Pilkington Communications Ltd has launched a new data and voice integration system, based on a data multiplexer card developed by Pilkington and the Swiss communications company, Datatechnik Int-ercom AG. The Flexilink 6305 is part of Pilkington’s Flexilink 6000 Local Area Communications System, and it integrates voice and data over single fibre pair. The company says that integrating the two over fibre enables it to maximise the use of optical fibre cabling, while minimising the cost of installation and cabling. A Standard Telephone Interface BS6305 is offered with the new module, and it includes battery and ringing voltage, hook status, and ground loop signalling. At the PABX end, a telephone extension is emulated by reproducing ground loop signalling. For data, an RJ45 connector provides an EIA232 interface with maximum throughput of 38.4Kbps. Video interfaces may be used with the module to provide remotely controlled closed circuit television applications like perimeter surveillance. Pilkington claims that the use of four fibre cable facilitates tamper and interference-proof transmission of camera control signals, and the inherent problems of tapping into optical fibre combined with instant detection of tapping, augments security of transmission. The Flexilink system also provides modules that enable terminals, personal computers and peripherals to interface with Token Ring or Ethernet. Supported protocols include EIA232, 485, 422, X21, and X21 bis interface cards. The 6305 may be rack mounted with other Flexilink interface cards to provide access over fibre to other communication services.
