Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Telematics Inc has added the S400 switch to its NET25 Programmable Communications Processor family, enabling the processors to switch 600 packets per second across 50 full-duplex channels. The NET25 processors perform functions such as packet-switching, network management, protocol conversion and multivendor access. The S400 can be used in several ways. As an X25 concentrator node, support for high-speed trunks and access ports up to 256Kbps is provided. As a multi-protocol access node, the S400 provides data transport services over public or private X25 networks via IBM or Open System Interconnection access protocols. Using Telematics’ NET25 network management application, the S400 can act as a network control centre, managing small-to-medium sized networks. Telematics has also introduced the XCP add-in board providing additional bandwidth to processors S4 and S5. The XCP is a new communications option, enabling users of processors S4 and S5 to extend the bandwidth of their systems for internodal trunk connections at T-1 – or 64Kbps – speeds. When the XCP is added to a Programmable Communications Processor system, it can support on a single module eight RS530 channels that can operate up to 2.048Mbps, enabling users to mobilise T-1 transmission facilities. The bandwidth of an XCP is 8Mbps; when connected to a Programmable Communications Processor bus, bandwidth increases up to 16Mbps. Later in 1991, with the addition of software upgrades, the XCP will be able to support high speed frame relay access services, enabling NET25 to transport frame relay data between local area network routers. Pricing for the S400 starts at $17,500 while the XCP costs $12,500.
