The FarSync X25 T2Ee PCIe card provides a very flexible 2 port PCI Express low profile X.25 communications platform for Linux and Windows systems
Overview
The FarSync X.25 T2Ee product is a high quality X.25 solution for business, government and military applications, it has been developed to provide high performance, versatile X.25 connectivity for Linux and Windows systems.
The PCI Express card will support 2 X.25 ports at speeds to over 2.048 Mbits/s. The highly flexible universal network connector supports RS232, X.21, RS530, RS422, RS449 and V.35 network interfaces.
Line signalling modes: NRZ, Manchester encoding, FM0, FM1 and Conditioned Diphase (Differential Manchester) are handled by the onboard FarSite customisable communications controller as well as soft selectable line termination resistance.
The product is supplied with a free 5 year warranty.
Features under Linux:
- The T2Ee card installs seamlessly as a plug and play device under the popular Linux 32 and 64 bit distributions. The card supports Linux kernel versions 2.6 to 3.0 and onwards in 32 and 64 bit formats, including the leading distributions supplied by Red Hat, SuSE, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Slackware and more. SMP (multi-processor) systems are supported. Configuration is by a Java based GUI.
- There are APIs to the X.25 layer, a Sockets based interface and a Java API. There is also an API to the ISO Transport layers (ISO 8073 – connection oriented).
- IP over X.25 support is included permitting TCP/IP operation over an X.25 network.
- XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) support is available as an option, using the same API’s as X.25. XOT can operate at the same time as X.25.
- Up to 254 connections per port are supported as standard or up to 4095 connections using the FarSync
X25 High Capacity Pack. - FarSite is committed to supporting the FarSync X25 T2Ee on new versions of Linux and Linux kernels as they are released. The source code for the driver and the libraries for the API are supplied with the product, allowing rebuilding by the end user for use with almost any of the current or future Linux variants.
Features under Windows:
- The T2Ee card installs seamlessly as a plug and play device under Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, Windows Server 2016, 2012 and 2008. 32 and 64 bit Windows operating systems are supported.
- The X.25 software has a host of features including ISO Transport (classes 0 to 3), support for OpenFT FTAM, a WinSock2 compliant Sockets API, a Java API and a LAPB layer 2 (HDLC) that is also directly accessible by its own API. The Sockets API is also accessible from .NET applications. Up to 4095 connections can be supported using the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack or 254 per port as standard.
- IP over X.25 support is included permitting TCP/IP operation over an X.25 network.
- 32 and 64 bit applications supported
X.25 Developers Toolkit: A comprehensive Developers Toolkit for development using APIs to X.25 and ISO Transport is included with each product covering Linux and Windows. In addition, the Windows product has a toolkit for the LAPB API. A multi-port Line Monitor and a Line Statistics application are also supplied.
Watch our informative video about our X.25 products
Typical
Applications
The FarSync X25 T2Ee card is suitable for connection to all types of X.25 networks, X.25 over the ISDN D channel and leased lines. Typical applications include:
- Private X.25 networks such as Lottery, Police, Customs,
Military, Fishery, Financial, Government and Airline - E-Commerce gateways for credit verification
- Mixed X.25 and IP networks
- SMS message gateways
- Billing and Mediation
- FTAM access
- ATM connections
- Lottery terminals
- X.400
- PC / Server based X.25 switch with XOT
The card is compatible with all public X.25 networks.
FarSync X25 T2Ee – Hardware Details
FarSync X25 T2Ee fitted with the standard height PCIe I/O bracket
The drivers supplied with Windows and Linux allow large numbers of ports to be supported by the installation of multiple FarSync X25 T2Ee cards in a Server. Typically 12 or more cards (24+ ports) can be supported; the card limit is only dependent on the resources available in the host Server and the total bandwidth of the PCIe bus.
The FarSync X25 T2Ee 2 port card runs an AMD processor with SRAM with a FarSite communications controller (customisable), connected to the Server/PC through a PCI Express bus.
Network Interfaces
The multi function line drivers available on both ports support X.21
(V.11), V.35, RS232
(V.24), RS422, RS530 and RS449 network interfaces, all soft configurable and ESD protected from static charges.
Line Signalling Modes
NRZ plus the self clocking (clock for the data is decoded from the incoming data line) line signalling modes Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Diphase (also known as Differential Manchester), FM0 and FM1. This means separate clock lines are not required, these line signalling modes are a soft configurable alternative to NRZ and a reliable way of handling long high speed cable runs.
Line termination is supported on all the balanced pair signals for X.21 (V.11), V.35, RS422, RS530 (EIA530) or RS449 operation. The line termination resistors may be soft selected to be selected on a port by port basis. The addition of line termination resistors helps improve signal quality on long high speed lines.
Terminal Timing
Terminal Timing is supported to enable system-wide clock synchronisation.
PCI Express Bus Specification
The FarSync X25 T2Ee card is suitable for systems with a PCIe bus, covering single and multi-processor systems. The card is compliant with PCI Express Base specification revision 1.0a and above. The FarSync X25 T2Ee is a bus mastering, 1x (single lane) card.
TCP/IP over X.25
The IP over X.25 support is included as part of the FarSync X25 T2Ee product and is integrated into Linux and Windows.
Linux Features: IP over X.25 support complies with RFC 1356 (IP over X.25). Higher level protocols that run over IP including TCP, UDP, HTTP and FTP are supported.
Windows Features: The IP over X.25 support complies with RFC 1356 (IP over X.25), for single and multiple X.25 destinations. Higher level protocols that run over IP including TCP, UDP, HTTP and FTP are supported.
See further details about how IP over X.25 works
APIs and X.25 Developers Toolkit
Application developers have a choice of APIs for X.25, ISO Transport and accessing HDLC (LAPB). An API selector guide is provided to assist the developer in choosing the most appropriate interface. The comprehensive Developers Toolkit is included with the product.
X.25 Developers Toolkit and API details
FarSync XOT Extension option
For Linux the XOT extension allows applications using the same API to transmit data over XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP). TCP/IP is normally routed over Ethernet on PCs and Servers. The XOT support is compatible with FarSite’s FarLinX X25 Gateway and also other manufacturers XOT products. The XOT and X.25 interfaces can be used simultaneously.
The FarSync XOT Extension should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync X25 card is purchased, although a retrofit is possible.
Notes:
There is also FarSync XOT Runtime software for Linux available that allows XOT to run over the PCs standard TCP/IP connection such as an Ethernet card.
For Windows there is FarSync XOT Runtime software for Windows available that allows XOT to run over the PC’s standard TCP/IP connection such as an Ethernet card.
FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack option
An optional high capacity pack is available for the FarSync X25 T2Ee. The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack allows up to 4,095 simultaneous connections to be made; a huge increase from the standard 254 on each line. The expanded capacity applies to SVC, PVC and ISO Transport connections.
Customer applications developed to use the standard X.25 Sockets API are compatible with the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack.
The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is available for Windows and Linux, it should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync X.25 T2Ee is purchased although a retrofit upgrade is possible. One FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is required per card. See Order Information.
Configuration
For both Windows and Linux configuration is by a GUI configuration application, rapid installation and easy configuration are key features of the product. See sample screens below.
The X.25 line can be reconfigured and restarted without reloading the software.
Many of the parameters such as DTE / DCE selection are determined automatically. Selecting the line speed by default automatically sets suitable timer and retry values. An advanced tab permits users to exactly specify the configuration of the line if necessary.
The Configuration in Linux can also be optionally configured by a text file.
| Operating systems supported | Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, Windows Server 2016, 2012 and 2008. 32 and 64 bit Windows operating systems are supported.
Linux distributions supplied by Red Hat, SuSE, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Slackware and others with kernel versions 2.6 and onward. |
| Linux Kernel support | All sub versions of kernel releases from 2.6 and onward. The products may operate successfully with earlier or later versions of the kernel but no specific testing has been undertaken by FarSite. |
| SMP (Multi-Processor Systems) | The software has been designed for and tested on SMP Servers |
| 32 and 64 bit systems | The FarSync X25 T2Ee can be used on 32 and 64 bit systems under Linux and Windows |
|
X.25 Features
|
|
| X.25 CCITT compliance | 1980, 84 & 88 |
| DTE/DCE operation | Both and Automatic detection and selection |
| Maximum SVCs (all types) | 254 sessions on each line, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing |
| Maximum PVCs | 254 sessions on each line 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack |
| Maximum simultaneous connections | 254 connections on each line 4095 connections with the High Capacity Pack |
| Data Packet size range | 0 to 4096 bytes |
| Data packets per second throughput | More than 2000 pps |
| X25 facilities supported | Reverse charging, Closed User Group (CUG), Network User Identifier (NUI), Fast Select, Packet and Windows size negotiation, Extended sequence numbering (128), Throughput Class Negotiation. |
| Types of network connection | X.25 packet switch, leased line, dial up (X.32 and dial on DTR) |
| Accessible via API | Four APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API and a legacy NCB API. |
| IP over X.25 | Supported, complies with: RFC 1356 on Linux and Windows |
| X.25 switch | X.25 Switch daemon available on Linux for free download for use with the FarSync X25 T2Ee |
|
XOT Option Features
|
|
| XOT Specification | Complies with RFC 1613 – X.25 over TCP (XOT) |
| Maximum XOT connections | 4,095 on Linux, 4095 on Windows |
| Maximum SVCs and PVCs | 4,095 on Linux, 4095 on Windows, any mix of SVCs and PVCs |
| Data packets size range | 0 to 4,096 bytes |
| OOB (Out of Band) data | Supported for Interrupts, Resets and the D bit |
| X25 facilities supported | Closed User Group (CUG), Network User Identifier (NUI), Fast Select, Packet and Windows size negotiation, Throughput Class Negotiation. |
| Accessible via API | Two APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API |
| ISO Transport Features | |
| Supplied with the X.25 software | Included with both the standard product and the High Capacity Pack |
| Standard supported | ISO 8073 (connection oriented) |
| Classes supported | Classes 0, 1, 2 and 3 |
| Negotiation between classes | Yes |
| Simultaneous transport connections | 254 sessions on each line, 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack |
| TPDUs in a NSDU | 1 |
| Accessible via API | Yes |
|
Developers
Toolkit |
|
| X.25 Developers Toolkit and API functional summary | |
| Card type and PCIe specification | AMD Processor with embedded communications controller, PCIe bus compliant with PCI Express Base Specification Revision 1.0a, x1 (single lane), FarSite communications controller (customisable), HD44F connector for the 2 X.25 synchronous ports, |
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| Network connection types supported (with cables) |
2 X.25 synchronous ports, soft switchable line termination, RS232 (V.24) – DTE DB25M connector, X.21 (V.11) – DTE DB15M connector, V.35 – DTE M34M connector, RS530 (RS422) – DTE DB25M connector, RS449 (RS422) – DTE DB37M connector, DCE type cables are also available |
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| Link speed range sync | RS232: up to 128 Kbits/s. X.21, V.35, RS422, RS530, RS449: up to 10 Mbits/s internally or externally clocked. |
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| Line Signal Modes | NRZ, Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Diphase (Differential Manchester), FM0 and FM1. | ||
| ESD line protection | Littelfuse high speed ESD and over-voltage protection | ||
| Indicators | 2 LEDs, one per port showing line connection status. 2 LEDs, one per port showing line connection status. | ||
| Line clocking – internal |
Internal clock range: over 160 different frequencies between 100 baud & 10 Mbits/s. No special cables are required to use internal clocks. Internal clocking is supported on RS530, RS422, RS232, X.21, V.35 and RS449 connections. |
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| Line clocking – external | External clocks received from a serial port and used to a drive serial communication port can be any frequency up to 10MHz. | ||
| Terminal timing | Terminal Timing is supported to enable system-wide clock synchronisation. | ||
| Approvals, compliance | EN55022 class B, CE, FCC class B, RoHS2, REACH |
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| MTBF | 228,500 hours calculated using Bellcore Method 1 Case 3, 40 deg.C ambient, 15 deg.C case temperature rise above ambient. | ||
| Power requirements | < 1.2 A @ +3.3v, < 4 watts. |
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| Physical characteristics | Short card (height 64mm, length 167mm), standard and low profile PCIe I/O brackets supplied. | ||
| Cables | Cables are ordered separately see the cable details table. | ||
| Warranty | Free 5 year warranty. | ||
Packaging
The X.25 software firmware, drivers, utilities and the X.25 Developers Toolkit are all included on the CD supplied with the FarSync card. Cables are ordered separately.
The CD-ROM supplied with the FarSync X25 T2Ee includes:
- Drivers for Linux, Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, Windows Server 2016, 2012 and 2008. 32 and 64 bit Windows operating systems
- Numerous example applications with source code
- Documentation for all the APIs in Adobe PDF format
- Source code for Linux drivers and API Libraries
- Network monitor and various useful utility programs
New releases of the software with enhancements and fixes are made available for free download from the Download page in the Support section of this web site.
| Product Name | Description | Product Code |
| FarSync X25 T2Ee | Intelligent 2 port X.25 PCI Express (PCIe) low profile card with X.25 Software and X.25 Developers Toolkit for Windows and Linux included. Cables are ordered separately. |
FS6256 |
| Software Options | ||
| FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Windows | Upgrade to the standard Windows FarSync X.25 software that allows up to 4095 simultaneous sessions | FS9504 |
| FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Linux | Upgrade to the standard Linux FarSync X.25 software that allows up to 4095 simultaneous sessions | FS9505 |
| FarSync XOT Extension | An optional upgrade to add XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) with FarSync X.25 cards on Linux. A FarSync X25 card must be purchased with this product. |
FS9508 |
| FarSync XOT Runtime – Windows | XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) support on Windows | FS9511 |
Cables
This two port adapter uses a single HD44F connector with the cable splitting out to two connectors. One or Two port cables are available for RS232, RS530, V.35, X.21 and RS449 operation. Details of the standard cables and DTE to DCE conversion cables available are listed below.
| Order Information – Cables for the FarSync X25 T2Ee | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Photo | Description | Product Code |
| FCR1 | One port RS530 and RS232 DTE cable DB25M connector, 1.5 metres. Also supports adaption to X.21, V.35 and RS449 interfaces with addition of conversion cables TCX1, TCV1 and TC449 respectively to allows mixed connection types. |
FS6073 | |
| FCR2 |  |
Dual port RS530 and RS232 DTE cable DB25M connectors, 1.5 metres. Also supports adaptation to X.21, V.35 and RS449 interfaces with addition of conversion cables TCX1, TCV1 and TC449 respectively to allows mixed connection types. |
FS6077 |
| FCX2 | Dual port X.21 (V.11) DTE cable, DB15M connectors, 2.0 metres. | FS6078 | |
| FCV2 | Dual port V.35 DTE cable, M34M connectors, 2.0 metres. | FS6079 | |
| FC449 | Dual port RS449 DTE cable, DB37M connectors, 3.0 metres. | FS6080 | |
| TCX1 |  |
X.21 DTE (V.11) DB15M 1 port FCR2 cable to X.21 transition connector, 0.5 metres, see pinouts | FS6052 |
| TCV1 |  |
V.35 DTE M34M 1 port FCR2 cable to V.35 transition connector, 0.5 metres, see pinouts | FS6053 |
| TC449 | RS449 DTE DB37M 1 port FCR2 cable to RS449 transition connector, 1.5 metres, see pinouts | FS6054 | |
| Special Purpose Cables for all T-Series cards | |||
| Null-MX |  |
X.21 double shielded crossover cable, DB15F connector to DB15F connector, 0.5 metres. Converts DTE presentation to DCE. Suitable for FarSync T-Series cards, see pinouts |
FS6090 |
| X21-EXT |  |
X.21 double shielded extension cable, 15 metres, DB15F connector to DB15M connector. |
FS6091 |
| Null-MR4 |  |
Combined RS530 (RS422, EIA530) and RS232 (V.24) double shielded crossover cable, DB25F connector to DB25F connector, 0.5 metres. Converts DTE presentation to DCE. Suitable for FarSync T-Series cards. |
FS6097 |