architecture for Wimax infrastructure, and is also being widely used for WCDMA Femtocells.

Femtocells are small, low-cost basestations, intended to be used in residential or corporate environments where high-speed coverage would otherwise be limited.

By enabling cost-effective deployment they allow carriers to complete with UMA or voice-over-WiFi.

The idea is increasingly recognised in the 3G community, but as the carrier most advanced in deploying WiBro, KT is the first to develop such a program for Wimax.

WiBro, the South Korean wireless telecommunications standard, is compatible with Wimax 802.16e-2005 (mobile Wimax), and aims to be the technology that delivers personal broadband to consumers around the globe.

Mr Yoon, Jong Lok, Senior Executive Vice President of KT, said, 'We are pleased to be co-developing Wimax access points with the leader in Femtocell technology'.

Critically, picoChip delivers a complete solution, based on their cost-effective single chip processor'.

'This is essential for this high volume market area where low bill-of-materials is necessary for success'.

'KT is always looking out for growth markets and the introduction of Wimax home basestations will improve coverage and accelerate market acceptance of the standard'.

The picoChip/KT partnership developments will focus around the recently introduced PC20x family of processors from picoChip.

The devices deliver the best MIPS per Dollar of any signal processor, and enable a single chip Wimax BS PHY with integrated ARM for upper layer protocols.

The picoChip platform is flexible and upgradeable.

Guillaume d'Eyssautier, President and CEO of picoChip, commented, 'We are honoured to be partnering with KT.

picoChip's strategy is to provide Wimax solutions at all levels of the value chain and there is key strategic value of working with world-class carriers like KT to refine our reference designs and core technology'.

'These relationships are incredibly valuable and help us better support our growing number of OEM customers'.

picoChip provides software defined radio solutions to the key challenges of cost, development time and flexibility for the next generation of wireless systems.

The company's multi-core processors deliver a world-beating price/performance combination.

Uniquely, the company also delivers complete, standard-compliant reference designs for UMTS (HSDPA, upgradeable to HSUPA) and Wimax/WiBro (both 802.16d and 802.16e, with support for AAS and MIMO).

Wimax systems using picoChip are available from Airspan, Intel, Ericsson, Nortel, Marconi and a number of other manufacturers.

picoChip technology is also being used to develop other advanced wireless protocols such as UMTS-LTE, 802.20 and TD-SCDMA, and in 4G research.

At the heart of future home monitoring networks

2007-09-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

The wireless developer Cambridge Consultants is demonstrating how ZigBee's unique networking attributes can be exploited to implement sophisticated home monitoring networks

The wireless developer Cambridge Consultants is demonstrating how ZigBee's unique networking attributes can be exploited to implement sophisticated 'home monitoring networks' for the elderly and vulnerable. This emerging wireless application offers a major market opportunity for OEMs, as well as being a powerful aid that could reduce the load on stretched healthcare resources while helping people preserve their independence.

The demonstration illustrates a concept mobile node in such a network.

Worn by the elderly or vulnerable, the wireless node monitors physiological signs and additionally provides zonal location sensing to identify which room the wearer is in.

Combined with a few other fixed ZigBee nodes - a load sensor on the bed, for example - pictures of typical daily activity can be constructed.

These could be used by relatives, building supervisors and caregivers to monitor vulnerable people and identify deviations to patterns in advance of problems, as well as providing the familiar panic button facility.

'ZigBee is seen as a key technology for home automation and sensor networks, but its characteristics can be extremely valuable in some healthcare applications as well', notes Cambridge Consultants' Paul Williamson.

'Research is establishing how modern wireless networks can enhance today's panic-button type systems'.

'Our demonstration of personal monitoring combined with position sensing illustrates that ZigBee provides a practical platform for every aspect of such systems, including sophisticated body sensor nodes'.

For mobile nodes attached to people, ZigBee has the data rates to allow 'person down' alarms to be complemented by sophisticated functions ranging from monitoring blood pressure, to breathing or heart rate; Cambridge Consultants' demonstration uses 250 millisecond updates to monitor breathing for example, in addition to transmitting the data required for position updates.

In conjunction with data from simple sensors such as load cells on beds and chairs, and current flow sensors on electronic appliances, typical behaviour patterns in the home can be readily constructed - as research from Imperial College is showing.

Raw data can be transmitted to a central location using a broadband line, or analysed and stored locally for review on demand.

This information can then be used by social services or doctors to monitor when intervention might be required, or to notify carers of significant changes in activity patterns.

ZigBee's support for ultra-low power-devices that can operate for years from a small cell makes it ideal for wireless networking such devices.

The designed-for-purpose nature of ZigBee means that all the sensor nodes can be implemented using single-chip radio-plus-microcontroller devices costing a few dollars.

In conjunction with ZigBee's support for ad-hoc mesh topologies, which allows installation without any specialised skills, these factors make it possible to design easy-install home monitoring networks, with consumer resale prices starting at a few hundred dollars.

The zonal location capability is based on a proprietary Cambridge Consultants algorithm that runs on standard ZigBee hardware, and using the standard ZigBee protocol stack.

Zonal location can be used in the home, or professional care environments, to monitor behaviour and allow rapid response to alarms, and can be added to existing ZigBee infrastructure, at low cost to the developer.

Edge processor creates cost-effective monitor

2007-09-18T04:21:00.000-07:00

EPS-Tech is to use Performance Technologies' award-winning enabling software and TDM/IP edge processing hardware to create a monitoring solution

EPS-Tech, a system-level electronic packaging solution provider, is to use Performance Technologies' award-winning enabling software and TDM/IP edge processing hardware to create a monitoring solution. EPS-Tech has developed a solution centred on Performance Technologies' NexusWare Core Linux-based software and CPC324 TDM/IP edge processor to create a series of probes for billing assurance, location base services, lawful interception, traffic sense performance and statistics.

EPS-Tech is a professional VAR distributor of electronic hardware for leading brand names in industrial computing and networking products.

Their systems are based on embedded computing hardware and standards-based microcomputing platforms.

Using Performance Technologies' NexusWare Core and CPC324 and following a successful development process, EPS-Tech was able to create a versatile, cost-effective monitoring solution that supports all system vendors and networks.

'Having a powerful, integrated development solution that includes NexusWare Core and the CPC324 coupled with our expertise in flexible SS7 stacks enables us to bring applications to market faster - which was a key factor for us in selecting Performance Technologies as a partner', said Shahar Ner-Gaon, Senior System Architecture Engineer at EPS-Tech.

'The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of Performance Technologies' solutions allow us to develop a wide range of applications from one platform'.

NexusWare Core is a comprehensive, highly integrated, Linux-based software distribution and development, integration and management environment designed to speed time to market for system engineers using Performance Technologies' solutions to build packet-based wireless and IP telephony systems.

When paired with the CPC324, NexusWare Core's strong Linux OS foundation offers a simple, rapid path to packet-based system development while providing developers with a simplified way to design in current CompactPCI-based systems.

The PICMG 2.16-compatible CPC324 offers TDM and high-speed packet processing flexible for today's converged TDM and IP communications applications.

Providing a powerful architecture supporting voice, data, signalling and monitoring applications, the CPC324 is the first true TDM/IP networking bridging product optimised for performance and flexibility.

'Our partnership with EPS-Tech is indicative of our overall strategy, which is to provide our customers with software and hardware solutions that allow them to concentrate on adding value to their applications and bringing applications to market both quickly and cost-effectively', said Steven Wigent, Access Product Manager for Performance Technologies.

'We are pleased to provide EPS-Tech with our enabling software and powerful TDM/IP edge processing hardware that allows them to create a versatile telecom subsystem for use in creating their critical applications'.

Currently, EPS-Tech has completed a probe solution for revenue assurance (billing assurance), which delivers significantly reduced total cost of ownership to telecom operators.

Other applications for the probe solution from EPS-Tech include location base services, lawful intercept for intelligence, traffic sense and statistics.

Telecomms adapter furthers PCI Express evolution

2007-09-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

Quad T1/E1/J1 PCI Express telecomms adapter includes an onboard MPC8280 PowerQUICC IIT RISC communications processor

Performance Technologies has introduced the PCE385, a new quad T1/E1/J1 PCI Express telecomms adapter. This newest addition to the company's industry-leading family of access solutions, the PCE385 includes an onboard MPC8280 PowerQUICC IIT RISC communications processor and is enabled by Performance Technologies complete suite of software offerings.

The PCE385 is enabled with NexusWare Core, Performance Technologies' comprehensive, highly integrated, Linux-based software distribution that provides a comprehensive development, integration and management environment designed to speed time to market for system engineers using Performance Technologies' solutions to build packet-based wireless and IP telephony systems.

Additionally, Performance Technologies' software suite offers a number of signalling and communications protocols including SIP, SS7 MTP-2, ISDN and WAN connectivity with Frame Relay, HDLC, LAPD and X.25.

'With the introduction of PCI Express servers as the latest standard for PCI-based solutions, telecomms OEMs and integrators will require high density, highly advanced I/O solutions for use in these new servers', said Steven Wigent, Access Product Manager for Performance Technologies.

Coupled with our powerful NexusWare enabling software, the PCE385 continues Performance Technologies' commitment to delivering high density and high-performance access solutions for telecomms and IP telephony systems'.

The PCE385 is an adaptable platform designed with an onboard MPC8280 PowerQUICC II RISC communications platform.

Combined with NexusWare, the PCE385 operates as a fully programmable communications subsystem capable of intra-chassis communication using the H.100 bus.

It is ideally suited for both PSTN and IP telephony systems built on the PCI Express architecture that are capable of handling large volumes of voice circuits for protocol processing or for transfer to the H.100 bus and the PCI Express bus.

Application examples include SS7 network elements, wireless infrastructure equipment, media and signalling gateways and telecomms switching and routing equipment.

Gigabit Ethernet switch expands to 24 ports

2007-09-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

The GS24 is a fully rugged, fully managed stand-alone Gigabit Ethernet switch

Responding to the growing requirement for improved connectivity as defence applications become increasingly network-centric, Radstone Embedded Computing has announced the GS24, a fully rugged, fully managed stand-alone gigabit Ethernet switch. Featuring 24 10/100/1000Mbit/s ports, the GS24 is aimed at out-of-the-chassis applications such as the networking of multiple subsystems.

he GS24 complements the previously announced GS16 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch and CPX24 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, but includes a number of customer-suggested enhancements, including the provision of a simplified approach to cable management.

Thermal performance has also been improved through the use of a redesigned housing.

'The GS24 broadens still further the range of market-leading Gigabit Ethernet switches Radstone is able to offer, and appears to be the only solution of its type available', said Simon Collins, Product Manager at Radstone Embedded Computing.

It builds on the success we have seen with the GS16 - which already features in a number of major defence computing programmes - and brings detail improvements based on feedback from the growing installed base'.

'We expect to see considerable interest in the leading edge capabilities that the GS24 is able to offer'.

The GS24 offers IPv6 traffic policing and quality of service (QoS) functionality such as guaranteed bandwidth allocation and prioritisation.

Connection to the light weight, space-efficient, conduction-cooled GS24 is via the rugged front panel connectors, which meet MIL-STD-810F requirements for humidity, salt spray and dust.

The GS24's front panel allows customisation to accommodate varying connector types including optical connectors when the optically expanded variant is used.

Featuring a nonblocking shared memory architecture, all the Gigabit ports support both full- and half duplex operation, providing up to 88Gbit/s offering full wire speed performance with minimal latency on all twenty-four ports simultaneously.

In addition, a version with two 10 Gigabit optical interfaces is available supporting backbone networks and aggregation.

The GS24 also features a MIL-STD-1275 power supply unit to increase operational reliability.

Wireless design contest offers cash prizes again

2007-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Contest challenges engineers, students and hobbyists to develop a creative and practical wireless product using the Lantronix MatchPort b/g

Lantronix has begun organising the third edition of its popular wireless design contest. This year's contest challenges engineers, students and hobbyists to develop a creative and practical wireless product using Lantronix new MatchPort b/g, an 802.11 b/g embedded wireless device server
With MatchPort b/g, contestants can add Wi-Fi to virtually any electronic device with a serial interface so it can be accessed, monitored and controlled wirelessly over the Internet.

To enter, contestants simply submit their application concept through the Lantronix website and later submit a working prototype design.

All design entries must be received on or before 3rd March 2008.

Winners will be announced at the Embedded Systems Conference (14th to 18th April 2008) in San Jose, California.

Entries will be judged on technical merit, originality, business value, cost-effectiveness and design optimisation.

In addition to travel compensation to the awards ceremony at ESC, Lantronix will award cash prizes as follows: first place US $6000; second place $4000; third place $2000; best entry from a student/educational facility $3000; and $2000 for a new category this year for the most commercially viable design.

'Wireless technology continues to make a major impact by significantly enhancing the value of products and services that OEMs deliver to their customers', says Chris Preston, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Lantronix.

'As a pioneer in Wi-Fi-enablement solutions, our market-leading modules have been designed into products in just about every industry and a myriad of diverse applications'.

Preston continues: 'The Wireless Design Contest is yet another example of our ongoing commitment to accelerate the innovation of wireless device networking'.

'Year over year, the number of entries continues to grow'.

'We expect this year's contest to generate even more innovative designs that further demonstrate the near limitless potential of wireless devices that can be managed over IP-based networks'.

Wireless USB extender offers 30m range

2007-09-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

The WiRanger is ideal for installations where point of sale equipment is required temporarily or for extending USB and mouse connections to electronic white-boards

Amplicon has added a new wireless solution to its range of USB extenders. Capable of transparently transmitting data wirelessly up to 30m, the WiRanger is the world's first wireless USB2.0 extender. The WiRanger is ideal for installations where point of sale equipment is required temporarily or for extending USB and mouse connections to electronic white-boards and other interactive display equipment.
A wireless capability can also be useful in listed buildings where new cables cannot be installed legally.

The WiRanger units are shipped in pairs and use the 802.11g wireless standard for communication.

The pre-paired units provide a working solution out of the box, simply plug in the power supplies and a connection is made.

The units can use the 802.11g channels 1, 6 or 11 giving ample choice to avoid interference from other devices.

David Evans, Data Communications Product Manager at Amplicon, commented 'Sales growth of USB extenders at Amplicon has been very impressive over the past 3 years'.

'This growth bears testimony to the reliability and transparency of operation of the ExtremeUSB protocol on which all of the extenders are based'.

'The WiRanger is a great addition to the USB extender line that will support our continued growth in this area'.

Security appliance suits entry-level applications

2007-09-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

The Teak 3011 is a high performance fanless network security appliance for entry-level applications

New from Arinfotek, the Teak 3011 is a high performance fanless network security appliance for entry-level applications. The device is based on a low-power-consumption (2.4W) AMD LX-800 CPU with north bridge, AMD CS5536 south bridge and Intel 82551ER LAN Fast Ethernet chipset. Even though the product is designed for entry-level market, the design concept is based on enterprise network performance and quality.

It has fanless low power consumption and reliable performance that meets trusted network security appliance requirements.

This system also offers two storage choices: a 2.5in slim hard drive and type II CompactFlash slot.

The system memory comprises 128Mbyte (up to 512Mbyte) DDR RAM.

For easy management and diagnostics purposes, there are four autosensing 10/100 Fast Ethernet RJ45 ports, two LAN ports with bypass function to keep the network continuously working even when the appliance malfunctions, and a 9-pin RS232 serial port for system management.

The Teak 3011 has a PCI slot for extension or crypto function reinforcement, offering a highly reliable and fully integrated function in the small rack-mounted appliance platform.

Analogue gateway features up to 16 ports

2007-09-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

Pika Technologies has released an analogue gateway board, offering further cost-effective TDM connectivity options for host-based processing technology

Pika Technologies has released an analogue gateway board, offering further evidence of the company's commitment to providing cost-effective TDM connectivity options for AllOnHost (host-based processing) technology. 'Last spring, we announced the release of our digital (T1/E1) gateway board, the first in a new generation of Pika TDM connectivity hardware'.

This hardware is specially designed and optimised to complement our host-based processing technology, where media processing is accomplished using Pika AllOnHost software resources'.

'Now, we are announcing the analogue gateway board', stated Doug Petty, VP of Technology and Operations for Pika.

'This newest board provides up to 16 analogue trunk (FXO) or logging ports and is software-configurable for multiple countries'.

The board is in a 9.5in PCI Express format and will be ready to ship in October.

Early next year, Pika will release two additional gateway boards.

The first will support 12 analogue station (FXS) ports.

The second will be a PCI Express version of the Pika digital (T1/E1) gateway board.

With Pika's patent-pending AllOnHost architecture, standard voice, tone, fax and modem applications that have traditionally run only on DSPs can now also run on the host without loss of quality or performance.

AllOnHost software runs on Windows and Linux operating systems and on Intel and AMD processors.

Pika's AllOnHost technology incorporates interfaces for both IP and TDM networks, allows applications to make and receive calls, and provides media processing capabilities.

Media processing applications include play and record, tone and DTMF detection/generation, conference summing and low latency switching.

Codec support includes G.711 and G.729.

'At Pika we provide the flexibility so that developers can choose between AllOnBoard (DSP-based) media processing, AllOnHost media processing, or a blend of both depending on application requirements', said Doug Petty.

Media processing platform moves to PCI Express

2007-09-13T04:17:00.000-07:00

Prosody X PCIe is the industry's first VoIP media processing platform with PCI Express bus compatibility

Aculab, a leading provider of enabling technology for the communications market, is pleased to announce Prosody X PCIe, the industry's first VoIP media processing platform with PCI Express bus compatibility. The product targets the high volume, SME level VoIP market. Attractively priced, it delivers the lowest cost per voice channel compared with any competitive product available on the market.

As the computer industry migrates towards the new PCI Express bus and the mature PCI bus fades from the motherboards of desktop and server level computing platforms, the market interest in PCI Express compliant media processing platforms is high.

Commenting on this new product, Chris Gravett, Sales and Marketing Director at Aculab, said: 'Aculab has proven its technological leadership by adopting the new standard ahead of its competitors'.

'This development is consistent with our long term strategy of becoming the market leading supplier of enabling technologies for communication solutions'.

Prosody X PCIe is a continuation of the success of the award winning Prosody X product line, extending it into the SME level VoIP market segment, which is characterised by high volume on one hand, and high price sensitivity on the other.

The product provides connectivity, media processing and call control feature sets for both VoIP and PSTN environments, including; SIP, H.323, secure RTP, DTMF handling, T.30 and T.38 fax, a wide range of TDM protocols and approvals, a full set of voice codecs and many other features.

Supporting up to 300 simultaneous voice channels, with up to four optional E1/T1 trunks, the product is a perfect choice for a wide range of SME grade communication solutions, including; media and signalling gateways, media servers, IVR and ACD, predictive diallers, contact centre platforms, conferencing and fax services and many others.

Prosody X PCIe will be available in eight variants, allowing a selection of 'fit for purpose' combinations of media processing DSPs and TDM trunks for every particular application.

Solutions based on the product will therefore benefit from the maximum cost efficiency and return on investment.

'The introduction of the new Prosody X form factor from Aculab addresses the market demand for lower density, high value communication solutions', commented Herman Abel, Product Manager at Aculab.

'The SME telephony market is rapidly migrating from analogue and TDM towards IP'.

'The demand for attractively priced VoIP processing and connectivity technologies is incredible'.

Evaluation trials for the new product will commence in the following few weeks, while the release to general availability and customer shipments is expected to start later on in the year.

Security appliance suits entry-level applications

2007-09-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

Analogue gateway features up to 16 ports

2007-09-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Media processing platform moves to PCI Express

2007-09-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Aculab, a leading provider of enabling technology for the communications market, is pleased to announce Prosody X PCIe, the industry's first VoIP media processing platform with PCI Express bus compatibility. The product targets the high volume, SME level VoIP market. Attractively priced, it delivers the lowest cost per voice channel compared with any competitive product available on the market.

As the computer industry migrates towards the new PCI Express bus and the mature PCI bus fades from the motherboards of desktop and server level computing platforms, the market interest in PCI Express compliant media processing platforms is high.

Commenting on this new product, Chris Gravett, Sales and Marketing Director at Aculab, said: 'Aculab has proven its technological leadership by adopting the new standard ahead of its competitors'.

'This development is consistent with our long term strategy of becoming the market leading supplier of enabling technologies for communication solutions'.

Prosody X PCIe is a continuation of the success of the award winning Prosody X product line, extending it into the SME level VoIP market segment, which is characterised by high volume on one hand, and high price sensitivity on the other.

The product provides connectivity, media processing and call control feature sets for both VoIP and PSTN environments, including; SIP, H.323, secure RTP, DTMF handling, T.30 and T.38 fax, a wide range of TDM protocols and approvals, a full set of voice codecs and many other features.

Supporting up to 300 simultaneous voice channels, with up to four optional E1/T1 trunks, the product is a perfect choice for a wide range of SME grade communication solutions, including; media and signalling gateways, media servers, IVR and ACD, predictive diallers, contact centre platforms, conferencing and fax services and many others.

Prosody X PCIe will be available in eight variants, allowing a selection of 'fit for purpose' combinations of media processing DSPs and TDM trunks for every particular application.

Solutions based on the product will therefore benefit from the maximum cost efficiency and return on investment.

'The introduction of the new Prosody X form factor from Aculab addresses the market demand for lower density, high value communication solutions', commented Herman Abel, Product Manager at Aculab.

'The SME telephony market is rapidly migrating from analogue and TDM towards IP'.

'The demand for attractively priced VoIP processing and connectivity technologies is incredible'.

Evaluation trials for the new product will commence in the following few weeks, while the release to general availability and customer shipments is expected to start later on in the year.

Distribution system supports NEC's new LCDs

2007-09-07T04:14:00.000-07:00

Minicom is working with NEC Display Solutions for the launch of the Multeos line of multifunctional LCD screens

Minicom is supporting the launch with its DS Vision 3000 player-to-screen distribution system ensuring that the Multeos screens have the very latest in player-to-screen distribution technology. Minicom's DS Vision 3000 is Minicom's latest CATx-based distribution system delivering dynamic real-time multimedia content up to 300m while maintaining perfect picture quality.

According to Ronni Guggenheim, President of Minicom Europe; 'NEC Display Solutions is a world leader in the LCD public display market while Minicom is a world leader in the player-to-screen last mile'.

'Together, we can offer a unique quality solution to the booming digital signage market'.

Thorsten Prsybyl, Product Line Manager of Public Displays for NEC Display Solutions says; 'Our co-operation with Minicom is a classic win-win'.

'Being able to fully integrate the DS Vision 3000's receiver unit into all our new LCD public displays provides the best solution for our customers available on the market today'.

PCI Express network interface card has scale

2007-09-07T04:11:00.000-07:00

The Signalware XH0303 PCI Express network interface board allows communication system and service providers to adopt a new breed of modular, low-cost servers for the communications industry

Ulticom has announced the general availability of the Signalware XH0303 PCI Express network interface board. This new product complements Ulticom's current SS7 board offerings by allowing communication system and service providers to adopt a new breed of high-performance, modular, low-cost servers for the communications industry.

When coupled with Ulticom's industry leading SS7 software, the Signalware platform provides a reliable, pre-integrated signaling solution for next-generation communication applications and infrastructure equipment.

The Signalware XH0303 is a purpose-built, low-profile high-density SS7 signaling controller configurable for narrow-band links and non-channelised high-speed links with the ability to scale from hundreds to thousands of transactions per second.

In addition, the XH0303 is upgradeable in the field allowing users to seamlessly expand network capacity for high demand services such as text messaging, global roaming, mobile VPN, and prepaid wireless.

Advances in computing technology and the migration to IP networks necessitate the deployment of signaling end-points and gateways with higher throughput and high-speed connectivity', says Osman Duman, SVP and CMO for Ulticom.

'The XH0303 provides Ulticom's customers with an effective means to manage costs while responding to the changing network configuration and performance demands on their deployments'.

The Signalware XH0303 interface board is part of the Signalware platform providing a fault-resilient service-management environment and a complete suite of SS7 software protocol components.

Ulticom offers a lightweight subset of its Signalware SS7 software platform which provides an MTP2 API for customers implementing MTP3/MTP3b over either standard MTP2 or ATM SSCF-NNI.

The Signalware XH0303 SS7 interface board and Signalware SS7 software are component solutions to rapidly build and deploy applications within the switching, payment, mobility, messaging and location market segments.

With a highly configurable design and the ability to run large volumes of SS7 network traffic, the XH0303 can be used to satisfy a broad range of requirements for the most demanding communication applications.

Typical network elements that can use the XH0303 include home location registers, signaling gateways, softswitches, service control points, voice messaging platforms, SMS routers, and location servers.

UK office moves to more central location

2007-09-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

Digi International has moved its UK office from Bristol to Leatherhead, Surrey

The move reflects Digi's growing UK business and expanding products lines, including the recent acquisition of ZigBee manufacturer MaxStream. Situated just off the M25 motorway, the new office is more easily accessible to the majority of Digi's UK customers and partners, and will enable better support for distributors in the UK.

The company will continue to market its full range of Digi boxed and embedded wired and wireless device connectivity solutions, Rabbit embedded products and single-board computers and Maxstream ZigBee wireless communications products from the new UK office.

Network kit drops in to connect over IP

2007-07-11T00:24:00.001-07:00

IP gateways provide seamless connectivity of ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet traffic to centralised applications and databases
New from Digi International, the ConnectPort X family of IP gateways provide seamless connectivity of ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet traffic to centralised applications and databases. The ConnectPort X8, available now, also features GPS, local storage and easy programmability. The ConnectPort X family is augmented by a new family of XBee adapters and routers that provide device connectivity and network integrity.

These new products signify the introduction of a broader category of drop-in networking solutions requested by Digi customers.

Drop-in networking solutions provide complete, end-to-end wireless connectivity to electronic devices in locations where wireline infrastructure doesn't exist or satisfy customer needs.

According to Glen Allmendinger, President, Harbor Research: 'These drop-in networking solutions prove that Digi's innovation and leadership are unmatched'.

By addressing the challenge of networking devices where wireline infrastructure is unavailable, drop-in networking promises to revolutionise the way that companies apply technology to improve asset utilisation and deliver smarter service solutions.

From applications in energy management, to building control, manufacturing, supply chain management and a host of others, Drop-in networks provide a nonintrusive and economical way to bring network intelligence to distributed electronic devices that has not been available until now.

These completely wireless networks enable new applications that empower companies to unlock alternative revenue channels and provide unprecedented benefits to end users.

'The next wave of internet growth is clearly focused on device centric connectivity', says Joseph Dunsmore, CEO, Digi International.

'Our new product announcements and drop-in networking initiative clearly position Digi as the technology leader in this long-term growth opportunity'.

Drop-in networks leverage Digi's expertise across a broad range of wireless technologies including ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and its industry-leading 900MHz RF.

Drop-in networking solutions include ConnectPort X mesh-to-IP gateways, XBee device adapters, routers and bridges, XBee modules and Digi's Connectware Manager device management platform.

ConnectPort X gateways collect and transport ZigBee traffic to centralised applications and databases on an IP network.

The ConnectPort X8 is available now and supports ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet as well as GPS and 1Gbyte of local storage.

Additional models planned for release later this summer include the ConnectPort X4, a lower-cost multifunction gateway with ZigBee, Wi-Fi and cellular capability, as well as the ConnectPort X2, a single-function gateway for ZigBee-to-Ethernet or ZigBee-to-Wi-Fi applications.

All ConnectPort X gateways support Python, a free, open-source programming language with an extensive script library that can be used to customise and/or automate tasks handled by the gateway.

Also included in the drop-in networking family is Digi's existing line of cellular routers and gateways sold under the Connect WAN and ConnectPort WAN product names.

XBee adapters are stand-alone device adapters built on the MaxStream XBee module for ZigBee connectivity.

Available in multiple data interface types and powering options, these adapters provide off-the-shelf mesh connectivity to existing devices.

Available in July will be RS232, RS485, 1-Wire and USB models.

Over the next three months, the company will add digital and analogue I/O models as well as a power harvesting version of the RS232.

Some deployments may include remote ZigBee network clusters that reside beyond the signal range of an adjacent ZigBee network.

Rather than installing another ConnectPort X gateway at that remote cluster, the XBee XTender can bridge between the remote cluster and a gateway on the neighbouring ZigBee network using 900MHz RF.

The XBee XTender is shipping now.

In addition, an XBee wall router (repeater) will 'patch' areas within a ZigBee network where signal erosion or loss occurs due to distance limitations or air interference.

This device is a simple plug-in router that utilises a standard wall socket for power.

The XBee wall router will be available August 2007.

XBee modules are ZigBee compliant solutions that satisfy the unique needs of low-cost, low-power wireless sensor networks.

These modules are easy to use, require minimal power and provide reliable delivery of critical data between devices.

Their small form factor saves valuable board space.

XBee modules are currently available and field proven.

Connectware Manager is an enterprise-class software platform from which to manage all connected hardware, including devices on the ZigBee network.

It provides a one-to-many interface from which to provision and configure devices, track device performance, remotely set filters and alarms, monitor connections, reboot devices and reset defaults, and remotely upgrade device firmware.

It displays all nodes on the ZigBee network with the ability to query for node profiles, descriptors, connected endpoints, radio configuration settings, radio statistics, bindings and more.

Connectware Manager is the essential software tool for large-scale device deployments.

Also included in the drop-in networking family are products from Rabbit Semiconductor which include the existing RCM4510W and RCM4400W RabbitCore modules and planned single board computer products based on them.

Drop-in networking applications have demonstrated a need for a ZigBee devices with programmability and configurable data filtering/control at the end device.

Rabbit solutions, using dynamic C, deliver that functionality in an easy to use environment.

In combination, this group of products allows customers to easily drop in a wireless network that uses: ZigBee to connect electronic devices like sensors and controllers in a self-configuring, self-healing network; cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet to relay the mesh network traffic back to an IP network; and is supported by a complete remote device management solution.

Subsequent announcements will be made this summer as new drop-in networking products are launched and available to customers.

In July, starter kits combining a ConnectPort X8 gateway with XBee adapters and modules, a sensor device, along with an easy-to-use manual featuring sample applications will be released for sale.

Network interface boards switch to PCIe

2007-07-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

Pika Technologies has brought out PCI Express versions of two of its network interface boards and has added new features to its host-based processing platform
Pika Technologies has strengthened its product portfolio with two new network interface boards and has added new features including fax and advanced conferencing capabilities to its host-based processing platform. 'Pika continues to support its customers with the solutions they need to develop their applications using host-based media processing rather than the traditional, more expensive DSP-based media processing', says Terry Atwood, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Customer Care at Pika.

'By enabling developers to integrate fax and advanced conferencing into their applications and to connect their applications to digital and analogue trunks and stations, Pika is helping the market move to a more affordable, software-based media-processing landscape, without sacrificing functionality or robustness'.

The hardware additions to Pika's platform include a PCI Express (PCIe) version of the Digital T1/E1 gateway trunk board, and a PCIe Analog Station (FXS) board, from Pika's Daytona analogue family.

These two boards complete the full range of analogue and T1/E1 hardware-based gateway products that Pika has developed to increase the robustness and appeal of its AllOnHost software.

The future of voice is recognised to be in IP, but the transition will not be immediate for most organisations.

The Pika hardware enables developers to design IP-centric applications that support the shift to IP but allow for a gradual migration that will incorporate a mix of new VoIP and existing TDM technologies.

'Our research indicates that in spite of over 70% of telephony lines shipped today being converged, the number of actual lines connecting to IP endpoints is considerably lower', says Krithi Rao, Industry Analyst - Enterprise Communications, ICT, Frost and Sullivan.

'Many are next generation, hybrid systems that can support IP and TDM and pure IP systems'.

'Further, the relative penetration of IP into the installed base is less than 20%'.

'A large percentage of enterprise IP deployments connect to an analogue or digital network and to analogue and digital phones and is therefore driving TDM interface card deployments'.

In addition to the expansion of its hardware portfolio, Pika has released version 2.2 of its host-based media processing software, providing fax and advanced conference capabilities to developers.

Customers transitioning from DSP-based to host-based media processing have remarked about the high level of support received from Pika, not only from a customer service standpoint, but also from the product development side.

'Our eurovoice objects application development environment has been based on Pika's proven, reliable DSP hardware for many years', said Martin Steer, Managing Director, Eurovoice.

'In 2006, when Pika released its initial host-based offering, we immediately designed it in'.

'Since then, Pika has consistently enhanced the density and robustness, as well as the feature content of their software'.

'This release is another example of Pika's commitment to meeting our requirements and helping us to meet the requirements of our customers'.

Pika's PCI Express (PCIe) version of the Digital T1/E1 gateway trunk board, along with the PCI version, which was introduced last year, are both members of Pika's PrimeNet digital family.

These boards support up to four T1 or E1 spans, configurable in single span increments.

They provide 24-120 ports of TDM digital network connectivity for applications such as IVR/self service, IP-PBX, fax broadcast and call centre systems.

The PCIe Analog Station (FXS) board, a member of Pika's Daytona analogue family, has also been added to the product portfolio.

Supporting the connection of up to 12 ports for traditional analogue telephone devices, the board is designed to meet the analogue telephone requirements of IP-PBXs and call centre systems.

An advantage over other competing offerings, this new board derives its required power from the PC/server backplane, requiring no external power supply.

Both new interface boards conform to the 9.5in PCIe form factor, enabling them to be used in off-the-shelf industry standard chassis and PCs, which is vital as PC manufacturers reduce the number of PCI slots and increase the number of PCIe slots in their standard offerings.

A step ahead of most competitive solutions on the market today, Pika's entire portfolio of host-based media compatible hardware is software expandable in the field.

For example, a digital trunk board initially purchased and installed with a single span software license can be quickly and easily upgraded, in place, to a dual, triple or quad span.

Typically, this upgrade would require an expensive trip to the site to open the chassis, remove the existing board and replace it with a new board.

Version 2.2 of Pika's host-based media processing software particularly benefits application developers who create large, single purpose broadcast fax systems, as well as those who need to fax-enable their existing IVR, self-service, messaging or IP-PBX application.

Pika provides 25% of the port capacity of the hardware as fax ports, at no additional charge.

For example, a single span T1 board comes equipped with six free fax ports.

Pika's unique resource sharing architecture is ideal to support a large variety of fax applications.

IP-PBX and conferencing system developers will benefit from enhancements to the conferencing capabilities added in version 2.2.

Features such as gain pad, summing, switching and DTMF clamping, previously only available in DSP-based architectures, are now available in Pika's host-based environment as well.

IP technology makes intercom more flexible

2007-07-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Digital intercom and PA system for small to medium-sized industrial facilities uses innovative IP intercom technology from Barix
Neumann Elektronik has developed a new IP-based digital intercom and PA system for small to medium-sized industrial facilities that require functional flexibility. The innovative DS-6 IP intercom system enables two-way communication with excellent voice bandwidth, combining system reliability with economy by using innovative IP intercom technology from Barix.
The unique combined intercom/PA system integrates analogue intercom call stations on the outside with digital IP intercom call stations on the inside.

This means that the extended range and cables of the outside intercom call stations are retained.

The intercom call stations already in place can continue to be used without any new cabling.

That means a short planning phase and rapid commissioning for smaller systems, with low investment costs.

In the DS-6 system, the integrated Barix IP audio components take care of network communications and control of the terminal circuits from Neumann Elektronik.

Decentralised intelligence guarantees high fault tolerance, because each intercom call station acts independently without the need to be switched through a central exchange.

That makes the DS-6 system eminently suitable for intercom systems with up to 250 subscribers in all areas of industry.

The decision by Neumann to integrate the IP audio module from Barix into its IP intercom system went in favour of Barix for several reasons: 'To carry out the complex and sophisticated control tasks in our intercom and PA equipment, we needed an efficient basic module that can cover our requirements with software solutions to as great a degree as possible'.

'We were looking for an innovative product with an attractive price/performance ratio, and particular features such as short latency times for digital voice transmission and short connection times', explains Frank Konrad, Managing Director of ms Neumann Elektronik.

'Direct access to the developers at Barix proved to be particularly productive in the course of the project'.

In addition to its intercom and PA applications, the DS-6 system also offers the option to be used as an emergency warning system.

The first companies to use it include BASF and other leading industrial enterprises.

The DS-6 IP intercom system is arranged using an Ethernet network (LAN).

The system is composed of one or more control and monitoring stations (indoor digital desktop call stations) for the operation and supervision of the system, and it uses slide-in analogue interface modules an I/O modules to integrate external devices (such as sensors and actuators) into the system.

Corresponding to the needs of the facility, call stations, amplifiers and gate/door intercoms can be connected to the system via the analogue interface modules, and output devices (such as strobe lights) and sensors can be connected via the I/O modules.

The software is located in the digital intercom stations and the slide-in interface modules of the analogue intercom call stations and amplifiers.

The functions of the stations are determined by the configuration in the intelligent units.

This 'decentralised distributed intelligence' of the DS-6 system excludes any 'single point of failure', and simultaneously represents innovative IP intercom technology: as the communication connections are handled by a distributed exchange software application that runs parallel on each of the call station clients, the subscribers contact one another directly.

Each call station is thus able to act independently in accordance with its individual configuration without having to communicate with a central exchange.

analogue call stations are connected to the system via slide-in interface modules, and digital call stations are connected directly through a network switch; no other central exchange or control modules are required.

Each of the slide-in interface modules and each of the digital intercom call stations integrate a Barix IP audio module.

It is responsible for the co-ordination of all the functions, converting the audio signal into a digital stream and passing this on to the other units, where it converts the stream back into an audio signal and sends it to the call stations - all this virtually in real time.

The technology also offers extremely short connection times from the moment the button is pushed (significantly below 0.1s).

High system reliability of the DS-6 IP intercom system is realised with a redundant bus system.

Periodic life-check and functional-check messages monitor the proper functioning of the system, thus enabling possible faults to be detected immediately and signalled at the control station.

The system is configured as a redundant system using a second Ethernet LAN bus system in order to completely eliminate the possibility of a 'single point of failure'.

When the system is switched on, it powers up again in approximately 10s and is immediately ready for action.

The innovative IP intercom technology guarantees excellent speech quality and fast transmissions: the communication bandwidth from 100Hz to 10kHz ensures very good speech quality.

Also, the system offers good intelligibility even in extremely noisy and/or acoustically problematical zones.

System enables secure, remove server management

2007-07-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Users of the Lantronix SecureLinx Spider have one-to-one remote access to a single server, providing guaranteed access
Alpha Micro Components has released the Lantronix SecureLinx Spider. The Spider is the industry's first 'Distributed KVM' (keyboard, video and mouse) convertor that enables secure, remote management of servers over an IP network. Spider is a cable-friendly, single-port solution that is small enough to fit in one hand
It is ideal for environments with limited space and locations with isolated or widely distributed servers, such as test labs, campuses, branch offices and multi-floored facilities.

Spider provides cost-effective scalability, allowing administrators to easily add incremental ports as required.

Users have one-to-one remote access to a single server, providing guaranteed access.

This effectively lowers the price-per-remote server, which is considerably lower than standard IP-enabled KVM switch offerings.

Spider's dual Ethernet port design, coupled with Lantronix SwitchPort+ technology, provides a flexible and cost-effective 'add as you grow' scalability.

The Spider can be cable-supported from the back of the server and its innovative low-power design allows it to be server-powered.

The Spider supports remote management of Windows-based and Linux/Unix servers, without requiring additional client software.

Software and security features such as Radius, LDAP, Active Directory remote authentication support and secure data encryption are included as standard.

In addition to the keyboard, video, mouse, and primary Ethernet ports, the Spider also includes a serial interface and second Ethernet port, allowing a hardware connection to all commonly used out-of-band (OOB) management interfaces.

Spider can be easily integrated into a total remote OOB management strategy.

These include serial console management (SecureLinx SLC); remote power management (SecureLinx SLP); and consolidated management access including auto-discovery, consolidated logging and logical device grouping (SecureLinx SLM).

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director, Alpha Micro Components, commented: 'Lantronix has a long tradition of designing inventive IT management products and the revolutionary SecureLinx Spider is no exception'.

'The Spider is a flexible, scalable and affordable CAT5-based remote KVM solution designed to provide IT managers just what they need for secure, real-time control of the remote server'.

'With the large number of remote offices spread around the world, Spider has addressed the growing need of geographically dispersed applications with a new category of remote management equipment'.

System enables secure, remove server management

2007-06-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

Users of the Lantronix SecureLinx Spider have one-to-one remote access to a single server, providing guaranteed access

Alpha Micro Components has released the Lantronix SecureLinx Spider. The Spider is the industry's first 'Distributed KVM' (keyboard, video and mouse) convertor that enables secure, remote management of servers over an IP network. Spider is a cable-friendly, single-port solution that is small enough to fit in one hand.
It is ideal for environments with limited space and locations with isolated or widely distributed servers, such as test labs, campuses, branch offices and multi-floored facilities.

Spider provides cost-effective scalability, allowing administrators to easily add incremental ports as required.

Users have one-to-one remote access to a single server, providing guaranteed access.
This effectively lowers the price-per-remote server, which is considerably lower than standard IP-enabled KVM switch offerings.

Spider's dual Ethernet port design, coupled with Lantronix SwitchPort+ technology, provides a flexible and cost-effective 'add as you grow' scalability.

The Spider can be cable-supported from the back of the server and its innovative low-power design allows it to be server-powered.

The Spider supports remote management of Windows-based and Linux/Unix servers, without requiring additional client software.

Software and security features such as Radius, LDAP, Active Directory remote authentication support and secure data encryption are included as standard.

In addition to the keyboard, video, mouse, and primary Ethernet ports, the Spider also includes a serial interface and second Ethernet port, allowing a hardware connection to all commonly used out-of-band (OOB) management interfaces.

Spider can be easily integrated into a total remote OOB management strategy.

These include serial console management (SecureLinx SLC); remote power management (SecureLinx SLP); and consolidated management access including auto-discovery, consolidated logging and logical device grouping (SecureLinx SLM).

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director, Alpha Micro Components, commented: 'Lantronix has a long tradition of designing inventive IT management products and the revolutionary SecureLinx Spider is no exception'.

'The Spider is a flexible, scalable and affordable CAT5-based remote KVM solution designed to provide IT managers just what they need for secure, real-time control of the remote server'.

'With the large number of remote offices spread around the world, Spider has addressed the growing need of geographically dispersed applications with a new category of remote management equipment'.

IP technology makes intercom more flexible

2007-06-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

Digital intercom and PA system for small to medium-sized industrial facilities uses innovative IP intercom technology from Barix

Neumann Elektronik has developed a new IP-based digital intercom and PA system for small to medium-sized industrial facilities that require functional flexibility. The innovative DS-6 IP intercom system enables two-way communication with excellent voice bandwidth, combining system reliability with economy by using innovative IP intercom technology from Barix.
The unique combined intercom/PA system integrates analogue intercom call stations on the outside with digital IP intercom call stations on the inside.

This means that the extended range and cables of the outside intercom call stations are retained.

The intercom call stations already in place can continue to be used without any new cabling.

That means a short planning phase and rapid commissioning for smaller systems, with low investment costs.

In the DS-6 system, the integrated Barix IP audio components take care of network communications and control of the terminal circuits from Neumann Elektronik.
Decentralised intelligence guarantees high fault tolerance, because each intercom call station acts independently without the need to be switched through a central exchange.

That makes the DS-6 system eminently suitable for intercom systems with up to 250 subscribers in all areas of industry.

The decision by Neumann to integrate the IP audio module from Barix into its IP intercom system went in favour of Barix for several reasons: 'To carry out the complex and sophisticated control tasks in our intercom and PA equipment, we needed an efficient basic module that can cover our requirements with software solutions to as great a degree as possible'.

'We were looking for an innovative product with an attractive price/performance ratio, and particular features such as short latency times for digital voice transmission and short connection times', explains Frank Konrad, Managing Director of ms Neumann Elektronik.

'Direct access to the developers at Barix proved to be particularly productive in the course of the project'.

In addition to its intercom and PA applications, the DS-6 system also offers the option to be used as an emergency warning system.

The first companies to use it include BASF and other leading industrial enterprises.

The DS-6 IP intercom system is arranged using an Ethernet network (LAN).

The system is composed of one or more control and monitoring stations (indoor digital desktop call stations) for the operation and supervision of the system, and it uses slide-in analogue interface modules an I/O modules to integrate external devices (such as sensors and actuators) into the system.

Corresponding to the needs of the facility, call stations, amplifiers and gate/door intercoms can be connected to the system via the analogue interface modules, and output devices (such as strobe lights) and sensors can be connected via the I/O modules.

The software is located in the digital intercom stations and the slide-in interface modules of the analogue intercom call stations and amplifiers.

The functions of the stations are determined by the configuration in the intelligent units.

This 'decentralised distributed intelligence' of the DS-6 system excludes any 'single point of failure', and simultaneously represents innovative IP intercom technology: as the communication connections are handled by a distributed exchange software application that runs parallel on each of the call station clients, the subscribers contact one another directly.

Each call station is thus able to act independently in accordance with its individual configuration without having to communicate with a central exchange.

analogue call stations are connected to the system via slide-in interface modules, and digital call stations are connected directly through a network switch; no other central exchange or control modules are required.

Each of the slide-in interface modules and each of the digital intercom call stations integrate a Barix IP audio module.

It is responsible for the co-ordination of all the functions, converting the audio signal into a digital stream and passing this on to the other units, where it converts the stream back into an audio signal and sends it to the call stations - all this virtually in real time.

The technology also offers extremely short connection times from the moment the button is pushed (significantly below 0.1s).

High system reliability of the DS-6 IP intercom system is realised with a redundant bus system.

Periodic life-check and functional-check messages monitor the proper functioning of the system, thus enabling possible faults to be detected immediately and signalled at the control station.

The system is configured as a redundant system using a second Ethernet LAN bus system in order to completely eliminate the possibility of a 'single point of failure'.

When the system is switched on, it powers up again in approximately 10s and is immediately ready for action.

The innovative IP intercom technology guarantees excellent speech quality and fast transmissions: the communication bandwidth from 100Hz to 10kHz ensures very good speech quality.

Also, the system offers good intelligibility even in extremely noisy and/or acoustically problematical zones.

When used as an emergency warning system, predefined alarm messages can be stored on a memory stick in a digital intercom call station or on an interface module for analogue call stations, and triggered and transmitted via intercom stations or externally connected devices.

'The open architecture of our products is fundamental for our success in new markets', says Johannes Rietschel, CEO of Barix.

'We offer companies such as ms Neumann Elektronik, which commit themselves to modern IP technology, a cost - effective and flexible mix of technologies that can be precisely adapted to meet their requirements'.

Experts speak on current and future networks

2007-06-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

Beyond CAN 2 was hosted in November 2005.

Therefore this one is designated as Beyond CAN 3.

This seminar will bring suppliers at all tier levels up to date on the latest developments and trends in the area of automotive and automation databus communication technology.

There will be distinguished experts from around Europe speaking on the most significant issues concerning current and future embedded networks technology.

The Beyond CAN 3 seminar will take place on Thursday 14th June 2007 at Warwick Control offices at Prodrive Warwick in Fen End, Warwickshire.

IP technology makes intercom more flexible

2007-06-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Digital intercom and PA system for small to medium-sized industrial facilities uses innovative IP intercom technology from Barix

Neumann Elektronik has developed a new IP-based digital intercom and PA system for small to medium-sized industrial facilities that require functional flexibility. The innovative DS-6 IP intercom system enables two-way communication with excellent voice bandwidth, combining system reliability with economy by using innovative IP intercom technology from Barix.The unique combined intercom/PA system integrates analogue intercom call stations on the outside with digital IP intercom call stations on the inside.

This means that the extended range and cables of the outside intercom call stations are retained.

The intercom call stations already in place can continue to be used without any new cabling.

That means a short planning phase and rapid commissioning for smaller systems, with low investment costs.

In the DS-6 system, the integrated Barix IP audio components take care of network communications and control of the terminal circuits from Neumann Elektronik.
Decentralised intelligence guarantees high fault tolerance, because each intercom call station acts independently without the need to be switched through a central exchange.

That makes the DS-6 system eminently suitable for intercom systems with up to 250 subscribers in all areas of industry.

The decision by Neumann to integrate the IP audio module from Barix into its IP intercom system went in favour of Barix for several reasons: 'To carry out the complex and sophisticated control tasks in our intercom and PA equipment, we needed an efficient basic module that can cover our requirements with software solutions to as great a degree as possible'.

'We were looking for an innovative product with an attractive price/performance ratio, and particular features such as short latency times for digital voice transmission and short connection times', explains Frank Konrad, Managing Director of ms Neumann Elektronik.

'Direct access to the developers at Barix proved to be particularly productive in the course of the project'.

In addition to its intercom and PA applications, the DS-6 system also offers the option to be used as an emergency warning system.

The first companies to use it include BASF and other leading industrial enterprises.

The DS-6 IP intercom system is arranged using an Ethernet network (LAN).

The system is composed of one or more control and monitoring stations (indoor digital desktop call stations) for the operation and supervision of the system, and it uses slide-in analogue interface modules an I/O modules to integrate external devices (such as sensors and actuators) into the system.

Corresponding to the needs of the facility, call stations, amplifiers and gate/door intercoms can be connected to the system via the analogue interface modules, and output devices (such as strobe lights) and sensors can be connected via the I/O modules.

The software is located in the digital intercom stations and the slide-in interface modules of the analogue intercom call stations and amplifiers.

The functions of the stations are determined by the configuration in the intelligent units.

This 'decentralised distributed intelligence' of the DS-6 system excludes any 'single point of failure', and simultaneously represents innovative IP intercom technology: as the communication connections are handled by a distributed exchange software application that runs parallel on each of the call station clients, the subscribers contact one another directly.

Each call station is thus able to act independently in accordance with its individual configuration without having to communicate with a central exchange.

analogue call stations are connected to the system via slide-in interface modules, and digital call stations are connected directly through a network switch; no other central exchange or control modules are required.

Each of the slide-in interface modules and each of the digital intercom call stations integrate a Barix IP audio module.

It is responsible for the co-ordination of all the functions, converting the audio signal into a digital stream and passing this on to the other units, where it converts the stream back into an audio signal and sends it to the call stations - all this virtually in real time.

The technology also offers extremely short connection times from the moment the button is pushed (significantly below 0.1s).

High system reliability of the DS-6 IP intercom system is realised with a redundant bus system.

Periodic life-check and functional-check messages monitor the proper functioning of the system, thus enabling possible faults to be detected immediately and signalled at the control station.

The system is configured as a redundant system using a second Ethernet LAN bus system in order to completely eliminate the possibility of a 'single point of failure'.

When the system is switched on, it powers up again in approximately 10s and is immediately ready for action.

The innovative IP intercom technology guarantees excellent speech quality and fast transmissions: the communication bandwidth from 100Hz to 10kHz ensures very good speech quality.

Also, the system offers good intelligibility even in extremely noisy and/or acoustically problematical zones.

When used as an emergency warning system, predefined alarm messages can be stored on a memory stick in a digital intercom call station or on an interface module for analogue call stations, and triggered and transmitted via intercom stations or externally connected devices.

'The open architecture of our products is fundamental for our success in new markets', says Johannes Rietschel, CEO of Barix.

'We offer companies such as ms Neumann Elektronik, which commit themselves to modern IP technology, a cost - effective and flexible mix of technologies that can be precisely adapted to meet their requirements'.

Course covers CAN and CANopen

2007-06-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

One day training course introduces participants to CAN technology through to CANopen basics

Warwick Control has set new dates for its CANopen technology training, which can be found on the company's website. The course duration is one day and introduces participants to CAN technology through to CANopen basics. It also includes a demonstration of a simple CANopen network so that users can see the operation and also view the message exchange on a CRichard McLaughlin, Director, says 'Our CANopen courses have proved popular and are ideal for users of CANopen technology to get a good grounding in both CAN and CANopen'.

The courses are run once a month.ANopen bus analyser.

Experts speak on current and future networks

2007-05-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

Seminar aims to bring suppliers at all tier levels up to date on the latest developments and trends in the area of automotive and automation databus communication technology
Hitex UK and Warwick Control are organising a seminar to disseminate information concerning the latest advances in automotive and automation datacommunications with the emphasis on current and next generation protocols. The seminar is continuation of a seminar series that started in 2004 called 'Beyond CAN'.

Beyond CAN 2 was hosted in November 2005.

Therefore this one is designated as Beyond CAN 3.

This seminar will bring suppliers at all tier levels up to date on the latest developments and trends in the area of automotive and automation databus communication technology.

There will be distinguished experts from around Europe speaking on the most significant issues concerning current and future embedded networks technology.

The Beyond CAN 3 seminar will take place on Thursday 14th June 2007 at Warwick Control offices at Prodrive Warwick in Fen End, Warwickshire

In-vehicle networking technology explained

2007-05-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

Training course is aimed at automotive engineers and technicians who want to get a good basic understanding of in-vehicle networking technology
Warwick Control has a new training course 'In-vehicle networking technology for automotive engineers and technicians', which as its name suggests is aimed at automotive engineers and technicians who want to get a good basic understanding of in-vehicle networking technology and how it affects the industry now and will affect the industry in the future.

Controller Area Network (CAN) technology is covered in detail as it is the de-facto industry standard.

Participants will also get a good understanding of the use of the Local Interconnect Network (LIN), FlexRay, MOST and possible future protocols.

Demonstrations will be given on some of the different technologies so that participants can understand exactly what information is provided by each of the network technologies.

Finally, diagnostics and the typical failures are described in detail so that participants will be armed with the knowledge of the type of problems they might encounter and how to deal with them.

This is a one and a half day course that is set in an intensive twelve hour schedule so that participants only need to spend one day away from the office.

It includes both lunch and dinner.

The first courses are to be run on Tuesday 19th June 2007 and Tuesday 17th July 2007 and the cost per delegate is GBP 300.

Dubash to take Bluewater to the next level

2007-05-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

Bluewater Systems has promoted Sales Director Sarosh Dubash to Chief Executive Officer
Christchurch based ARM solutions provider Bluewater Systems has promoted Sales Director Sarosh Dubash to the position of CEO. Dubash takes over from company founder Simon Glass who has been acting CEO for the last six months. Prior to taking up the position at Bluewater, he was Business Development and Product Manager for Navman OEM where he contributed to the phenomenal growth of that company from startup.

He has 20 years industry experience in a mixture of high tech design, project management and commercial assignments and has been with Bluewater Systems since October 2006.

Simon Glass will remain at the company and will focus on research and development and technical sales support.

Says Glass: 'I believe that Sarosh is the ideal person to take Bluewater forward to the next level and allow me to focus on bringing more innovative ARM applications to the New Zealand and Australian markets'.

Experts speak on current and future network

2007-05-22T00:08:00.002-07:00

Seminar aims to bring suppliers at all tier levels up to date on the latest developments and trends in the area of automotive and automation databus communication technologyHitex UK and Warwick Control are organising a seminar to disseminate information concerning the latest advances in automotive and automation datacommunications with the emphasis on current and next generation protocols. The seminar is continuation of a seminar series that started in 2004 called 'Beyond CAN'.

Beyond CAN 2 was hosted in November 2005.

Therefore this one is designated as Beyond CAN 3.

This seminar will bring suppliers at all tier levels up to date on the latest developments and trends in the area of automotive and automation databus communication technology.

There will be distinguished experts from around Europe speaking on the most significant issues concerning current and future embedded networks technology.

The Beyond CAN 3 seminar will take place on Thursday 14th June 2007 at Warwick Control offices at Prodrive Warwick in Fen End, Warwickshire.

In-vehicle networking technology explained

2007-05-22T00:08:00.001-07:00

Training course is aimed at automotive engineers and technicians who want to get a good basic understanding of in-vehicle networking technologyWarwick Control has a new training course 'In-vehicle networking technology for automotive engineers and technicians', which as its name suggests is aimed at automotive engineers and technicians who want to get a good basic understanding of in-vehicle networking technology and how it affects the industry now and will affect the industry in the future.

Controller Area Network (CAN) technology is covered in detail as it is the de-facto industry standard.

Participants will also get a good understanding of the use of the Local Interconnect Network (LIN), FlexRay, MOST and possible future protocols.

Demonstrations will be given on some of the different technologies so that participants can understand exactly what information is provided by each of the network technologies.

Finally, diagnostics and the typical failures are described in detail so that participants will be armed with the knowledge of the type of problems they might encounter and how to deal with them.

This is a one and a half day course that is set in an intensive twelve hour schedule so that participants only need to spend one day away from the office.

It includes both lunch and dinner.

The first courses are to be run on Tuesday 19th June 2007 and Tuesday 17th July 2007 and the cost per delegate is GBP 300.

Dubash to take Bluewater

2007-05-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

Christchurch based ARM solutions provider Bluewater Systems has promoted Sales Director Sarosh Dubash to the position of CEO. Dubash takes over from company founder Simon Glass who has been acting CEO for the last six months. Prior to taking up the position at Bluewater, he was Business Development and Product Manager for Navman OEM where he contributed to the phenomenal growth of that company from startup.

He has 20 years industry experience in a mixture of high tech design, project management and commercial assignments and has been with Bluewater Systems since October 2006.

Simon Glass will remain at the company and will focus on research and development and technical sales support.

Says Glass: 'I believe that Sarosh is the ideal person to take Bluewater forward to the next level and allow me to focus on bringing more innovative ARM applications to the New Zealand and Australian markets'.

Dubash to take Bluewater

2007-05-08T05:27:00.002-07:00

Convertor switches eight

2007-05-08T05:27:00.001-07:00

The Technisys eight-channel NRZ to E1/T1 convertor is a stand-alone device designed to provide conversion of eight channels of NRZ clock and data to E1 or T1 line outputs. The NRZ differential inputs are via RJ45 connectors, and the E1/T1 line outputs are via concentric twinax connectors. Clock and data validity for each channel is indicated by front panel LEDs.

The line interface (E1/T1) and corresponding datarate (2.048/1.544MHz) are selected by a front panel switch.

Front panel switches provide the ability to selectively invert the incoming data and clock for each channel.

The unit also contains a test pattern generator, which provides R3, R7, R15, R20 PRBS patterns, and all ones pattern.

In addition to this model, Technisys also offers units for clock/data recovery (CDR) from E1/T1 line input and E1/T1 line rate conversion.

These units, the 701319 and 701321, respectively, are available in the same 1U package, which includes auto-ranging AC mains.

The unit pricing for this chassis is at under US $5000 with significant discount for quantity orders.

Embedded systems company shows

2007-05-08T05:26:00.001-07:00

RadiSys, a global provider of advanced embedded systems, has announced revenues of $66.9 million for the quarter ended 31st March 2007 and a net loss of $5.4 million or $0.25 per share. Non-GAAP net income for the first quarter was $0.7 million or $0.03 per diluted share. This compares with revenue of $65.8 million in the first quarter of 2006 and revenue of $60.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Non-GAAP results excluded a loss of $0.28 per share, primarily attributable to the impact of acquisition-related expenses, stock-based compensation expense and restructuring charges.

Commenting on the financial results for the quarter, Scott Grout, President and CEO says: 'We grew revenues by 10% sequentially and improved Non-GAAP financial results as our communications business rebounded from the fourth quarter'.

'Over the last two quarters, we closed new business in a wide variety of applications including network security, wireless gateways, billing, messaging, video encoders, IPTV and medical imaging'.
Further reading

COM Express modules based on quad-core processors
RadiSys has launched at Embedded World two new PICMG-compatible COM Express modules and a quad core embedded server for high-performance applications

Development kit includes real-time OS
The RadiSys Multicore Development Kit provides embedded systems designers with the software tools and real-time operating systems they need to develop innovative multicore-based designs

'Our net cumulative design wins increased from October of last year to an estimated range of $600 to $700 million'.

'These wins include projected future business with over 50 new customers across a broad array of markets and applications'.

'Our design win estimates are based on non-committed projected revenues through the first three years of our customers' production and deployment, and the amount and timing of meaningful deployments cannot be certain'.

Grout continues: 'Our funnel of potential new design wins remains robust with sizable opportunities across a broad range of applications, and we currently expect our annual design wins to be similar to last year's wins'.