Motorola Codex Ltd yesterday launched the Codex 6281, a time division multiplexer-based network nodal processor. The 6281 Network Processor is manufactured by an Australian company, Scitec Pty Ltd, who also co-developed the software with Motorola Codex; Codex has exclusive worldwide distribution, and has promised to fund the system’s future development with Scitec. The company claims the modular 6281 system combines data and voice networks, with distributed architecture, at trunk speeds of 9.6Kbps to 2.048Mbps. The Codex 6281 supports up to 16 2Mbps links, each with 250 user channels. Based on Motorola 68000 family chips, the 6281 was developed as a backbone network, able to function as a distributed switch. Motorola Codex claims the system provides re-routing round a defective trunk or node, and that redundancy of networking nodes is improved by the system’s hot standby capability; this means power supply and processor are supported by one to one redundancy, and the ability to switch automatically to standby modules. The company has 16-port async cards for asynchronous port switching – offering flow control error protection – and synchronous port cards. The company will target financial networks, multinational voice and data networks, and hybrid circuit and packet networks. It claims to have one pilot UK installation in a major electronic retailer for the 6281, and several installations with European PTTs. Motorola Codex reports that it is also negotiating the sale of 6821 family products to British Telecommunications Plc.
