3501_Protocol_Conversion 3501 Protocol Conversion

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DATAPRO

Data Networking

3501
Protocol Converters

(

Protocol Conversion
Systems: Overview

In this report:
Future Directions ................. 3
Technology Basics .............. 3
Selection Guidelines ........... 6

Note: This report fo-

cuses on the protocol
conversion systems
market. It describes the
industry's origins, identifies market leaders,
presents market and
technology trends, describes available types
of products, explains
the component processes of protocol conversion, and offers
product selection
guidelines.

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Market Analysis
Market Highlights
The market for protocol conversion systems developed as a solution to the incompatibility problems between IBM and nonIBM devices and hosts. IBM made its part
of the world synchronous. Most end-user
devices, such as display terminals, printers,
and personal computers, are asynchronous,
as are a high percentage of the modems in
the United States. Connecting peripheral
equipment from other vendors to IBM
hosts spawned a new industry dedicated to
connecting incompatible devices. Since
asynchronous displays are generally less expensive than IBM products, protocol conversion also allowed users to inexpensively
connect large numbers of displays to IBM
systems.
In 1971, KMW Systems of Austin, TX
(acquired by Andrew Corp. in 1990) began
developing asynchronous-to-synchronous
protocol conversion products. Thereafter,
other companies, such as Local Data (also
now part of Andrew Corp.) and Netlink entered the market, each bringing its own expertise to the field. Protocol conversion
manufacturers flourished until 1982, when
IBM released its own protocol conversion
products, thereby capturing much of the
market.
Early protocol converters were standalone (floor or desktop) units that provided
a single type of conversion (e.g., asynchronous ASCII to IBM 3270) for multiple

-By Martin Dintzis
Assistant Editor

1992 McGraw·HiII, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

asynchronous display terminals and printers. The increasing need to link multiple
IBM and non-IBM devices, however, has
triggered the development of a variety of
conversion systems, including board-level
products for PCs and printers. Manufacturers have applied the same board-level technology to large, multiport terminal controllers, producing multi protocol communications processors capable oflinking a variety
of computer environments, including IBM
midrange (5250), IBM 3270, token-ring
and Ethernet LANs, and X.25 packetswitching networks.
Because display terminals have largely
been replaced by personal computers,
which can emulate displays through internal hardware, the traditional protocol converter (designed primarily for "dumb" terminals) is on the verge of extinction. Niche
products, such as Macintosh- or IBM PCemulation boards, continue to thrive; multiprotocol communications controllers,
however, have absorbed most market profits.

Market Leaders
Andrew Corp.
Andrew Corp. acquired Local Data, a leading protocol conversion manufacturer, in
1987. Local Data developed the DataLynx,
InterLynx, and VersaLynx product lines,
which provide access to IBM midrange,
3270 BSC, 2780/3780 BSC RJE, and SNAI
SDLC environments for multiple or individual asynchronous displays, printers, and
PCs emulating displays. Andrew still markets these products.
Having acquired KMW Systems in
1990, Andrew also markets a number of

JANUARY 1992

3501
Protocol Converters

Protocol Conversion
Syatema: Overview

Data Networking

Macintosh connectivity products. NetAxcess is an adapter
board that transforms a Macintosh II personal computer
into a gateway capable of linking an entire AppleTalk network with an IBM midrange host. Macintosh workstations
appear as IBM 52XX or 31XX displays, while Apple print~
ers emulate IBM 52XX printers. Each Macintosh user has
access to up to seven concurrent IBM midrange host applications and any number of Macintosh-resident applications. Andrew also supports Macintosh access to IBM
midrange environments through its TwinAxcess Series II
(multiport) and TwinAxcess Series III (single port) protocol converters.

7171 connects from 16 to 64 asynchronous ASCII devices
to the block multiplexer channel of an IBM host via an
RS-232-C interface.
Netlink
Netlink offers SNA-Gate, a versatile product that functions as a protocol converter, a cluster controller, a line
concentrator, and a remote job entry station. Connecting
to an IBM 37XX communications controller, SNA-Gate
provides async-to-BSC, async-to-SNAlSDLC, or BSC-toSNAlSDLC conversion, accommodating up to 250 devices
over multidrop lines.

IBM
IBM provides bidirectional conversion between synchronous and asynchronous environments through the 3174
Establishment Controller, which also supports a tokenring gateway, X.25 network access, and an ISDN basic rate
interface. IBM continues marketing its older protocol conversion solutions: the 3708 Network Conversion Unit and
the 7171 Protocol Converter. A lO-port unit, the 3708 converts a 3270 datastream to and from ASCII code. Up to 18
asynchronous devices appear as Model 317X1327X displays and Model 3287 printers to an IBM SNA host. The

Additional Vendors
Other major 3270-compatible communications controllers offering multiprotocol support include Apertus Technologies' Datastar 5000, IDEA Courier's Concert Controller, McDATA Corp.'s Linkmaster 7100 Network
Controller, and Memorex Telex's 1174 Network Controller. All support up to four concurrent IBM mainframe host
connections, multiple asynchronous host connections, a
token-ring gateway, and various combinations of synchronous and asynchronous peripheral devices. Additionally,
the Datastar 5000 and the Concert Controller support

Figure 1.
Andrew Corp. 's T",i#IAxce.rs
Protocol Converten

IBM PC or PS/2

VT-52/1 001220

TwinAxcess Series II accommodates up to seven local or
remote asynchronous devices.
including IBM-compatible
and Macintosh personal computers. display terminals. and
serial or parallel printers.
TwinAxcess Series III is a
one-port version ofthe
TwinAxcess Series II unit.

LaptopOOS

Serial or Parallel

Ports May Be RS-232 or Parallel

Twlnax
Connections

IBM System 34136138
orASI400

JANUARY 1992

1992 McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Conversion
Systems: Overview

Ethernet LAN attachment. Except for the 1174 Network
Controller, all support Digital LAT devices.

Future Directions
Since the mid-1980s, user migration from host-controlled
"dumb" terminals to intelligent LAN-attached PCs has
driven traditional protocol conversion products (ones designed primarily for linking asynchronous display terminals to IBM hosts) to virtual extinction. Many of the remaining protocol conversion vendors have turned to niche
markets, offering Macintosh-to-IBM AS/400, async-toUnisys PolUSelect, HP LaserJet-to-IBM 3270, IBM 2780/
3780 BSC RJE-to-IBM SDLC, or some other type of
unique conversion capability.
Other vendors applied their knowledge of IBM protocols to X.25 communications and now manufacture multiprotocol packet assemblers/disassemblers (PADs) and
packet switches. Already a commodity item, the X.25
PAD will eventually experience the same fate as the protocol converter; board-level PAD functionality is now available in packet switches, multiplexers, LAN bridges, communications controllers, and other equipment, making
dedicated PADs unnecessary.
A third group of vendors, already discussed, has diversified, marketing multipurpose communications processors that address the multivendor networking requirements of a wide variety of users. The growing number of
multi protocol bridge/router products will reduce this market over time. At present, however, the communications
controller is the most popular method of interconnecting
multiple environments.
Protocol conversion is no longer a single function performed by a dedicated product. It has become a component process within increasingly intelligent processors that
perform many different data processing and data conversion functions concurrently.

Technology Analysis
Technology Highlights
Data communications protocols specify the methods of
data encoding, data transmission, device control, and error correction. Some common protocols are the ASCII
(Teletype or TTY), IBM 3270 Bisynchronous Communications (Bisync or BSC), IBM Synchronous Data Link
Control (SDLC), IBM 2780/3780 Bisynchronous Remote
Job Entry (BSC RJE), Unisys Poll/Select, and the CCITT's
High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC).
In protocol conversion, one protocol is reformatted or
converted to another. The most common type of conversion addresses incompatibilities between the synchronous
communications methods used by IBM mainframes and
asynchronous communications. Once limited to standalone devices performing only a single type of conversion,
protocol conversion is now available through software and
board-level hardware for printers, PCs and LAN servers,
communications controllers, and X.25 packet assemblers/
disassemblers (PADs).
1992 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

3501
Protocol Converters

There are different levels of protocol conversion. Some
devices perform a limited combination of physical interface, speed, and code conversion. Other products perform
all of these, along with device emulation and error correction.

Technology Basics
Protocols govern the format of a data exchange, remote
connection recognition, transmitting and receiving location identification, transmission sequencing, interruption
handling, error-checking methods, device and session control, data blocking, and security procedures. They range
from simple character-by-character communications with
no error checking to complex algorithms moving data
among many devices.
In general, protocols specify the following three major
areas.
• The method in which data is to be represented or
encoded-the code set. Most data processing systems
use either the American Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII) or IBM's Extended Binary Coded
Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC).
• The method in which the codes are transmitted and
received-asynchronous or synchronous. In asynchronous transmission, data is sent at random intervals with
no specific timing, with start and stop bits between individual characters. In synchronous transmission, characters or bits are sent at a fixed rate; transmitting and receiving devices are synchronized, eliminating the need
for start/stop bits.
• The exchanges of information by which the two devices
establish control, detect failures or errors, and initiate
corrective action.
Using hardware or software control, the sending device automatically formats the data and adds the required control
bits before transmitting each character or block. The receiving device automatically checks each of the appended
bits before acknowledging receipt of data. After detecting
failures, the protocol initiates error-control procedures.
Types of Protocols
Byte-oriented protocols require transmission of data in
bytes or eight-bit blocks; each transmitted block requires
an acknowledgment before the next block can be sent. Bitoriented protocols allow data to be transmitted in blocks of
any length up to a specified maximum; an acknowledgment can take place after one or several blocks have been
received, depending on the protocol.
ASCII or Teletype (TTY), a byte-oriented protocol, traditionally relates to teletypewriter equipment and services.
An asynchronous protocol, ASCII provides very little error
checking. ASCII transmission includes a start bit, a number of data bits (usually five to eight), and one or more stop
bits. Data in ASCII protocol enters the communications
line at any time. The receiving device is synchronized by
the specification of a common line speed and detection of
the start bits at the beginning of the transmission. ASCII
requires an acknowledgment after each block is sent.
IBM's Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) is a bitoriented protocol that uses a synchronized series of
frames. Each frame contains a synchronization flag followed by an address field, a control field identifying the
purpose of the transmission, the data itself, a frame-check

JANUARY 1992

3501
Protocol Converters

field, and a trailing flag. The flag character marks synchronization. SDLC permits up to 127 frames to be outstand~
ing before requiring an acknowledgment. Private-line networks use SDLe.
IBM Binary Synchronous Communications, a chru:acter-oriented synchronous protocol also referred to as BIsync or BSC, forwards data and control characters in eightbit bytes. A transmission in BSC incorporates a numbe~ of
synchronizing (SYN) characters that ensure synchronIzation at both ends of the communications link. These characters are followed by a start-of-text (STX) character, a
block of text, an end-of-text (ETX) character, and a block
error-checking character (BCC). BSC does not support
full-duplex transmission, nor is it supported by IBM's Systems Network Architecture (SNA). An acknowledgment
must follow each block of data. The BSC protocol works in
multipoint applications over private lines.
.
Other communications protocols include High-Level
Data Link Control (HDLC) , a CCITT-specified, bitoriented protocol on which most other bit-oriente? pr?tocols are based; Digital's Digital Dat~ CommunIcatIOns
Message Protocol (DDCMP), a byte-orIented proto~ol. that
can accommodate 255 unacknowledged transmissions;
and CCITT X-Series protocols, which govern transmission
of data packets across an X.25 packet switched network.
The OSI Model
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI? referenc~ model pr~
vides a framework for understandmg the dIfferences m
conversion products. Each of the OSI model's layers defines a particular aspect of the entire data communications
process. Figure 2 illustrates the seven-Iay~r hierarchy..
Layer i-Physical Connection provides mechan~cal
and electrical specifications and procedures to estabhsh,
maintain and end physical connections. This layer defines
physical interface, code, speed, and sync~1roniza~ion .functions. Layer 1 is associated, therefore, wIth physical mterface, code, speed, and synchronization conversion.
Layer 2-Data Link Control ensures that the da~a
passes without error from one computer to another. ThiS
process involves protocols that specify the format for d~ta
transmission. Parameters such as modem control and rIng
signaling are defined on this level.
Layer 3-Network Layer allows two sy~tems to exchange data. This layer defines packet addressmg and routing of data to the final destination. Units tha~ handle conversion in this layer include gateway deVices, such as
packet assemblers/disassemblers (PADs). Front-end processors (FEPs) and terminal controllers with protocol conversion capabilities also fall into this category.
Layer 4- Transport Layer handles end-t?-e~d error
and flow control to ensure that the commUnIcatIOns exchange is orderly and reliable. PAD devices are the major
products associated with this layer.
Layer 5-Session Layer furni~hes the structure f?r d:'lta
exchange by managing connectIons between a~phcatIon
processes, establishing and terminating conn~ctIons, and
sending end-to-end messages and controller dIalogs. .
Layer 6-Presentation Layer defines the way data IS assembled and provides a systematic arrangement for the
communications. exchange to occur. This layer defines
functions that convert coded data to display formats for
terminal or microcomputer screens, printers, and other peripherals. In this layer, data is expanded or compressed
and structured for file transfer or command translation.
Emulators, which allow one type of terminal to appear as
JANUARY 1992

Protocol Conversion
Systems: Overview

Data Networking

Figure 2.
The OSI Model

(7) Application-provides communications services
(6) Presentation--defines syntax of data
(5) Session-controls data exchange
(4) Transport-handles data flow, error control
(3) Network-handles data routing
(2) Data Link-ensures data transfer via protocols
(1) Physical-provides mechanicaVelectrical interface
Layers One through Three define the interface between the
host computer and the network. Layers Four through Seven
provide compatibility to data format and exchange.

another type, operate within the Presentati,?n Layer. P~od
ucts in this category include printer and display termmal
adapters; personal computer 3270 emulation. boards; and
word processor interfaces that handle conversIOns between
dissimilar word processors.
.
Layer 7-Applications Layer supp~rts ,!ser and ~pphca
tion tasks by providing the commUnIcatIons services for
specific computer applications. Basically, this layer provides the meaning to the message.
Converters often provide translations on more than ?ne
level in the model. Conversion at one layer generally Implies a need for compatibility in lower layers. For example,
a protocol converter working on Level 2 functions also assumes responsibility for physical interface, code, speed,
and synchronization.
The Mechanics of Protocol Conversion
Protocol converters translate for dissimilar devices by simulating the appropriate protocol for each. As Figure. 3
shows, this functionality gives protocol converters a dIStinctive, double-ended structure. For each end of the conversion process, a local protocol handler us~s the protocol
required by the attached device. Connectmg these handlers is a gateway task that implements the movement of
user data between the handlers.
If all communications protocols were structured in accordance with the OSI Reference Model, the converter
would implement a set of seven-layer OSI protocols joined
by the gateway task. Because the central task of ~he ~SI
protocol suite is to isolate users from the c?mmunIca~lOns
environment a protocol converter dealmg exclUSIvely
with the OSI'model would be fairly simple to develop and
could operate with few restrictions. With non-OSI protocols such as those commonly used in today's networks, the
foll~wing issues complicate the conversion process.
The format of the user data. If the data is easily separated from communications and device control protocols,
it is more easily transferred to another environment. Special features, such as data compression, complicate protocol conversion if they do not exist in the other protocol.
The degree of layering in the protocols. Although full
compliance with the OSI model is ~nli~elr, any amoun~ of
OSI-like layering in the protocols Will aid In the separatIon

1992 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Conversion
SystemslOverview

Protocol Converters

Asynchronous-to-synchronous converters perform physical interface and speed conversion for asynchronous devices, enabling those devices to communicate across synchronous facilities.

Figure 3.
The Protocol Con"ersion Process
1- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1
1

I
I

~---------------

______ I

of useful data from control information that must not be
introduced into the other environment.

The availability of common jUnctions in the protocols
involved. Data exchange between the users requires a de-

(

gree of synchronization between the two foreign protocols.
For example, most older protocols operate in half-duplex
mode-only one station at a time can send information. It
is necessary for converters operating between half-duplex
protocols to ensure that both stations are not given permission to send at the same moment, since neither could receive under those circumstances.
When protocol converters allow devices to simulate
other devices, device control protocol translation may be
needed. IBM's popular 3270 series of terminals is often
emulated by lower cost asynchronous devices, but the
3270 has special features, such as the capability to return
only modified fields to the host computer. This capability
must be emulated within the protocol converter. Figure 4
shows the structure of a terminal emulator protocol converter.

Products
Interface, Code, and Speed Converters

An interface provides the physical connection between two
devices. Interface conversion offers the lowest level of established compatibility. Data and control lines from devices terminate at a connector that handles assigned signal
functions. For example, the RS-232-C interface connector
has 25 pins-l pin per function. The interface also prescribes voltage levels for electrical signals passing over the
data and control lines.
Interface converters serve as adapters for different physical interfaces, translating signals, pin assignments, and
voltage levels of one interface to those of another. Interface
conversions commonly occur between RS-232-C and
MIL-STD-188 or between RS-232-C and V.35.
Code converters translate one communications code to
another. The most common codes are ASCII and
EBCDIC. Conversion from one code to another may be
simple, involving only the addition or deletion of control
bits or the alteration of parity. A more complex code conversion might require changing the data character's bit
pattern.
Basic code conversion hardware consists of two universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/transmitters
(USARTs), a translation table contained in read-only
memory (ROM), and control circuitry. Characters received by the USART in one code are mapped in the ROM
table into a corresponding character in the destination device's code. Converted data goes to the other USART,
which transmits it to the destination device.

@ 1992 McGraw·HiII, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

3501

Protocol Converters

Protocol converters, one of the largest categories of conversion devices, perform changes at the Data Link Layer to
ensure device compatibility. Protocol converters connect
incompatible peripheral devices to hosts via microprocessors. A protocol converter actually changes one protocol to
another by separating control characters from data and assembling the new datastream according to new specifications.
During the conversion sequence, the converter accepts
blocks of data, adds or deletes the necessary control characters, reformats the block, and calculates the required
check characters so the receiving device receives characters formatted according to its requirements. For example,
in an ASCII-to-SDLC conversion, the converter accepts a
character string, eliminates start and stop bits, assembles
characters into a block, and adds headers and trailers to
create complete frames. In a BSC-to-SDLC conversion,
the converter changes the first four SYN bits of the bisync
algorithm to the first flag bit of the SDLC algorithm.
Since protocol converters must stop, store, process, and
retransmit data, they usually increase response time. The
devices generally accept low-speed input to a buffer; work
with the data; and then transmit it out in short, high-speed
bursts.
Gateways and PADs

Gateways and PADs perform conversions on OSI Layers
Three and Four (the Network and Transport Layers) and
also perform lower layer functions. Gateway devices allow
communications between incompatible networks, such as
SNA and DECnet, SNA and Ethernet, or an IBM 3270
device and an X.25 packet switched network. Gateways
also extend compatibility to the inherent protocols, codes,
and interfaces of network architectures. By far the largest
subset of gateway products is packet assembler/disassemblers (PADs).

Figure 4.
Inside a Terminal Emulator

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JANUARY 1992

3501
Protocol Converters

Emulation Devices
An emulator resolves incompatibilities in protocol, code,
physical interface, device characteristics, and link characteristics. The emulator alters control sequences from a display terminal, printer, plotter, or other device to simulate
the emulated device's operations. The equivalent control
sequences of various terminals and printers differ widely.
For example, no asynchronous ASCII keyboard provides
all ofthe special 3270 function keys.
Most IBM-compatible terminal controllers support em. ulation capability for attached asynchronous devices
through some combination of adapter cards and software.
As an alternative, an emulation product-such as a personal computer 3270 terminal adapter-can connect to a
terminal controller. The PC terminal adapter accumulates
an asynchronous datastream in its buffer until a 1,920character screen image (the screen capacity for an IBM
Model 3277 display terminal or compatible) is filled, or
until the emulator receives an end-of-record, end-of-block
control character. The emulator converts the ASCII terminal protocol and PC data format to those required by the
terminal controller. The emulator then transfers the reformatted screen image to the controller, which recognizes
the data as that of an IBM 3277 display. The terminal controller still performs all of its traditional functions: data
concentration, device polling, flow control, buffering, error detection and correction, and interfacing of multiple
attached terminals.
Although most protocol conversion systems perform
ASCII-to-IBM conversions, other products provide the
conversion required between IBM BSC protocols and IBM
SDLC protocols. Users of older IBM BSC equipment who
plan to migrate to an ~NNSDLC ~nviroJ?~~nt ben<:fit
from these products wIthout replacmg theIr old equIpment. BSC-to-SDLC conversions occur between 2780/
3780 BSC RJE or 3270 BSC protocols and SDLC protocols.

Selection ·Guidelines
Terminal Controllers
When selecting a terminal controller with emulation capabilities, users should consider the capacity and versatility
of the product. Some terminal controllers support only one
device per port. Others support multidrop capability, allowing several devices to access a single controller port via
a multidrop line. In either case, the maximum number of
devices supported, as well as the maximum aggregate input
rate (the maximum data handling capacity) of the controller, must be considered. Another key issue is the internal
memory capacity, in bytes of RAM, of the unit.
Some communications controllers, including the IBM
3174 Establishment Controller, support only a predefined

JANUARY 1992

Protocol Conversion
Systems: Overview

Data Networking

set of asynchronous terminal and printer models. Other
products allow user-defined conversion schemes for nonstandard devices-including terminals with custom keyboard layouts. Products offering this capability include
IBM's 3708 Network Conversion Unit and Andrew
Corp. 's DataLynxl317 4. Some protocol converters accommodate Apple Macintosh personal computers as well as
IBMPCs.
Connections to ISDN networks, token-ring and Ethernet LANs, X.25 and X.25 packet switched networks, in
addition to traditional IBM and asynchronous systems,
will provide a future migration path to other communications solutions.
Printer and Terminal Adapter Products
Unlike a communications controller, a terminal or printer
adapter provides emulation for a single device, such as a
personal computer, display terminal, or printer. For PCs
and printers, adapter products are available as plug-in
boards as well as desktop units. Emulation software, usually supplied by the vendor, works along with the adapter.
Board-level IBM 3270 and 5250 terminal emulators for
personal computer products are designed to accommodate
only one type of device (an IBM-compatible or Macintosh
PC). Directly connected to the PC bus, however, they provide faster processing capability and multiple concurrent
host sessions. Desktop units generally limit the user to one
or two host sessions, but can accommodate a greater range
of devices.
Some 3270/5250 terminal emulators and printer adapters provide asynchronous pass-through capability, in
which both an IBM host and an asynchronous computer
can share the device. For a display terminal, async passthrough allows the user to switch between an IBM host
session and an asynchronous host session via a hot key.
For an asynchronous printer, this feature allows control of
the printer either by the IBM host or by a locally attached
personal computer.
A key factor to consider when selecting an emulation
device for a personal computer is its compatibility with
off-the-shelf emulation software supporting distributed
and cooperative processing, such as IBM's AS/400 PC
Support. Functionally different from its predecessor,
IBM's PC Support/3X software, AS/400 PC Support conforms to IBM Systems Application Architecture (SAA)
and Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) standards for the implementation of distributed and cooperative processing applications. As users migrate from hierarchical (host-to-terminal) processing to distributed LANbased systems, this level of functionality will become
increasingly important. •

1992 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

DATAPRO

Data Networking

3501

Protocol Converters

Protocol Conversion
Systems:
Market Overview
Synopsis

In this report:
Market Overview .....

Market Leaders ...... .

Future
Directions ................ .

Editor's Note
This report focuses on the protocol
conversion systems market. It describes the industry's origins, the
market leaders, and market trends.
For information on the technology
of protocol conversion, see "Protocol Conversion Systems: Technology
Overview" (Report 3502). Comparison columns listing detailed characteristics of more than 120
conversion products from 33 different vendors can be found in "Protocol Conversion Systems:
Comparison Columns" (Report
3503).

Highlights
Protocol conversion technology provides a way to link incompatible host
computers and devices. A major portion of this market addresses incompatibilities between IBM
(synchronous) and non-IBM (asynchronous) hosts, displays, and printers. Conversion is also necessary for
device and host access to packetswitching networks; communications
between PCs or LANs and host computers; and connection of devices

(

using different physical interfaces,
data codes, and communications
speeds.
Until IBM entered the market in
1982, other vendors of protocol conversion products flourished. Another
setback to the industry has been the
shift away from host-controlled display terminals in favor of personal
computers configured for terminal
emulation.
The traditional protocol converter
has largely given way to communications controllers capable oflinking
multiple environments and devices.
Niche markets, such as Macintoshto-IBM connectivity, also provide
the most inventive vendors with
fresh avenues for business.

-By Martin Dintzis
Assistant Editor

II!)

1991 McGraw-HOI, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.

Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

.JANUARY 1991

3501
Protocol Converters

Analysis

Protocol Conversion
Syatema:
Merket Overvle.

Data Networking

development of other conversion products, including software for front-end processors, emulation
cards, interface adapters, multifunction communications controllers, and gateways.

Market Leaders

The market for protocol conversion systems developed as a solution to the incompatibility problems
between IBM and non-IBM display terminals,
printers, and hosts. IBM made its part of the world
synchronous, while other vendors made theirs
asynchronous. Connecting peripheral equipment
from other vendors to IBM hosts spawned a new
industry dedicated to smoothing out the differences between the two worlds. Since asynchronous
displays were generally less expensive than IBM
products, protocol conversion also became a popular means to inexpensively connect large numbers
of displays to an IBM system.
After recognizing the need for asynchronousto-synchronous transmission solutions, KMW Systems of Austin, TX (now known as Andrew/KMW)
set out to fill the void, thereby establishing itself in
1971 as the pioneer of the protocol conversion
market. Thereafter, other companies, such as Local
Data (now known as Andrew Corp.), Micom Communications, and Netlink, entered the market,
each bringing its own expertise to that field.
These protocol conversion manufacturers
flourished until 1982, when they received a setback
initiated by IBM. Presumably acting under the dictum, "If you can't beat them,join them," IBM released its own line of protocol converters.
The proliferation of private and public packet-switching networks in the latter half of the
1980s increased the need for conversion between
the CCITT X.25 packet data mode and IBM BSC,
IBM SNAlSDLC, and asynchronous transmission
modes. As a result, some vendors of asynchronous-to-IBM protocol conversion products, including Memotec Data, Micom, and Plantronics
Futurecomms, also offer X.25-to-IBM and X.25to async connectivity.
The increasing need to link multiple incompatible computers and devices has spawned the

Andrew Corp. acquired Local Data, a leading protocol conversion manufacturer, in 1987. Local
Data had developed the DataLynx, InterLynx, and
VersaLynx product lines, which provide conversion between asynchronous and IBM BSC or SNAI
SDLC environments for displays, printers, and
PCs emulating displays. These devices are still
marketed under Andrew's name.
Within the past two years, Andrew has released a steady stream of conversion products for
both IBM mainframe and midrange environments,
including the InterLynx/400 Protocol Converter
and the Newport/Coax and Newport/Twinax synchronous adapters for Hewlett-Packard LaserJet
printers. InterLynx/400 allows up to seven asynchronous display terminals, printers, or personal
computers emulating displays to access an IBM
AS/400 or System/3X host.
Andrew's protocol converters and display terminal adapters provide concurrent user access to
both synchronous and asynchronous computers.
The vendor's printer adapters allow a display- or
PC-attached printer to be shared by both a host
computer and the workstation user.
Andrew/KMW (formerly KMW Systems,
which was acquired by Andrew Corp. in 1990) continues to blaze trails in the protocol conversion
market by offering Macintosh connectivity products. Last year, the vendor introduced NetAxcess,
the first adapter board that transforms a Macintosh II personal computer into a gateway capable
of linking an entire AppleTalk network with an
IBM midrange host. Macintosh workstations appear as IBM 52XX or 31XX displays, while Apple
printers emulate IBM 52XX printers. Each Macintosh user has access to up to seven concurrent
IBM midrange host applications and any number
of Macintosh-resident applications.
Andrew/KMW also supports Macintosh access to IBM midrange environments through its
TwinAxcess Series II (multiport) and TwinAxcess
Series III (single port) protocol converters. Series II
(multiport) and Series HI (single port) products for

JANUARY 1991

Market Overview

1991 McGraw-Hili, Inccrporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Servicea Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Conversion
System.:

3501

Macintosh

Protocol Converters

Market Owarvle.

IBM PC or PS/2

VT-5211 001220

Figure 1.
AndrewlKMW's TwinAxcess
Protocol Converters
TwinAxcess Series II accommodates up to seven local or
remote asynchronous devices, including IBMcompatible and Macintosh
personal computers, display
terminals. and serial or parallel printers. TwinAxcess
Series III is a one-port version of the TwinAxcess Series II unit.

Ports May Be RS-232 or Parallel

Twlnax
Connections

BM System 34J36J38
orASl400

3270 (IBM BSC, SNAlSDLC, and RJE) connectivity form another part of the vendor's product line.
IBM provides bidirectional conversion for
both synchronous and asynchrOn01JS devices
through the 3174 Establishment Controller, which
also provides token-ring gateway functionality.
IBM also continues to market the 3708 Network
Conversion Unit and the 7171 Protocol Converter.
The 3708 converts a 3270 datastream to and from
ASCII code, allowing asynchronous devices to appear as 3270 displays and printers to an IBM SNA
host. The 7171 can support from 16 to 64 asynchronous ASCII devices via an RS-232-C interface
to the block multiplexer channel of an IBM host.
Micom Communications markets the Micom
Box'Type 3 unit, a network processor that can be
configured, through a selection of software cartridges, for operation as an async-to-SNAlSDLC or
1991 McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

async-to-BSC protocol converter; an async, SNAI
SDLC, BSC, or multiprotocol (async/SNA or
async/BSq packet assembler/disassembler (PAD);
or an X.25 packet switch or switching PAD.
Netlink offers SNA-Gate, a versatile product
that can function as a protocol converter, a cluster
controller, a line concentrator, and a remote job
entry station facility. Connecting to an IBM 37XX
communications controller, SNA-Gate provides
async-to BSC, async-to-SNAlSDLC, or BSC-toSNAlSDLC conversion, accommodating up to 250
devices over multidrop lines.

Future Directions
Replacing older display terminals with microcomputers configured for terminal emulation has become a common practice. Users want access to
JANUARY 1991

3501
Protocol Converters

more than one computer system but do not want
two terminals taking up space on their desks. By
the early 1980s, organizations confirmed their
preferences for micros over display terminals, installing them at a rapid rate and benefiting from
their programmability. The shift from host-based
systems to local area networks has heightened this
trend, thereby weakening both the display terminal
and protocol conversion industries.
The need for protocol conversion remains
strong, however, because of the increasing need to
link mUltiple dissimilar environments. Microcomputers have encouraged the development of new
terminal emulation hardware and software products, including LAN gateway solutions. Products
that link Macintoshes to IBM host environments,
for example, are in demand, as evidenced by the
product introductions of Apple Computer,
Andrew/KMW, and other vendors.

JANUARY 1991

.,.......

Protocol Conve....on

Data Networking

.arket Overview

While the sale of traditional protocol converters is on the decline, vendors throughout the IBM
display system market, including AT&T, Apertus
Technologies (formerly Lee Data), IBM, IDEA
Courier, and Memorex Telex, have been successful
in marketing large communications controllers capable of transparently linking multiple IBM hosts
with large numbers of devices distributed across
IBM 3270/5250, asynchronous, and token-ring env·ironments. Some of these systems also provide
enhanced functionality, such as multiple sessions
with windowing for attached display terminals.
As businesses continue to expand and merge,
the use of packet-switching networks to link multiple remote IBM and non-IBM environments remains a widespread practice. The sale of
multi protocol PADs, therefore, will continue to be
a major source of revenue to many vendors of protocol conversion products.•

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.

Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

DATAPRO

Data Networking

3502
Protocol Convertars

Protocol Conversion
Systems:
Technology Overview
In this report:

Synopsis

Vendors ....................... 2

Editor's Note
This report concentrates on the
technology of standalone hardware
products that perform protocol conversions. For an examination of
protocol conversion market trends,
see "ProtoC'.o1 Conversion Systems:
Market Overview" (Report 3501).
Comparison columns displaying detailed charrcteristics of more than
120 protocol converters offered by
33 different vendors are located in
"Protocol Conversion Systems:
Comparison Columns" (Report
3503).

Protocol Conversion
Systems{ferminal
Controller
Columns .................. 6
Code, Speed,
Interface, and
Async/Sync Converter
Columns ................ 23

Highlights
Protocol conversion reformats or
converts one protocol to another. In
most instances, a protocol converter
takes asynchronous data and alters it
for transmission on a synchronous
data link. The device can also perform the opposite function (i.e., reformatting synchronous data for
transmission on an asynchronous
data link).

(

-By Martin Dintzis
Assistant Editor

1991 McGraw·HIH, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Oatapro Infonnatlon Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Some of the most common protocols
are the American Standard Code for
Information Interchange (ASCII),
IBM's Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC),
IBM's Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC), and the CCITT's
High-Level Data Link Control
(HDLC).
Protocol conversion systems originated as "passports" into the IBM
communications world, which IBM
designed in a synchronous mode.
Most terminals on the market, however, are asynchronous, as are a high
percentage of the modems in the
United States. Protocol converters
maintain peaceful coexistence between terminals and IBM hosts, allowing information to flow freely.
As demand increased, other methods
of protocol conversion evolved, such
as software in front-end processors,
adapter devices, X.25 converters,
cluster controllers, data switches,
packet assemblers/disassemblers
WADs), gateways, and network processors. Emulation devices also resolve incompatibility problems such
as differences in protocols, codes,
interfaces, and device and link characteristics.

JANUARY 1991

3502
Protocol Converters

Analysis
Protocol conversion often involves far more than
simply translating one protocol to another. The
process can occur through mUltiple products, such
as emulation devices, gateways, and packet
assemblers/disassemblers (PADs), that foster compatibility among communications devices, local
area networks, packet switched networks, or computer operating systems. Products can range from
microprocessor-based circuit boards to front-end
processors (FEPs) capable of performing conversion functions through software. Some devices perform only code or interface conversions, while
others perform protocol conversion, device emulation, and/or code and interface translations in the
same unit.
This report focuses on standalone hardware
products that perform conversions allowing equipment from one manufacturer to communicate with
equipment from another. The largest market segment addresses incompatibilities between the synchronous communications used by IBM
mainframes and asynchronous ASCII terminals.

Technology Basics
Protocols

Protocols govern the format of a data exchange,
recognition of a remote connection, identification
of the transmitting and receiving locations, transmission sequence, handling of interruptions, errorchecking methods and control, methods of
blocking data, and security procedures. They range
from single character-by-character communications with no error checking to complex algorithms
moving data among many devices.
In general, protocols specify thi:ee major areas:
• The method in which data is to be represented
or encoded-the code set. Most data processing
systems use either the American Standard Code

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conv_lon

Data Networking

S,atama:
Technolog, OVervle.

for Information Interchange (ASCII) or IBM's
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange
Code (EBCDIC).
• The method in which the codes are transmitted
and received-asynchronous or synchronous.
In asynchronous transmission, data is sent with
start and stop bits between individual characters at random intervals with no specific timing.
In synchronous transmission, characters or bits
are sent at a fixed rate; transmitting and receiving devices are synchronized, eliminating the
need for start/stop bits.
• The nondata exchanges of information by
which the two devices establish control, detect
failures or errors, and initiate corrective action.
Through hardware or software, the sending device
automatically formats the data and adds the required bits before transmitting each character or
block. The receiving device automatically checks
each of the appended bits before acknowledging
receipt of data. After detecting failures, the protocol initiates error-control procedures.
Types of Protocols
Byte-oriented protocols require transmission of
data in eight-bit blocks; each transmitted block requires an acknowledgment before the next block
can be sent. Bit-oriented protocols allow data to be
transmitted in blocks of any length up to a specified maximum; an acknowledgment may take place
after one or several blocks have been sent, depending on the protocol. Some of the most common
protocols are ASCII or Teletype (TTY), IBM's Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC), and IBM's
Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC).
ASCII or TTY-ASCII or TTY protocol traditionally relates to teletypewriter equipment and
services. An asynchronous protocol, ASCII provides very little error checking. Transmission occurs in the form of a start bit, a number of data bits
(usually five to eight), and one or more stop bits.
Data in ASCII protocol enters the communications
line at any time. The end of the link is synchronized through the specifications 'of a common line
speed and detection of the start bits and the begin,..
ning of the character transmission. ASCII requires
an acknowledgment after each block is sent.
IBM's Synchronous Data Link Control
(SDLC)-a bit-oriented synchronous protocol that
uses a synchronized series of frames. Each frame
1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol COnv....lon
Syst.m.:
T.chnology Ov.rvI.w

has a synchronization flag, followed by an address
field, a control field identifying the purpose of the
transmission, the data itself, a frame-check field,
and a trailing flag. The flag character marks synchronization. SDLC permits up to 127 frames to
be outstanding before requiring an acknowledgment. Private-line networks use SDLe.
IBM Binary Synchronous Communications
(BSC)-a character-oriented synchronous protocol,
also referred to as bisync. Binary synchronous data
and control characters consist of eight-bit bytes. A
transmission in BSC incorporates a number of synchronizing (SYN) characters that ensure synchronization at both ends ofthe communications link.
These characters are followed by a start-of-text
(STX) character, a block of text, an end-of-text
(ETX) character, and a block error-checking character (BCC). BSC does not support full-duplex
transmission, nor is it supported by IBM's Systems
Network Architectu~e (SNA). An acknowledgment
must follow each block of data. The BSC protocol
works in multipoint applications over private lines.
Other communications protocols include
High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC), a CCITTspecified, bit-oriented protocol on which most
other bit-oriented protocols are based, and Digital's Digital Data Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP), a byte-oriented protocol that can
accommodate 255 unacknowledged transmissions.
The OSI Model

(

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)
reference model provides a framework for understanding the differences in conversion products.
Each of the model's layers defines a particular aspect of the entire data communications process.
Figure 1 illustrates the seven-layer hierarchy.
Layer I-Physical Connection provides mechanical and electrical specifications and procedures to establish, maintain, and end physical
connections. This layer defines interface, code,
speed, and synchronization functions. Layer 1 covers interface, code, and asynchronous-tosynchronous converters.
Layer 2-Data Link Control ensures that the
data passes without error from one computer to
another. This process involves protocols that specify the format for data transmission. Protocol converters handle conversions in this layer.

1991 McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group: Delran NJ 08075 USA

3502

Protocol Converters

Figure 1.
The OSI Model

(7) Application-provides communications services
(6) Presentation-defines syntax of data
(5) Session-controls data exchange
(4) Transport-handles eata flow, error control
(3) Network-handles data routing
(2) Data Llnk-ensures data transfer via protocols
(1) Physical-provides mechanicaVelectrical interface
Layers One through Three define the interface
between the host computer and the network.
Layers Four through Seven provide compatibility to dataformat and exchange.

Parameters such as modem control, ring signaling,
and dedicated connections fall into this category.
Layer 3-Network Layer allows two systems
to exchange data. This layer defines packet addressing and data routing to final destination.
Units that handle conversion in this layer include
gateway devices, such as packet assemblers/
disassemblers (PADs) that provide access to X.25
networks or between local area networks. Frontend processors (FEPs) with protocol conversion
functions also fall into this classification.
Layer 4- Transport Layer handles end-toend error and flow control to ensure that the communications exchange is orderly and reliable. PAD
devices, a type of gateway product, are the major
products in this layer.
Layer 5-Session Layer furnishes the structure for a data exchange by managing connections
between application processes, establishing and
terminating connections, and sending end-to-end
messages and controller dialogs.
Layer'6-Presentation Layer defines the way
data is assembled and provides a systematic arrangement for the communications exchange to
occur. This layer defines functions that translate
coded data and convert it into display formats for
terminal or microcomputer screens, printers, and
other peripherals. In this layer, data is expanded or
compressed and structured for file transfer or command translation. Emulators, which allow one type
of terminal to appear as another type, operate
within the Presentation Layer. Products in this category include ASCII-to-3270 emulators, interfaces
JANUARY 1991

Protocol Converalon

3502
Protocol Converters

TechnolOll' Overview

Figure 2.
The Protocol Convenion Process

-----------------,

I
I

H
o

•t

•

I~~""'"'

L____________________ _

that allow personal computers to act as 3270-type
devices or to access public networks, and word processor interfaces that handle conversions between
dissimilar word processors.
Layer 7-Applications Layer supports user
and application tasks by providing the communications services for specific computer applications.
Basically, this layer provides the meaning to the
message.
Converters often provide translations on
more than one level in the model. Conversion at
one layer generally implies a need for compatibility
in lower layers. For example, a protocol converter
working on Level 2 functions also assumes responsibility for compatibility in the interface, code, and
synchronization functions.
The "echanics of Protocol Conversion

Protocol converters translate for dissimilar devices
by simulating the appropriate protocol for each. As
Figure 2 shows, this functionality gives protocol
converters a distinctive, double-ended structure.
For each end of the conversion process, a local protocol handler uses the protocol required by the attached device. Connecting these handlers is a
gateway task that implements the movement of
user data between the handlers. If all communication protocols were structured in accordance with
the OSI Reference Model, the converter would implement a set of seven-layer OSI protocols joined
by the gateway task. Because the central task of a
fully structured OSI protocol is to isolate users
from the communication environment, a protocol
converter dealing exclusively with full OSI model
protocols would be fairly simple to develop and
could operate with few restrictions. With non-OS I
protocols, such as those commonly used in today's·
networks, the following issues complicate the conversion process:
JANUARY 1991

Data Networking

S,atemal

The format of the user data. If the data is easily separated from communication and device control protocols, it is more easily transferred to
another environment. Special features, such as
data compression, complicate protocol conversion
if they do not exist in the other protocol.
The degree oflayering in the protocols. Although full compliance with the OSI model is unlikely, any amount of OSI-like layering in the
protocols will aid in the separation of useful data
from control information that must not be introduced into the other environment.
The availability ofcommon functions in the
protocols involved. Data exchange between the users requires a degree of synchronization between
the two foreign protocols. For example, most older
protocols operate in half-duplex mode-only one
station at a time can send information. It is necessary for converters operating between half-duplex
protocols to ensure that both stations are not given
permission to send at the same moment, since neither could receive under those circumstances.
When protocol converters allow devices to
simulate other devices, device control protocol
translation may be needed. IBM's popular 3270
series of terminals is often emulated by lower cost
asynchronous devices, but the 3270 has special features, such as the capability to return only modified fields to the host computer. This capability
must be emulated within the protocol converter.
Figure 3 shows the structure of a terminal emulator
protocol converter.

Products
Interface and Code Converters

1991 MCGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproductlon f'rohlblted.
Datapro Information Servlcas Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Protocol Conv....lon

Data Networking

3502

System.:

Protocol Converters

Technology Ov.",lew

Figure 3.
Iuide a Terminal Emulator

I
User 01 ~ ............
Protocol A I

Protocol

t
e
w

Handler

Protocol
B
Handler

/A __

I
____ ~ User 01
I Protocol B

exploded I" terms
oIlhe ISO reference model
for prolocollevels

ProIocol A Levels

P
h

L
I

•t

Y
•I "k

c
a

r
k

Protocol B Levels

• •r
" I •
p
n
"t
r
a
r

B
B

t
I
0

A
p

I
I

T
r

L
I

P
h

N
e

"
p

•s •s
r

•

r
k

c
a

t
I

"I "
0

Y
I

c
a
I

conversions commonly occur between RS-232-C
and MIL-STD-188 or between RS-232-C and V.35.
Code converters translate one communications code to another. The most common codes are
ASCII, EBCDIC, and Baudot. Conversion from
one code to another may be simple, involving only
the addition or deletion of control bits or the alteration of parity. A more complex code conversion
might require changing the data character's bit pattern.
Basic code conversion hardware consists of
two universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/
transmitters (USARTs), a translation table contained in ROM, and control circuitry. Characters
received by the USART in one code are mapped in
the ROM table into a corresponding character in
the destination device's code. Converted data goes
to the other USART, which transmits it to the destination device.
Asynchronous-to-synchronous converters convert data from asynchronous terminals for use on
synchronous facilities.
Protocol Converters

Protocol converters, one of the largest categories of
conversion devices, perform changes at the Data
Link Layer to ensure device compatibii. :y. Proto;.
col converters connect incompatible peripheral
devices to hosts via microprocessors. A protocol
converter actually changes one protocol to another
1991 McGraw·HIII, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Informatlon Services Group. Dalran NJ 08075 USA

•

by separating control characters from data and assembling the new datastream according to new
specifications.
During the conversion sequence, the converter accepts blocks of data, adds or deletes the
necessary control characters, reformats the block,
and calculates the required check characters so the
receiving device receives characters formatted according to its requirements. For example, in an
ASCII-to-SDLC conversion, the converter accepts
a character string, eliminates start and stop bits,
assembles characters into a block, and adds headers and trailers to create complete frames. In a
BSC-to-SDLC conversion, the converter changes
the first four SYN bits of the bisync algorithm to
the first flag bit of the SDLC algorithm.
Since protocol converters must stop, store,
process, and retransmit data, they usually increase
response time. The device generally accepts lowspeed input in the buffer, works with the data, and
then transmits it out in short, high-speed bursts.
Gateways and PAD.

Gateways and PADs perform conversions on OSI
Layers Three and Four (the Network and Transport Layers) and also perform lower layer functions. Gateway devices allow access to
incompatible networks, such as between SNA and
DECnet, or between SNA and Ethernet, or between a data communications device and an X.25
public data network. Gateways also extend compatibility to the inherent protocols, codes, and interfaces of network architectures. By far the largest
subset of gateway products are packet assembler/
disassemblers (PADs). Datapro covers these devices in separate "Local Area Network Products"
and "Packet Assemblers/Disassemblers" reports.
Emulatlor Device.

An emulator resolves incompatibilities, including
differences in protocol, code, interface, device
characteristics, and link characteristics. To the emulator, protocol conversion is secondary.
Many-but not all-protocol converters today provide protocol conversion and emulation,
whereas all emulation devices provide protocol
conversion. Commonly, devices performing protocol and emulation translations are. called valueadded terminal controllers, remote cluster
controllers, or terminal emulators.

JANUARY 1991

•

3S02
Protocol Converters

An IBM 327X communications processor
serves up to 32 IBM 3277-type terminals on a multipoint line. Data moving in this configuration is
blocked out in 1,920-character screen images
(blocks of data). If a user wants to replace IBM
3277 terminals with asynchronous ASCII devices,
the ASCII units must appear as IBM 3277s to the
IBM host. A terminal controller/emulator solves
the problem by accumulating an asynchronous
datastream in its buffer until a 1,920-character
screen image is filled or until the emulator receives
an end-of-record, end-of-block control character.
The terminal controller converts the ASCII terminal protocol to the host protocol (i.e., BSC), rearranges the data format to appear as if it comes
from an IBM 327X, and transfers the screen image
to the host, which recognizes the data as that of an
IBM 3277-not an asynchronous ASCII terminal.
The terminal controller performs all functions of
the device it replaces, including data concentration, poll/select, flow control, buffering, error detection and correction, and interfacing of multiple
attached terminals.
Sometimes the emulating device connects to
an IBM cluster controller rather than replacing it.
In this situation, it then, in effect, performs the
conversion between the terminal and the IBM controller instead of between the controller and the

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conversion
System.:

Data Networking

Technology Overview

host. These emulators allow the user to integrate
incompatible equipment into an existing terminal
cluster.
During an emulation/conversion/transfer sequence, the emulator interprets control sequences
from a terminal to simulate the emulated terminal's operations. The equivalent control sequences
of various terminals differ widely. For example, no
asynchronous ASCII keyboard provides all of the
special 3270 function keys.
Many users install terminal controllers to allow non-IBM devices in remote locations to access
IBM mainframes. Many remote controllers have
one synchronous line for 3270 access and two or
more minicomputer interfaces. Local users can
switch between hosts, depending on the application.
Although most protocol conversion systems
perform ASCII-to-IBM conversions, other products provide the conversion required between IBM
BSC protocols and IBM SDLC protocols. Users of
older IBM BSC equipment who plan to migrate to
an SNNSDLC environment benefit from these
products without replacing their old equipment.
BSC-to-SDLC conversions generally occur between
BSC 2780/3780 RJE or 3270 BSC protocols and
SDLC protocols.•

1991 McGraw·HIII, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

DATAPRO

Data Networking

3502

Protocol Converters

Protocol Conversion
Systems: Vendors

Vendors
The following list includes the names, addresses, and phone numbers of 40 vendors
that participate in the protocol conversion
systems market.
Agile

856 51st Street, E.
Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7K 5C7
(306) 933-3300

Diversified Data Resources, Inc.

825 Alfred Nobel Drive
Hercules, CA 94547-1899
(415) 724-1600

7200 Redwood Boulevard, Suite 222
Laredo, CA 94945
(415) 898-8282

Andrew Corp.

Dowty Communications, Inc.

2771 Plaza Del Amo
Torrance, CA 90503
(213) 320-7126

55 Carnegie Plaza
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(609) 424-4451

Apertus Technologies

Emerald Technology, Inc.

7275 Hying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 95344
(612) 828-0300

19021 120th Avenue, NE
Bothell, WA 98011
(206) 485-8200

Arkansas Systems, Inc.

Forest Computer

8901 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 227-8471

Astrocom Corp.
120 W. Plato Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55107-2092
(612) 227-8651

Avatar Corp.
65 South Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
(508) 435-3000

Black Box Corp.
P.O. Box 12800
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
(412) 746-5500

Commtex Inc.
1655 Crofton Boulevard
Crofton, MD 21114-1341
(301) 721-3666

Comstat Datacomm Corp.
1720 Spectrum Drive, NW
Lawrenceville, GA 30243
(404) 822-1962

(

Develcon Electronics, Ltd.

Datagraf Inc.
6101 W. Courtyard Drive, Bldg. 1
Austin, TX 78730
(512) 346-6866

~ 1992 McGraw-HIli. Incorporsted. Reproduction Prohibited..
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1749 Hamilton Road
P.O. Box 409
Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 349-4700

Gandalf Systems Corp.
1020 Noel Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090
(708) 541-6060

General DataComm, Inc.
1579 Straits Turnpike
Middlebury, CT 06762-1299
(203) 574-1118

IBM
Old Orchard Road
Armonk, NY 10504
Contact your local IBM representative.

IDEA Courier, Inc.
1515 W. 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 894-7000

IDEAssociates Inc.
29 Dunham Road
Billerica, MA 01821
(508) 663-6878

JBM Electronics
4645 LaGuardia
St. Louis, MO 63134
(314) 426-7781

FEBRUARY 1992

3502
Protocol Converters

Jupiter Technology, Inc•.
78 Fourth Avenue
Waltham, MA 02154
(617) 890-4555

Protocol Converalon
ayatemal VendoN

Plantronics Futurecomms, Inc.
7450 New Technology Way
Frederick, MD 21701
. (301) 662-5926

Lee Data

Racal-Datacom

Div.ofIIS
10230 W. 70th Street
Eden Prairie, MN 55343
(612) 828-0400

1601 N. Harrison Parkway
P.O. Box 407044
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33340-7044
(305) 846-1601

McDATA Corp.

RAD Data Communications

310 Interlocken Parkway
Broomfield, CO 80021-3464
(303) 460-9200

151 W. Passaic Street
Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
(201) 587-8822

Method Systems, Inc.

RenexCorp.

3511 Lost Nation Road, No. 202
Willoughby, OH 44094-7741
(216) 942-2100

1513 Davis Ford Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
(703) 494~2200

Micom Communications Corp.

Sync Research

4100 Los Angeles Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93063-3397
(805) 583-8600

7 Studebaker
Irvine, CA 92718
(714) 669-8020

Motorola Codex

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

20 Cabot Boulevard
Mansfield, MA 02048
(508) 261-4000

270 E. Pulaski Road
Greenlawn, NY 11740
(516) 423-3232

MPI Technologies

Teleglobe Inc.

4952 Warner Avenue
Suite 301
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 840-8077

600 McCaffrey Street
St. Laurent, PQ, Canada H4T INI
(514) 738-4781

NCR Corp.
.Network Products Group
2700 Snelling Avenue N.
St. Paul, MN 55113
(612) 638-7777

Netlink Inc.
3214 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 878-8612

Data Networking

Teleprocessing Products, Inc.
4565 E. Industrial Street, 7-K
Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 522-8147

Wan Data Inc.
17769 NE 78th Place
Redmond, WA 98052-4992
(206) 883-4777.

Nu Data, Inc.
32 Fairview Avenue
Little Silver, NJ 07739
(908) 842-5757

FEBRUARY 1992

1992 McGraw-HIII,lncorpora1ed. Reproduction Prohibited ..
Datapro Information ServlCe$ Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

DATAPRO

Data Networking

3503
Protocol Converters

Protocol Conversion
Systems:
Comparison Columns
In this report:

Synopsis

Vendors ....................... 2

Editor's Note
This report features comparison columns detailing products currently
on the market. For information on
market trends, see "Protocol Conversion Systems: Market Overview"
(Report 3501). For information on
protocol conversion technology, see
"Protocol Conversion Systems:
Technology Overview" (Report
3502).

Protocol Conversion
Systems/Terminal
Controller
Columns .................. 6
Code, Speed,
Interface, and
Async/Sync Converter
Columns ................ 23

Highlights
In the Comparison Column Entry
Descriptions, we have briefly defined
the specification categories used in
the columns. Separate sections explain the entries for Protocol Conversion Systems/Terminal
Controllers and Code, Speed, Interface, and Async/Sync Converters.

In addition to the lines allocated for
vendors to indicate specified information for their models, we have
added space at the bottom of the columns for vendor notations about
options or special features.
The absence of any company or
product from these columns means
that the company either failed to respond to our requests for information or declined to be part of the
survey.
The accompanying text briefly describes the entries in the order in
which they appear. We have organized the comparison columns into
broad categories: Protocol Conversion Systems/Terminal Controllers
and Code, Speed, Interface, and
Async/Sync Converters.

Vendors of these products furnished
the information. When a vendor did
not provide information for a specific entry and we could not locate
that information in our files, we
listed "Vendor did not specify."
Datapro wishes to thank the vendors
for their cooperation.

@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibned.

Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

3503
Protocol Converters

Protocol COnv....lon

Data Networking

S~at.mal

COmpariaon Columna

.lOS Microprocessing
22661 Lambert St., Suite 206
El Toro, CA 92630 (714) 770-2263

Vendors

Memotec Data, Inc.
600 McCaffrey Street
Montreal, PQ, Canada H4T INI (514) 738-4781

Micom Communications Corp.
4100 Los Angeles Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93063 (805) 583-8600, (800) 642-6687

Netlink, Inc.
3214 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 878-8612, (800) 638-5465

Protocol Conversion/Terminal
Controller Vendors
Andrew Corp.
2771 Plaza Del Amo
Torrance, CA 90503 (213) 320-7126, (800) 733-0331

Andrew/KMW Systems
100 Shepherd Mountain Plaza
Austin, TX 78730-5014 (512) 338-3000, (800) 531-5167

Arkansas Systems, Inc.
8901 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AK 72205 (501) 227-8471

Avatar Corp.
65 South Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748 (508) 435-3000, (800) 289-2526

Black Box Corp.
P.O. Box 12800
Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412) 746-6552

Carlisle Systems Group, Inc.
Digital Controls Div.
305 Pioneer Boulevard
Springboro, OH 45066-1100 (513) 746-8118, (800) 421-0204

Perle Systems, Inc.
1980 Springer Drive
Lombard, IL 60148 (708) 932-4171

Plantronics Futurecomms, Inc.
7450 New Technology Way
Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 662-5926, (800) 537-9804

Shaffstall Corp.
7901 E. 88th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46256 (317) 842-2077

Telematics International, Inc.
120 I Cypress Creek Road
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 (305) 772-3070, (800) 327-7944

Thomas Engineering Company
2440 Stanwell Drive
Concord, CA 94520 (415) 680-8640, (800) 832-8649

Trax Softworks, Inc.
5840 Uplander Way
Culver City, CA 90230-6620 (213) 649-5800

Wall Data, Inc.
17769 NE 78th Place
Redmond, WA 98052 (206) 883-4777, (800) 433-3388

Commtex Inc.
1655 Crofton Boulevard
Crofton, MD 21114 (301) 721-3666

Comstat Datacomm Corp.
1720 Spectrum Drive, NW
Lawrenceville, GA 30243 (404) 822-1962, (404) 822-9496

Diversified Data Resources, Inc.
25 Mitchell Boulevard, Suite 7
San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 499-8870, (800) 233-3374

Forest Computer
1749 Hamilton Road, P.O. Box 509
Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-4700

Gandalf Data, Inc.
130 Colonnadi Road, South
Nepean, ON, Canada K2E 7M4 (613) 723-6500

Innosys, Inc.
2020 Challenger Drive, Suite 101
Alameda, CA 94501 (415) 769-7717

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM.)
Old Orchard Road
Armonk, NY 10504
Contact your local IBM representative.

JBM Electronics
4645 La Guardia
St. Louis, MO 63134 (314) 426-7781

~At·jUARY

1991

Code, Speed, Interface, and Async/
Sync Converter Vendors
Arkansas Systems, Inc.
8901 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AK 72205 (501) 227-8471

Astrocom Corp.
120 W. Plato Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55107-2092 (612) 227-8651

Black Box Corp.
P.O. Box 12800
Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412) 746-5500

Carlisle Systems Group, Inc.
Digital Controls Div.
305 Pioneer Boulevard
Springboro, OH 45066-1100 (513) 746-8118, (800) 421-0204

Comdata Corp.
7900 N. Nagle Avenue
Morton Grove, IL 60053 (708) 470-9600

Comstat Datacomm Corp.
1720 Spectrum Drive, NW
Lawrenceville, GA 30243 (404) 822-1962, (404) 822-9496

DCCCorp.
7300 N. Crescent Boulevard
Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (609) 662-7272

1991 McGraw.HiII. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohll!ited.
Datepro Infqrmallqn ~rvlce~ Group. Delran NJ 011075 USA

\",

Data Networking

Protocol Conversion
System••

3503
Protocol Converters

Comparl.on Column.

General DataComm, Inc.

Shaffstall Corp.

1579 Straits Turnpike
Middlebury, CT 06762-1299 (203) 574-1118

7901 E. 88th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46256 (317) 842-2077

JBM Electronics

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

4645 La Guardia
St. Louis, MO 63134 (314) 426-7781

270 E. Pulaski Road
Greenlawn, NY 11740 (516) 423-3232

Memotec Data, Inc.

TeleProcessing Products, Inc.

600 McCaffrey Street
Montreal, PQ, Canada H4T INI (514) 738-4781

4565 E. Industrial Street, 7-K
Simi Valley, CA 93063 (805) 522-8147

Nu Data, Inc.

Trax Softworks, Inc.

32 Fairview Avenue
Little Silver, NJ 07739 (201) 842-5757

5840 Uplander Way
Culver City, CA 90230-6620 (213) 649-5800

Perle Systems, Inc.

VIR, Inc.

1980 Springer Drive
Lombard, IL 60148 (708) 932-4171

105 James Way
Southampton, PA 18966 (215) 364-8866, (800) 344-3934

Plantronics Futurecomms, Inc.

Wall Data, Inc.

7450 New Technology Way
Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 662-5926, (800) 537-9804

17769 NE 78th Place
Redmond, WA 98052 (206) 883-4777, (800) 433-3388

(
1991 McGraw-HIH, Il1CCU'POt'8ted. ReprOduotiQn Prohibited.
Oatapfo Information Servloas Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conversion
...atema:
Comparison Columns

3503

Protocol Converters

Data Networking

,/
\

Conversion Systems/
Terminal Controllers
Comparison Column
Entry Descriptions
For the reader's convenience, we have organized the comparison
columns into two broad
categories:
Conversion Systems!
Terminal Controllers can
include protocol converters, terminal emulators,
remote cluster controllers, and terminal controllers. Basically, devices in
this section provide conversion from one protocol
to another and/or allow
one device (such as an
asynchronous display terminal) to act as another
type of device (such as an
IBM 3270 display terminal) in a network.
The following text briefly
describes the column entries in the order in which
they appear in the columns.

Conversion Systems/
Terminal Controllers
Model. Listed here is the
exact model number or
name of each device.
Device Type. This entry
specifies if the device is a
protocol converter, terminal emulator, code converter, or interface
converter.
Conversion Performed.
All converters perform
some type of translation

JANUARY 1991

from one code, speed, or
protocol to another. The
most common conversion
is asynchronous ASCII to
IBM SNA!SDLC or BSC,
but a number of other
translations occur on the
units represented in the
columns.
Specific Device Emulated. In many cases,
conversion devices provide the means to convert
the text format of one
type of device into the
characteristics and format
of another. This translation, called emulation, is
indicated, if available.
Most protocol converters
also support device emulation.
Specific Functionality
Provided. Most converters allow one device to be
used as another type of
device in the network. For
example, a number of
units allow asynchronous
displays to be used as
IBM 3278 Model 2 displays.
Virtual Screen Sizes Supported (char.). For a device to provide emulation,
it must support the screen
size, in characters, of the
emulated device. For example, a device emulating
an IBM 3270 terminal

must support a 1,920character screen.
Command Port Supported. Some converters
support a port through
which users can select
operating parameters and
monitor, diagnose, and
control the network. A
"yes" answer indicates
that the device has a command port.

Host-Side
Specifications
Specific Hosts Supported. Conversion devices generally support
IBM or compatible hosts,
asynchronous hosts such
as Digital's VAX, or both.
In this entry, vendors list
the name of the computer(s) with which the converter operates.
Host Operating Systems
Supported. In this entry,
vendors indicate the operating system from a
choice of DOS/VS, OS!
VS, RSTS/E or VAX VMS,
or Other.
Number of Host Selections Supported Concurrently. If a converter
supports more than one
host line, the device can
support both connected
hosts concurrently, or
separately through a
switch selection.
Connections Supported.
Conversion devices support direct connections
and multipoint and/or
point-to-point connections. Most converters
support more than one
type of connection, and
many support all three.

Connection to Host via
Controller. Some conversion devices emulate a
controller, but others
must connect to a controller in the network. If applicable, vendors specified
the type of controller to
which the converter interfaces.

Transmission
Specifications/Host
Line
Maximum Transmission
Speed (bps). This entry,
stated in bits per second,
indicates the maximum
speed of operation or
data rate supported by
the device.
Synchronization. This
entry refers to the time
relationship among the
bits comprising the characters that make up the
messages. Conversion
devices handle data in
spurts (asynchronous) or
continuous streams (synchronous).
Transmission Mode.
Most converters operate
in either half- or fullduplex mode or both.
Half-duplex mode supports data transmission in
either direction, but not
simultaneously. In fullduplex operation, the data
is simultaneously transmitted and received over
a common communica"
tions facility. Simplex
mode permits unidirectional data transmission,
whereby data is either
transmitted or received.
Protocols Supported.
There are two basic types

1991 McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohib~ed.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

of protocols: byte oriented (IBM's BSC or Digital's DDCMP) or bit
oriented (IBM SNA/SDLC
or ISO HDLC). Converters
usually translate one protocol to another and thus
support different protocols on the terminal and
host sides.
Codes Supported. The
most common codes are
ASCII, used in the asynchronous protocol, and
EBCDIC, the usual code
generated by synchronous devices.
Interface. Interface is the
electrical connection between components. Most
communications devices
provide an electrical interface (RS-232-C) in accordance with the standards
established by the Electronics Industries Association (EIA). Several other
interface standards exist,
notably cCln Recommendations V.24 and
V.28.
Clocking. The repetitive,
regularly timed signals
controlling synchronous
transmissions, clocking
can be set internally by
the device itself or externally by another device or
be derived from the
datastream.

Protocol Conv....lon
S,stemsl
Comparison Columns

supports asynchronous
ports that accommodate a
large variety of asynchronous printers, terminals,
and personal computers.
Many converters also
support a dynamic printer
port. Devices represented
in the columns support
from one to many input
devices.
Specific Devices Supported. Most conversion
devices designed for
asynchronous-to-I BM
SDLC or BSC conversion
support virtually any
asynchronous device.
Some converters, however, are designed for
operation only with a specific terminal. An answer
of "virtually any device"
means that the vendor's
list of supported terminals
was too long to fit into the
assigned space, but the
converter did support all
major asynchronous display terminals and/or personal computers available
in today's market.
Connections Supported.
The options offered to
vendors in this entry are
Direct, Dial-Up, Remote,
Leased, and Other.

Terminal·Side
Specifications'
Terminal Line
Number and Type of
Ports Provided. In general, a conversion device

@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohib~ed.

Datapro Information Services Group. Dalran NJ 08075 USA

3503
Protocol Converters

Transmission
Specifications,
Terminal Line
Maximum Transmission
Speed (bps). This entry
refers to the highest
possible rate of speed at
which data can be sent.
Maximum Aggregate
Input Rate (bps).
Conversion devices
generally support many
input ports, each
operating at several
different speeds, e.g.,
from 50 to 9600 bps.
Aggregate input refers to
the maximum data rate
accepted from all
channels simultaneously.
For example, if there are
four channels operating at
a maximum 9600 bps rate
per channel, the
aggregate input rate
could be four times 9600,
or 38.4K bps.
Synchronization. Vendors
indicate asynchronous or
synchronous here.
Transmission Mode.
Vendors note if the mode
is half or full duplex.
Protocols Supported. The
choices offered to
vendors are TTY II, BSC,
and Other.
Codes Supported.
Vendors indicate if their
products support ASCII or
EBCDIC.

Diagnostics
Many conversion devices
perform tests that check
the device and the line
connections. Most converters conduct a self-test
of internal circuitry upon
power-up and provide
front-panel LEOs to monitor system status.
Pricing and
Availability
Purchase ($). Vendors
provide the base price of
the unit, excluding options, here.
Serviced by. Usually, the
vendor offers service on
an on-site or factory
repair/return basis. In
some cases, a third party
provides service.
Availability (Days ARO).
Here we list the current
lead time on orders, given
in days after receipt of
order (ARO).
Date of First Commercial
Delivery. This entry indicates the actual date on
which the vendor delivered the product to the
marketplace.

Comments
In this section, vendors
list options and unique
capabilities of their products.

Interfaces Supported.
The choices offered to
vendors are RS-232-C,
RS-449, and Other.

JANUARY 1991

.,........

Protocol Conversion

3503
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Com,.r1aon Column.
Conversion
.,.lema/Termlnal
Controllers

Vandor

AncInIw Corp.

Andrew Corp.

And_Corp.

Modal

DeteLymrJ3174

DeteLymrJ3780

DeteLymeJl294

InterLymrJ3278

DevIce Type

Protocol converter, Sys/370
to ASCII cluster controller

Protocol converter,
terminal amulator

Protocol converter,
terminal emulator

Terminal emulator

CollV8l'llon Parlonnecl

ASCII to EBCDIC, Async to
SNA,lSDLC, or aaync to esc

Async to IBM
2770/2180/3780/3741

Async to IBM 5250

Async to IBM 3270

SpacIfIc Device Emulallld

IBM 3274 Model51C,IBM 3174- IBM RJE Station
51R

IBM 5294/5394 controllar

IBM 3278 Model 2 display

SpecIfic Functlonlliity ProvIded

Async display or printer to
LinkS 2 aayne devices
IBM 3278 display or IBM 3287 (1 display, PC, or mlnlprinter
computer; and 1 printer)

Links 32 aaync devices to
one or two SJ3X or AS/400

Asyne display to IBM 3278
Model 2 display

Virtual Screen Siz.. BuppL (char.)

1920,3584

Vendor did not specify

Command Port Supporllld

Yes

Specific Hoste Supported

IBM 43XX, 3080/3090

DEC PDP-ll, VAX; IBM
3080/3090, 43XX, 8100

IBM AS/400, IBM System/3X

Host Operating Systema Supported

DDS/VS, OS/VS

DOS/VS, OS/VS, RSTS/E or
VAX VMS

SSP, CPF, OS/4OO

DEC PDP-11, VAX; IBM
AS/400, 3080/3090,
43XX, and 9370
DOS/VS. OS/VS, RSTS/E, or
VAX VMS

No. Host Selactlons Suppt. Concurrently

2 SNA or 2 BSC, and 4 aaync
ports
Direct connection. point-topoint on dlal-up llna, multlpoint on leasad line

1 or 2 SDLC

1 SDLC and 1 aaync

Connections Supported

Direct connection.
polnt-to-polnt on dial-Up
line

Direct connection,
point-to-point on dial-up
line

Direct connection

Connactlcn to Host Via Controllar

IBM 37XX

No controller Is needed

Not appllcabla

IBM 3174/3274

Tranlmlsalon Spec.-Hoet Line
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K bps; 58K bps optional
Synchronous
HaH/full duplex
BSC, SNA,lSDLC

19.2K
Synchronous
HaH duplex
IBM BSC 2770/2780/3780/3741

19.2K, each hoSt channel
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA,lSDLC

19.2K, each host channel
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA,lSDLC

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

EBCDIC

Interlace

2 R8-232-C

1 R8-232-C

2 R8-232-C

Type A Coax

Clocking

lmernal, external

Internal

Vendor did not specify

Terminal Side Spec.-Terminal Una
Number and Type of Ports Provided

4 to 23 RS-232-C ports

1 async display termlnel
port

Up to 32 async ports

1 aaync pori

/
""

/Iost8

Hoet SIde Speclflcllllon8

esc

Specific Devices Supported

All popular brands of term.;
Vendor did not specify
all IBMo(l()Inpat. PCs; also, up
to 8 usar-deflnable terminal
drivers

Vendor did not specify

Terminals: IBM 3101 & 3181,
VT 52/100, ADDS Vlawpoint,
ADM-3A/21, TV 910/925, Wyse
100

Connections Supported

Remote, laasad,connect. to
X.25 PAD with echoplex
suppression

Direct connection, dial-up

Dlract connection, dial-up

Dlract connection

Tralllllll18lon Spec.-Terminal Llna
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Tranemisslon Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
814.4K
Asynchronous
Full duplex
TTY II

19.2K
19.2K
Synchronous
Half duplex
BSC, ASCII, ANSI

19.2K
19.2K
Asynchronous
Full duplex
ASCII, ANSI

19.2K
19.2K
Asynchronous
Full duplex
TTY II, ASCII, ANSI

Codea Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII
R8-232-C

DllIgIIOItic.

Extensive network diagnostics Self-test, status LEOs

Self-test, status LEOs

Vendor did not specify

2,000 with 4 device ports

995
Andraw Corp.
7
July 1990

PrIcing ...d Avanability
Purchase ($I
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of Firat Commercial Delivery

JANUARY 1991

3,000 to 10,500
Andrew Corp.
7 days
December 1988

1,445
Andrew Corp.

7
October 1990

Andrew Corp.
7
September 1990

1991 McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group; Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Andrew Corp.

Model

InterLynll/400

Newport III/Coax

Newport Twlnex

V_Lynll/3278

Device Type

Protocol converter

Printer adapter

Terminal emulator

Conversion Performed

Async to IBM 5250

ASCII to EBCDIC & async to
IBM 3270

ASCII to EBCDIC & async to
IBM 5250

IBM 3270 to async

Specific Device Emulated

IBM 5294/5394 controller

IBM 3287 Model 2 printer

IBM 4214, 5219, 5224, 5225,
and 5256 Model printers

Digital equipment VT100,
IBM 3101, TV 925,

Specific Functionality Provided

Unks 7 async devices to
an IBM midrange host

Async HP LaserJet printer to
IBM 3287 printer

Async HP LaserJet printer to
IBM printer

IBM printer to async printer

Virtual Screen Slzea Suppt. (char.)

Vendor did not specify

Not applicable

Vendor did not specify

Command Port Supported

Not applicable

HOlt Side Specifications
Specific Hosts Supported

IBM AS/4OO, IBM System/3X

IBM 3080/3090, 43XX, 8100,
9370: IBM PC, PS/2

IBM System/3X, AS/400: IBM
PC, PS/2

Host Operating Systems Supported

SSP, CPF, OS/4OO

All mainframe operetlng
systems

All IBM midrange host
operating systems

DOSIYS, OSfVS, RSTS/E or
VAX VMS
1 SDLC and 1 async

DEC PDP-II, VAX: IBM 43XX,
3OXX, 9370, S/370

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 SDLC

1 async and 1 SNA/SDLC

Connections Supported

Direct connection

1 async session and 1 IBM
midrange host session
Direct connection

Connection to Host Via Controller

Vendor did not specify

IBM 3174/3274

IBM 5294/5394

IBM 3174/3274

Tranlml..lon Spac.-Hoat LIne
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

38.4K bps
Synchronous
Half duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC

38.4K bps
Synchronous
Hall duplex
SNA/SDLC

19.2K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC, ASCII, ANSI

Codes Supported

EBCDIC

ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

Vendor did not specify

Type A coax

Twlnax

1 RS-232-C, Type A coax

Clocking

Vendor did not speCify

Date darlved

Date derived

Vendor did not specify

TermInal Side Spec.-Termlnal Une
Number and Type of Ports Provided

Vendor did not specify

Not applicable (the unit Is
an adapter card)

Not applicable (the unit Is
an adapter card).

HP LaserJet Series II, liD,
III, and 1110

HP LaserJet Series II and 110

Connections Supported

Terminals: IBM 3101/316X,
DEC VT 100/220, and
products from ADDS, C-ltoh,
Televldeo, Wyse, DG, and
others
Direct connection, dial-up

1 sync display terminal
port plus 1 optional
printer port
IBM 3178/3278 Model 2

Direct connection

Direct connection, dial-Up

Transml.sion Spse.-Termlnel LIne
Maximum TransmIssion Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
TransmIssion Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex
ASCII, ANSI

38.4K bps
38.4K bps
Asynchronous
Half duplex
BSC, SCSI

38.4K bps
38.4K bps
Asynchronous
Hall duplex
SCSI

19.2K
19.2K
Vendor dId not specify
Full duplex
II, ASCII, ANSI

Codes Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII
RS-232-C, Centronics
parallel

ASCII, EBCDIC
RS-232-C

Dla"noet1c8

Self-test, status LEOs

Sell-test, stetus LEOs

Sell test, stetus LEOs

ASCII line tests,
self-test, status LEOs

Pricing and Availability
Purchase ($)
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery

2,900 with 4 device ports
Andrew Corp.
7
February 1990

895
Andrew Corp.
Immediate delivery
Septembar 1990

895
Andrew Corp.
Immediate delivery
May 1989

595 to 845
Andrew Corp.
7
$eptembar 1990

Specific Devices Supported

(

3503

Protocol Conve,.lon
Systema:
Comparison Columna
Conversion
Systems/Termlnel
Controlle,.

Comments

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line

DB9F-DB25F serial cable opt.: Host and PC can share
host & PC can share printer:
printer: no external powar
sourcIng
no external powar sourcing

JANUARY 1991

3503

Protocol Conve...1on
Sratema:
Com"rlaon Columna
Conve...lon
S,...maIT.nnlnel
Control.....

Protocol Converters

Vendor

A. . ./KMW8,......

Model

Data Networking

Andrew/KMW 8yatem1

AncIrew/KMW 8yatem1

And'IIW/KMW System.

..... II 2780/3710

8Iri1l1l3270

..rill II 3770

DevIce Type

AppieTalk-to-lBM A$/400 or
S/3X Gateway

Protocol converter

Protocot converter'

Protocot converter

ConvII'IIon Performed

Async to IBM SNA/SDLC

Asynchronous to 3270 BSC
RJE

SNA or BSC to async

Async to SNA/SDLe

Spaclftc DevIce Emulated

IBM ModI15261, 529X, 3179,
3198, & 3197

IBM 2790/3780 ramote job
enllY station

IBM 3274 Model 51C, IBM
3271

IBM 3778/3m RJE
workstetion

8pec1f1c FuncIIonaIIty ProvIcIecI

Apple Macintosh PCs-IBM
midrange displays and
printers

I/O async devlcs-2780/3780
RJE

Async display-IBM 3270
display

Acommodates I/O
devices such as
magnetic tepa units,
printers, and plotters

Virtulll 8crHn Size. Suppt. (char.)

Vendor did not specify

3,564

Vendor did not specify

Command Port8upported

Ves

Host SIde 8pecIfIcatIona
Specific HOlts Supported

IBM AS/400, IBM System/3X

An~ 2780-or
37
mpstibla device

IBM S/37lk:ompatlble

IBM S/37lk:ompatlbla
mainframes

HOlt Operating Systems Supported

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not spsclfy

Vendor did not specify

/
\,

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrantly

1 SDLC

1 BSC

Vendor did not specify

Connections Supported

DIrect connection

Swltched/dedlceted
pt.-to-pl/multlpolnt

Switched/dedicated
pt.-to-pI./multipolnt

Switched, dedicated
pt.-to-pt.

Connection to HOlt Via Controller

DIrac! twinaxial connection

IBM 37XX, dirac! to
2780/3780 device

IBM 37XX

Tranlllllaalon 8pec.-Host Une
Maximum Transml88lon Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocots Supported

19.2K
Synchronous
Vendor did not specify
SNA/SDLC

19.2K
Synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
BSC

19.2K; 56K optional
Synchronous
Half duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC

19.2K; 58K optIOnal
Synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
BSC

Codes Supported

Vendor did not specify

EBCDIC

Interface

1 Twlnax Interface

1 RS-232-C, V.55, X.21

1 RS-232-C

1 R8-232-C, V.55, or X.21
port

Clocking

Vendor did not specify

External, Internal

Extemel, Internal

External, Internal

7 Macintosh ports/cerd; 5
cards max.

Up to 8

Up to 8 asynchronous

Up to 8 async

Specific Devices Supported

Macintosh lis

Vlrtuall any ASCII or
EBCDI peripheral device

Virtually any async
display, printer, or PC

Virtually any ASCII or
EBCDIC perlphersl device In
serial or parallel

Connections Supported

DIrac! connection

DIrac! connection, dial-up

DIrac! connection

TraIllllllHlon Spec.-Termlnal Une
Maximum Transmlaslon Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggragate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

Vendor did not specify
19.2K
Asynchronous
Vendor did not specify
ASCII

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
Xon/Xolf, CTS, prompt

To 19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex
Xon/Xolf, CTS

To 19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
Xon/XoIf, eTS, ASCII

Codes Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII
Uses AppIeTalk cabling and
connectors

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C, Centronics
psrallel

ASCII
RS-232-C, parallel

ASCII
RS-232-C, parallel,
Centronics

Dlegnoetlce

Vendor did not specify

ASCII line tests,
self-test, status LEOs

ASCII line tests,
self-test, stetus LEOs

ASCII line teste, self-test

3,995 per card
Andraw/KMW Systems

1,995 to 4,395
Andraw/KMW Systems

1,295 to $3,895
Andrew/KMW Systems

2,995 to 5,395
Andraw/KMW Systems

Terminal SIde 8pec.-Terminal Una
Number and Type of Porte Provided

Pricing and AvailabHIIy
Purchase ($)

Serviced By
Avanability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery
Comments

JANUARV 1991

February 1990

October 1981

Modem eliminator
configuration for local
altechment available

Oct. 1981

October 1981
Optional modem ellmlnstor
configuration for local
altechment

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. belran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

.,.."'1

Protocol Con.......

3503

Com.......... Column.
eonv.ralon
Sptem./T......ln.1
Controll.ra

Protocol Converters

Vendor

And_JKMW .,.....

AndNw/KMW 8,.....

~/KMW Byatema

Arkan_ By...... Inc.

Model

..... III 32I7/COU

TwInAx......... 11

TwlnAxceu ....... III

PATH I

DevIce Type

Protocol converter

ConverIIon PMonned

Aayrw; to IBM 3270

Aaync to IBM 5250

Async to IBM 5250

IBM BSC 3780 to IBM 3270

8pecItIc DevIce EmuINd

IBM 3287 Model 1 or 2
printer

IBM 5294/5394 controller

IBM S/34/36/36 or AS/4OO to
3270 devices

8pecItIc FIIIICIIondIy PIovIded

Aaync printer-IBM 3287
Model 1 or 2 printer

Aayrw; dlsplaye. PCs. IBM
5251 dlsplaye

Async device-IBM 5251
display or 52XX printer

3780 pelnt to pelnt-3270
multlpelnt BSC

VIrlu8I 8arHn ..... 8uppt. (c/lllr.)

3,584

1.920

1,920

Vandor did not spaclfy

Comlllllnd Part BupportM

Yas

Yea

SpecIIIc Hosts Supported

IBM 43XX
V~

Dlglml equipment PDP-11,
Equipment VAX, IBM
A /400, IBM System/3X
Vendor did not specify

IBM S/3X and AS/400

Host Oper.tlng Syat\Ima SUpported

Digital Equlpmant PDP-11,
DIgital equipment VAX, IBM
AS/4OO, IBM System/3X
Vandor did not specify

Moat BIde 8paclllc:doM

did not specify

Vendor did not specify

No. H08I SeIectIona Suppt. Concurrently

1 BSC and 1 SDLC

1 SOLC and 1 async

1 SDLC and 1 aayne

2 SSC

Connections Supported

Direct connection

Direct connection.
poInt-to-point on dlal-up
line

Connection to Host Via Controller

IBM 3174/3274

Direct twinaxial connection_
to IBM h08l

Direct twinaxial connection

Vandor did not specify

to IBM host

TranamIuIon 8pac.-HDBt U ...
Maximum Transmission Spead (bpe)
Synchronization
Tranamlaalon Mode
Protocols Suppcrted

19.2K: 58K optional
Synchronous
Half duplex
IBM Type A coax

Vendordldnotspaclfy
Synchronous
Vendor did not spaclfy
SNA/SDLC

Vendor did not specify
Synchronous
Vendor did not specify
SNA/SDLC

9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex
3780

Codes Supported

EBCDIC

Interfaoa

1 coax

Twlnax

1 R8-232-C

Clocking

Date derived

Vendor did not spaclfy

External, Internal

7 R8-232-C or Centronics
parallalperts

1 R8-232-C or Centronics
parallel port

1 pert suppcrts 20
addrassea

SpecIftc DevIoI8 Supported

1 uyne or
Dateproducts/Centronlcs
pert
Any ASCII output device

Asyne display terminals,
Pea, and printers,
Including Macintosh
printers and PCs

An asyne display terminal,
PC, or printer, Including 9
Macintosh printers and PCs

IBM 3274, 3278; other 3270
devloss such a8 teller
terminals, and ATMs

ConnactIona Supported

Direct connection, dial-up,

Direct connection, dial-up

Vendor did not specify

Lauad

TanninalBIde 8pac.-T......1 LIne
Number and Typa of Porte Providad

remote
1'nIMmIIaIon 8pac.-TermI.... LIne

Maximum Transmlaaion Spead (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmlssion Mode
Protocols Supported

19.21<
Vendor did not specify
=:ronous
H duplex
Xon/Xofl, CTS, ASCII

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplax
Xon/Xof!, CTS, ASCII

19.2K
Vendor did not spaclfy
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplax
Xon/Xofl, CTS, ASCII

9,800
9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex

Codes Suppcrtad
Interfaces Suppcrted

ASCII
R8-232-C,
Centronlcs/Dateproducte,
parallal

ASCII
RS-232-C, CentroniCS
parallel

Vendor did not specify
R8-232-C, Centronics
parallel

EBCDIC
RS-232-C

ASCII line testa,
881f-test, status LEDa

ASCII line tests,
self-test, status LEDa

ASCII line testa,
self-test, status LEDs

Self-test, problem
annunciation

Purc/IIIse ($)
Serviced By
Availability (daye ARO)
Date of Firat Commercial Delivery

1,295
Andraw/KMW Syetem8
7daye
March 1987

3,595 for 7 devles pcrts
Andraw/KMW Systems
30
June 1981

1,295
Andrew/KMW Systems
30
June 1981

4,950
Arkansea Systems, Inc.
Off the shelf
1985

ComIMllla

Tranaparancy, graphICs
support from BAS and ISCO

Full 5251 sttrlbute
suppert, Including color:
25th stetus line

Full 5251 attribute
supper!, Including color:
25th stetus line

to an IBM midrange host

...,,-'108

BSC

PItcInt and Availability

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorpcratad. Reproduction Prohiblmd.
Dateprc Information Servlcss Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Connects 3270 bisync devlcaa
via a 3780 bisync comm. line

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Co..".,.lon
.,st
.....
ComparIMn Column.

3503
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Conv.,.lon
.ptem./Termlnal
Controlle,.
Vendor

Arkanee_ Sylteml, Inc.

Arken... 8yIt8mI, Inc.

ArkInaeI Syetema, Inc.

Arken., 8yIIIme, Inc.

Model

PATH II

PATH III

PATH IV

PATH IV-PaM

DevIce Type

Protocol converter

Protocol Converter

Protocol converter

Converelon PerfonnecI

BSC to SDLC, 5250 remote
SNA/SDLC to 3270 multipoint

3780 bisync to 3780 bisync

5250 remote SOLC TO 3824
bisync

IBM 3824 ATM to IBM 4732
PBM

BSC
SpecIftc DevIce Emulated

IBM 5251 Model 12

3780

IBM 5251 Model 12

IBM 4732 PBMS

SpecIIIc FunctlonaRty Provided

IBM 327D-IBM 5250 SNA

3780 blsync-3780 bisync

5250 remote SNA/SDLO-IBM
3624 ATM bisync

Blsync-3; ATM-8NA LUO PBM

VIrtual Scrftn SI_ Suppt. (char.)

1,920

Vendor did not specify

1,920

Vandor did not specify

Command PorI Supported

Holt Slela SpecHlCllloni
Specific Hoets Supported

IBM Sf34f36f3a or AS/400

IBM Systsm{3X

IBM S/34f3af3a or AS/4OO

IBM AS/4oo

Host Operating Systems Supported

Vendor did not specify

OS/4OO

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 BSC and 1 SDLC

2 BSC 37808

esc and 1 SDLC

1 SDLC

Connactlons Supported

Direct connactlon

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dial-up
line

Direct connactlon,
multipoint on leased llna

Connection to Host Via Controller

Direct connectton,
poInt-to-point on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not specify

Vandor did not specify

None

Treneml,1Ion Spec.-Hoet Una
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex

BSC

19.2K
Synchronous,
Full duplex
SNA/SOLC

9,800
Synchronous
Half duplex
SNA/SDLC

Codes Supported

EBCDIC

Interface

1 RS-232-C

Clocking

External, Internal

Internal

Term....1 Side Spec.-Termlnal Une
Number and Type of Porta Provided

1 multidrop 3270 line

3780

Up to 84 devices over
multidrop leased lines

1 SDLC port

Specific Devices Supported

3270 compatible, including
ATMs, teller terminals

Any 3780 device

IBM 3824 ATM

IBM 3824 ATM version 8,
with bisync feature

Connacttons Supported

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remote

Direct connection

Leesed, remote

Direct connactlon, leased

T_llelon Spec.-Termlnel Una
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

9,800
9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex
BSC

9,800
9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex

esc

9,800
9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex
BSC

4,800
4.800
Synchronous
Half duplex
IBM transperant blsync-3

CodeSSuP
Interfeces upported

EBCDIC
RS-232-C

Dlellnoellce

Self-test. problem
annunciation

Self-test

Keybd. & monitor opt.,
functions; printer opt.

7.950
Arkansas Systems. Inc.
ContsCI vendor
1985

4.950
Arkansas Systems, Inc.
Contact vendor
1988

5,950
Arkan... Systems, Inc.
Contact vendor
1988

10,000
Arkasas Systems. Inc.
Off the shelf
Juna 1990

PrIcInli end Availability
Purchase ($)
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery

Commente

JANUARY 1991

Supports a maximum of 8 IBM Overcomes IBM S{3X-BSC 3780 Allows an IBM Sf34/38f3a or
3274s on ona comm. line
protocol contention
AS/4oo to drive a network
Ilmltellons
of 3824 ATMs directly

Lsts 3824 ATMs act like
4730 ATMs to the host

1991 McGraw-HIli, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Conve,.lon
S,atema:
Comparlaon Columna
Conversion
Syatema/Termlna'
Controlle,.

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Arlulnau .,........ Inc.

Arkan... Sy.lem.. Inc.

Arkan... Syatema, Inc.

Arkllnee. Syatem., Inc.

Model

PATH IX

PATH V

PATH VI

PATH XV (ECCAA)

DevIce Type

Protocol converter

ConveNlon Performed

ASCII to EBCDIC

NCR 150 async

IBM 5250 to Burroughs sync

Local IBM 5250 to IBM 3780
bisync

SpecIfIc Device EmuItded

IBM 5251 Model 11 display

IBM 5251 Model 12

SDLC/SNA protocol
workstation

Specillc Funcll_1Ity ProvIded

Async poll select-IBM 5250

5250 local/remote-Burroughs
poll/select

5250 remote
SNA/SDLC-Burroughs
poll/select sync

5250 local/rem0te-3780
pt-to-pt bisync

VlrtuIIl Screen Siz.. Suppt. (char.)

1,920

Vendor did not specify

Command Port Supported

Vendor did not specify

Ho.t Side SpecHIc:atIona
Specific Hosts Supported

IBM S/3X

IBM S/34/36/38 or AS/400

IBM S/3X and AS/400

Host Operating Systams Supported

Vendor did not specify

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

Twlnax

SDLC 5250

Vendor did not specify

Connections Supported

Direct connection

Vendor did not specify

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not specify

Connection to Host Via Controller

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
Vendor did not specify

TranemlHlon Spec.-Hoal Une
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

Vendor did not specify
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

9,800
Asynchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

9,600
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

19.2K
Synchronous
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

Codes Supported

EBCDIC

Vendor did not specify

Interface

Twinax

Twlnax

1 R5-232-C

Vendor did not specify

Clocking

Vendor did not specify

Data derived

Vendor did not specify

TermlNlI Side Spec:.-TermlNlI Una
Number and Type of Porta Provided

Multiple tannlnals

Mu~ldrop

Multidrop Burroughs sync

poll select

Specific Devices Supported

Not applicable

Connections Supported

Vendor did not specify

Attaches bisync oomm. lines

to IBM Sf3X

network

C·

3503

All sync poll/select
devices

3892 MICR Reader Sorter,
5294 controller

Multidrop

Burroughs tannlnals: TTl 02,
MT355, TU1800, RT650,
RT750; NCR 150 async
devices: 279, 2261, 2262,
5000 Series
Leased

Leased, remota

Direct connectlon, remote

TraIIIImIHIon Spec.-Terminal Une
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rata (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

9,800
9,800
Asynchronous
Half duplex
POll/select

9,800
9,800
Synchronous
Full duplex
POll/select

19.2K
19.2K
Synchronous
Full duplex
BSC

Codes s u e
Interfaces pported

ASCII
R5-232-C

ASCII
RS-232-C

Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

Dlegnolllca

Self-test

Problem annunciation

Problem annunciation
optional

PrIcing and Avellebillty
Purchase ($I
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery

5,950
Arkansas Systams, Inc.
Vendor did not specify
1987

5,950
Arkansas Systems, Inc.
Contact vendor
1998

5,950
Arkanses Systems, Inc.
011 the shelf
1998

8,950
Arkansas Systems, Inc.
011 the shelf
1987

Connects IBM terminal
cluster to a Burroughs
host

Connects async poll select
tennlnals to an IBM S/3X or
AS/400 w/o host comm line

CommenII

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Intonnatlon Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

PATH XV allows the
attachment of multiple
bisync lines

JANUARY 1981

Data Networking

Protocol Con"""'n
.,.te
... Columna
eon.....lon
.rate-IT""""'"
Contra""

3503
Protocol Converters

Compa........

Vendor

ArkII_ .,......., Inc.

Avat8r Corp.

A.,...,eorp.

Avaweorp.

Model

PATH XVIII

EP-Connect

PA1100G

PuIport

DevIce Type

Protocol converter, code
converter

Protocol converter

ConveNIon PMonned

BU~h' poll/select 10
3270 b ync

EBCDIC 10 ASCII

EBCDIC to ASCII

8pecIftc DevIce EmulMecl

IBM 3274 Model51C

ASCII printer

ASCIlprinlar

ASCII printer

8pecIftc Functionality Provided

3277 Model 2-Burroughs
MT-11

IBM 3287 printer-ASCII
printer

IBM 3287 prlnIlIr-ASCIl
printer

IBM 3287 printer-ASCII
printer

Vlrtuel ScNen Sizes Suppt. (char.)

1,920

Command Port Supported

IBM 43XX, or any host
supporting IBM VTAM esc

IBM 43XX, IBM 30XX

Host Operating Syatams Suppor1Sd

OStyS

DOStyS, MCS, TSO, CICS

DOS/VS, Mes, TSO, CICS

DOS/VS, MCS, TSO, CICS

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 esc and 1 Burroughs
poll/select
OCE/OTE w/constant or
switched CTS, RTS

1 SOLe or 1 SNA

1 SDLC or 1 SNA

DIrect connection

DIrect connectton

Direct oonnectIon

IBM 37XX

IBM 3174/3274, IBM 3276

IBM 3174/3274, IBM 3276,
printer adaptar

9,600
Synchronous
Half dupieK

esc

Vendor did not spaclfy
A~chronous, synchronous
FulduplaK
SNA/SDLC

Vendor did not spaclfy
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full d~1alc
SNA/S LC

Vendor did not spscIfy
Asynchronous, synchronous
Fun dupI8K
SNA/SDLC

Codes Suppor1Sd

ASCII, EBCDIC

InIlIrfaoe

1 RS·232-C

1 RS-232-C. Centronics
parallel, Type A COSK

1 RS-232-C, CentronIOI
paraltal, Type A COSK

1 R8-232-C, Centronles
pereIIeI, Type A COSK

Clocking

DCEor DTE

Internal

InIlIrnaJ

InIlImal

1 port multJplalcad to 32
devices

Not applicable

Not applloabla

Vendor did not spscIfy

Vendor did not spaclfy

Direct connection, dlal-up,
remota

Dlrect connectton, dlal-up,
remota

Holt SIde SpecItIcatIona
SpecHIc Host8 Suppor1Sd

Connections Supported

Connection 10 Host Via Controller

T.............. Spec.-HoIt Una
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supportad

Tennlnal SIde Spec.-Tannlnsl Una
Number and Type 01 Ports Provided
Speclftc DeYlcsa Supported

Burroughs EF7000, DatamaKK Vendor did not Spaclfy
963, 1200, 4300

Connections Suppor1Sd

Direct connection, leased,
remota

Direct connection, dial-up,

9,600
9,600
Synchronous
Half dupiSK
Burroughs poll/nlact

Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor

Codes Supported
InIlIrfaoes Suppor1Sd

ASCII
R8-232-C

Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not spaclfy
Vendor did not spscIfy

Dlegnoetl08

CRT display printer
diagnostic U-- and dump

On-bOIrd self tast

On-bOIrd sail tast

On-bOIrd aeIf tast

5,950
Arkansas Systams, Inc.
Contact vendor
1989

795

TrsnIlllIUlon Spec.-Tannlnal Una
MBKlmum Transmission Speed (bps)
MSKlmum Aggragata Input Rata (bps)
SynchronizatiOn
Transmlnlon Mode
Protocols Suppor1Sd

remota

did
did
did
did
did

not specify
not spaclfy
not spaclfy
not spaclfy
not .pacIfy

Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor

did
did
did
did
did

not spaclfy
not spaclfy
not spscIfy
not spscIfy
not spscIfy

Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor

did not spscIfy
did not spaclfy
did not spscIfy
did not spscIfy
did not spscIfy

I'rIcIIIIIand Avallllbllltr
Purchase ($)

Serviced By
Avallabliity (days ARO)
Data 01 FIrat Commercial Delivery
Commenta

JANUARY 1991

795

Avatar
2
1964

Avalar
2
1964

595

Avatar
2
1964
'-

Can be configured 10
8upporl up 10 32 devl0l8

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporatad. ReproductiOn Prohibited.
Datapro Information SaNless Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Avatar Corp.

Black Box Corp.

Carl.... SyNml GlIIIUP

Commtex Inc.

Model

Pro-SerIH

A/S-2G1 Protocol Converter

PACE II

CX...1

Device Type

Protocol converter

Convet'llion Performed

EBCDIC to ASCII

ASCII to bisync 27BO{3780

NCR ISO async to TTY ASCII

ASCII to EBCDIC

SpacIfIc DevIce Emuhlted

ASCII printer

IBM RJE Station

NCR 796-301/1900 Model 3

IBM 3271 Model 2. 3174
Model 51R. 3274

Specific Fl8lctlonallty PlOvId.d

IBM 3287 printer-ASCII
printer

Any ASCII devtce-37BO
bisync device

Async ASCII/ANSI CRT-NCR
polled async line

Async display-IBM 3278
Model 2 display

Virtual Screen SIz.. SuppL (char.)

1,920

Vender did not specify

B01S-byte Input buffer per
port

1,920

Command Port SuppaItecI

Yes

Hoat Sid. Speclftcatlone
SpeCific Hosts Supported

IBM 43XX, IBM 30XX

DEC PDP-11, VAX; IBM Sf3X, NCR V Systems 8000 and 9800 IBM 43XX
AS/400; IBM 3080/3090, 43XX;

Host Operstlng Systems Supported

DOSfVS, MCS, TSO, CICS

Vendor did not specify

NCR VRX, VAX/E

DOSfVS,OSfVS, RSTS/E,VAX
VMS

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 SDLC or 1 SNA

1 BSC and 1 async

2 IBM hoets (BSC and/or SDLC)

Connections Supported

Direct connection

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dlal-up
line

Vender did not specify

Connection to Host Via Controller

IBM 3174{3274, IBM 3276

Direct connection to both
async and bisync systems

CSG Polaris, NCR 621/721,
ICS, LLCS

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
Vendor did not specify

Tranllllinion Sp.c.-Hoel Un.
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Trsnsmisslon Mode
Protocols Supported

Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

9.61< for async & bisync ports
Asynchronous, synchronous
Half duplex
BSC-2780{37BO

38.4K
Asynchronous
Vendor did not specify
NCR ISO asyne

64K
Synchronous
Full duplax
BSC,SNAfSDLC

Codas Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

Vendor did not specify

ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

1 R5-232-C, centronics
parsllel, Type A cosx

2 RS-232-C (1 async, 1
bsync)

Two EIA-232-D

Vendor did not specify

Clocking

Internal

External, Internal, (either/or)

External, Internal

Extamal, Internal

Terminal Side Spec.-Terminal Une
Number and Type of Ports Provided

Not applicable

1 async port connects to
any ASCII tarm.

4 multimode porte for CRTs
or printers

5 async w/support lor 5
aux. printars

Specific DBvlces Supported

Vender did not specify

Any ASCII device

ADDS, Wyse, NCR, ANSI
X3.64, any serial printer

Vendor did not specify

Direct connection, dial-up,

Direct connection, dial-Up,
leased, rsmote

Vendor did not speCify

Direct connection, dial-up

9.6K
9.6K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Hall duplex
BSC, or async

38.4K
76.8K
Vandor did not specify
Vendor did not specify
TTY

38.4K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex
Vendor did not specify

Connections Supported

remote

(

3503

Protocol COnv....lon
System.,
COmpariaon Column.
COnv....lon
Sy8tem./Tennlnal
Controll.r.

Tnmlllllaalon Spac.-Terminal Une
Maximum Trsnsmlssion Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor

Codas Supported
Interfaces Supported

Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

ASCII, EBCDIC
R5-232-C

Vendor did not specify
EIA-232-D

ASCII
R5-232-C, V.24

Dlillnoatica

On-board sell tast

ASCII line testa,
sell-test, status LEOs

Vendor did not specify

Sell-tast

PrIcIng and AVIIllablllty
Purchase ($)
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial DBlivery

795
Avatar
2
1964

1,295
BlaCk Box Corp.
Vendor did not apecIIy
Several years ago

1,350
NCR
1 to 30
1985

3,295
Centel Business Systams
Contact vender
August 1989

Has built-In modem
ellmlnators-OCEIOTE
selectabie-bloCk size

Data comprsss.; users can
switch between polled and
TTY applicat. on one CRT

Emulates dual control units
for each hOBt (1 or 2); 64
LUs per control unit

did
did
did
did
did

not
not
not
not
not

specify
specify
specify
specify
specify

Comrnant1l

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohlbijed.
Datapro Information Services Group. DBlran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

3503

Protocol Conve,.lon
S,.tema.
Comparison Columna
Conve,.lon
Sptema/Termlnal

Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Control..,.

Vendor

CommIU Inc.

Commte. Inc.

c-tat Datacomm Corp.

Divenlilled Data R_rcee.
Inc.

Model

ex-83

ex...

C>2200 LTDS

HYDRA "

DevIce Type

Protocol converter, data
PBX

Protocol convartsr

Protocol convartsr,
dial-back security (2
modes) w/audR trial

ConveraIon Performed

ASC" to EBCDIC

Pcll/salect

ASC" to EBCDIC. async to
IBM 3270, async to IBM
3211; async to IBM 3286

Specltlc DevIce Emulatacl

IBM 3274 ModII51C

IBM 3274 Modal 51C

Vendor did not spectfy

IBM 3174/3274 controller

SpecItIc I'lIncIIon8IIIy PfovIdecI

Async dlsplay-lBM 3278
ModII2

Async display-IBM 3278
Modal 2

PoIlfsalact-serlai or
parallel TTY

Async tarmlnal or PC-IBM
3215 or 3277

VIrtual S - SIzn Suppt. (char.)

1,920

CommIInd Port Supportad

Yes

Hoet Side SpecIftcatIona
Spectflc Hosts Supported

IBM 43xx, IBM 8100

IBM 43XX, IBM 8100

Unlsys small, medium, or
large systems

IBM 3080/3090, IBM 43XX

Host Operating Systems Supported

DOSfVS, OStyS, RSTS/E, or
VAX VMS

DOSfVS, OSfVS, RSTS/E or
VAX VMS

Any Unlsys mainframe

DOSfVS, OSfVS

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

4 IBM-BSC or SNAfSDLC hosts 10 IBM BSC or SNAfSDLC
hosts
Direct connection,
Direct connection,
poInt-lO-point on dlal-up .
polnt-IO-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on laased
line, multipoint on leased
IIna
line
IBM 37XX
IBM 37XX

1 sync or async

Vendor did not spacify

Direct connection, pointIO-point on dial-up line,
multipoint on laased line,
TDI on Input from host
CP 2000 or CP 3680

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
lina, multipoint on laasad
IIna, any async LAN gateway
Channel-attachad, byte
channel only

Connections Supported

Connection to Host Via Controllar

Tranllllialon Spec.-Hoet Una
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Modi
Protocols Supported

Codas Supported

84K
84K
Up to 38.4K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Synchronous
Synchronous
Full duplex
Full duplax
Full duplex
BSC, SNAfSDLC, )(,25 through BSC, SNAfSDLC, X.25 through PoIl/Select
NPSI
NPSI
ASCII, EBCDIC
ASCII, EBCDIC
ASCII

Interface

Vendor did not spaclfy

Vandor did not specify

1 Rs-232-C, Tot (two-wire
direct Interface)

Vendor did not specify

Clocking

External, Internal

Data derived, extern./intern.

Vendor did not spaclfy

Up to 20 async or 10 Type A
coax ports

50 async or 25 Type A

Up to two serial TTY & one
parallel

4,8,16,32, or 84 RS-232-C
ports

Spaclftc DevIcee Supported

Vendor did not spaclfy

Vendor did not specify

Centronlx, Dataproducts, or
ODEC parellel

Connections Supported

Direct connection, dial-up

Direct connection, dial-Up

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased

Too numerous to list-any
async terminel, prlntar,
PC wI emulation software,
many light pens, bar code
readers & printers, etc.
Direct connection, dial-Up,
leasad, indirect LAN (via
async gateway)

Trallllllllllon Spec.-Tann....1 Una
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregata Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Modi
Protocols Supported

38.4K
Configuration dependent
Asynchronous
Full duplex
Vendor did not spaclfy

38.4K
Configuration dependent
Asynchronous
Full duplex
Vendor did not specify

Up to 38.4K
Up to 38.4K
Asr::;hronous, synchronous
Ful duplex
TTY II

38.4K
2.46M
Asynchronous
Full duplex
Vendor did not specify

ASCII
RS-232-C, V.11, ~ A
coax, async coax, $-422,
V.24

ASCII
V.24, V.11, Type A coax,
&sync coax, current loop

ASCII
RS-232-C, parallel

ASCII; custom. transl. tebles
RS-232-C

D!qnoatlcl

Sell-test, status LEDa

Self-test, status LEOs

ASCII line tests,
salf-test, status LEDs

Self-test; diagnostic
display via any async port

PrIcIng and Avlltabilly
Purchase ($)
Serviced By
Availability (daya ARO)
Date of First Commercial Dallvery

4,950 to 8,600
camel Buslnesa Systems
Contact vendor
1983

6,550-13,950
cantal Business Systems
Contact vendor
1980

Vendor did not specify
Comstet Datacom Corp.
10
1995

4,900+ (4 ports)
JDS MicroProcessing, Inc.
14
1963

Haa functlona of ASCIl-3270
prot. conv., 3270-ASCII
dacnvrtr., & PBX/PAD

Enablea up to 5 concurrent
mUltlpla aassions per usar
across multlpla hosts

Tannin.. SIde Spec.-Tarmlnal Una
Number and Type of Pcrts Provided

Codas Supported
Interfaces Supported

Commanta

JANUARY 1991

008X

Channel attaChed
Synchronous
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

Upgradeable to as many as
84 ports

@ 1991 -McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datepro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 06075 USA

.~-

Data Networking

Protocol Converters

Vendor

FIInISt Computer, Inc.

Oanda" Data, Inc.

Innoaya, Inc.

Intematlonel llualnau
Machine. Corp. (IBM)

Modal

ConnectIOn Sy.tam

ITM 3270

IC100

3708 Network Convaralon
Unit

Device Type

Gateway

Protocol converter,
terminal emulator. 3274{3276
controller emulator

Protocol converter,
terminal emulator. coda
converter

Protocol converter

Converelon Performed

ASCII to EBCDIC

ASCII to EBCDIC. BSC to
SDLC. ALC. SLC. SNA. X.25.
Burroughs poll/select

ASCII to SNA/SDLC

Specillc Devlca Emulated

DEC VT100, VT220 displays;
IBM 5251 Model 11 display;
IBM 5294/5394 controller

IBM 3274 Modal 51C, IBM
3276 Model 12

IBM 3274 Modal 51C, ALC
terminal

IBM 3274 Model 51C

Spaclllc Funclionality ProvIded

IBM 525D-DEC VT220

Async ASCII terminals
to IBM host

'Allin ASCII

Async-SNA/SDLC

VIrtual SC....n BIz.. Suppt. (char.)

1,920

1,920, 3,564, 480

1,920

Vendor did not spaclly

Command Port Supported

Vas

Ves

Digital equipment PDP-l1,
IBM 43)()(, any host thet
Dlgltel Equipment VAX, IBM
supports the IBM 3274
AS/4OO, IBM System{3X
RSTS/E or VAX VMS, OS/4OO Independent of host
operating system

Digital equipment PDP-11,
VAX; IBM 43XX; numerous
other hosts
DOS/VS, OS/VS

IBM System{3X, IBM 43XX,
IBM 8100, S{370, 30XX, 9370

Connecttons Supported

1 token ring, 1 SDLC, and 1
Ethernet
Polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line, LAN

Connection to Host VIa Controller

Vendor did not specify

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
Emulates a cluster controller

1 BSC and 1 SDLC, or 1 SDLC 1 or 2 IBM hosts, and 1
and 1 .ync
async host
Direct connection,
Polnt-to-point on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
line
IBM 37XX
IBM 3274

Tranemlulon Spac.-Hoet Una
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

64K
Synchronous
Full duplax
SNA/SDLC, DECnat

19.2K
Synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
SNA/SDLC

56K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplax, half duplex
Vendor did not specify

19.2K
Asynchronous
Fun dUplex, half duplex
SNA/SDLC

Codas Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

EBCDIC

ASCII, EBCDIC, ALC Baudot

ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

1 RS-232-C, token ring,
Ethernet

1 RS-232-C

1 R8-232-C, 1 R8-422

1 R8-232-C, 1 RS-422

Hoat 8IcIa Spaclllcall_
Specific Hosts Supported
Host Operating Systems Supported
No. Host Salectlons Suppt. Concurrently

(

3503

Protocol CDnverslDn
Sptem.:
ComperlHn Column.
CDnverslDn
Syate_/Termlnal
CDntroller.

1 SDLC

MVS, VM, VSE

Clocking

External

External, Internal

External, internal

Vendor did not specify

Terminal SIde Spec.-Terminal Line
Number and Type of Ports Provided

SOO

8; each channel connects to
terminal

Not applicable

10 asynchronous device
ports

SpecHIc Devices Supported

IBM 5250, DEC VT200

IBM 3278 Models 1-li, IBM
Not applicable
3279-4 coior model, IBM 3287
printer

Connections Supported

Token ring

Dlract connection, dial-up,
leased

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remote

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased

TranamlMion Spac.-Termlnal Line
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

64K
Vendor did not specify
Synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC, DECnBt

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplax
Vendor did not specify

56K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
BSC, TTY II

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
Vendor did not spaclly

Codas Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC
Token ring, Ethernet

ASCII
RS-232-C

ASCII, EBCDIC
RS-232-C

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C, R8-422

Dlagnoellca

Remote diagnostics

ASCII IIna tests,
self-test, async loopback

Self-test

Control terminal

PrIcIng and AvaHablllty
Purchase ($)
Sarvlced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery

Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vandor

2,400 hardware; 2K software
Gandalf Date, Inc.
Vendor did not specify
July 1988

12,500
Innosys, Inc.
15
1982

4,375
IBM
Contect vendor
1985

Passthru printing (for
printer attached to
terminal)

'ALC, SLC, SNA, X.25,
bisync

3708 supports SNA network
management features through

did
did
did
did

not specify
not specify
not specify
not specify

Commenta

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction PrOhibited.
Datapro Information Sarvlces Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

58K

ADDS. Date General. DEC.
HP, and WYSE display
terminals

N~,NPDA,orNDLM

JANUARV 1991

Protocol Conversion
S,.,em..
Compart.on Column.
Conversion
Sptem./Termlnal
Controll....

3S03
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

IntemetIonII aull_
MachInM Corp. (IBM)

IlIIIIrnIdIonal au.......
MIIChInN Corp. (IBM.)

JBM EIecIronIca

Model

7171

Aaynchronoul Emulalon
AdIIpter (for the 3174
Elleblllhment Controller)

MAPC-3270

HYDRA II

DIYIce Type

Protocol converter

ConViralon Perfonnecl

ASCII to EBCDIC

Bldlractlonel async to IBM
3270

Async to IBM 3270

ASCII to EBCDIC

Specific DevIce EmullI8d

3274 Model 10

IBM 3178/3279 displays &
IBM printers

IBM 3174/3274 controller,
IBM 3278 Model 2 display

IBM 3274

8pecIfIc Functionality ProvIded

Async-IBM 3270

Async-IBM displays and
printers

Async ASCII-IBM 3278
display

Async ASCII-IBM S/370
channel

Virtual Screan BIz.. Suppt. (chllr.)

Vendor did not specify

1,920

1,920, 2,580, 3,584

1,920

Command POll Supported

Yes

Hoet Sid. Specillcltloni
Specific Hosts Supported

IBM 3081, 3083, 3084

IBM 3080/3090, IBM 43XX,
IBM 9370

IBM 43XX, 30XX

Host Operating Systems Supported

VM/SP, MVS

DEC PDP-11, VAX; IBM
3080/3090, 43XX, 8100,
9370, System/390
OS/ys, RSTS/E or VAX VMS

DOStvS, OStvS

DOS/ys, OStvS, VM/CMS,
MCA/XA

No. Host Salectlons Suppt. Concurrently

1 IBM host

1 non-SNA and 1 ASCII

DIrect connection

8 async hoSl/devlces per
adaptar
Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line

1 SDLC and 1 async

Connections Supported

Connection to Host VIa Controller

IBM 3274

Resides In tha IBM 3174

DIrect connection,
point-to-point on dlal-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
IBM 37XX

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dlal-up
line, multipoint on Iea88d
line
Byte multiplexer chennel

Tranemlallon Spec.·1IMt line
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
Asr:chronous
Ful duplex
Vendor did not specify

19.2K
Asr:chronous, synchronous
Fu I duplex, half duplex
esc, SNA/SDLC, ASCII, ANSI

38.4K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC

Channel speed
Synchronous
Full duplex
3270/channel

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

EBCDIC

Interface

1 R8-232-C

1 current loop

1 current loop, 1 R8-232-C.
1 RS-422

Bus and leg cables

Clocking

Vendor did not specify

External, Internal

Internal

Tarmlnll Side Spec.,Terminal Line
Number and Type of Ports Provided

Up to 84 asyne ports

8 EIA-232-D hoSl/device

Up to 18 async ports

Up to 84 ports

Async terminals from ADDS.
Digital, Esprit, HP, Lear
Slagler, and Televldeo; PCs
& PS/2s amulatlng display
terminals; async hosts
Vendor did not specify

90 different terminals on
menu

ASCII CRTs, printers, PCs

Direct connection, dial· up,
leased

DIrect connection, dial-up,
leased

Vendor

JDS~"'"

'"',

ports
Specific Devices Supported

IBM 3101, IBM Pes, and
terminals from Digital,
LSI, TeleVldeo, and others

Connections Supported

Direct connection

Tranemlallon Spec.,Terminal Un.
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex
Vendor did not specify

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous, synchronous
SNA/SDLC, BSC, async

Vendor did not specify
38.4K
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
TIY II

38.4K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Full duplex
3270

Codes Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C

ASCII, ANSI
EIA-232-D

ASCII
R8-232-C

Dlagnoetlcl

Special maintenance
facility

Diagnostics provided by tne
3174

ASCII Une tests,
self-test, stetus LEOs

SeIf·test, memory dump

14,100 for 10 device ports
IBM
Conlect vendor
1984

2,845
IBM
Conlect vendor
May 1989

995 base unit
JBM Electronics
14 days
1985

4,900 and up
JDS MicroProcessing
30
1983

Pricing and Availability
Purchase ($)
Ssrvload By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery
Commentl

JANUARY 1991

Call-back/password sec.,
positive logon security,
audit trail

1991 McGraw-HUI. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datepro Information Sarvlces Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

3503

S,atema.
ComPllrl.on Columna
Conv....lon
S,.tema/T.nnln.'
Control.....

Protocol Converters

Vendor

JDS MlcraProcel8lng

Memotec Detll, Inc.

Memotec DlItII, Inc.

Model

HYDRA SNA

DM 1200 a

DM 2000 a Plue

DM 2400 a PLUS

DevIce Type

Protocol converter

Protocol converter, cluster
controller

Protocol converter, data
PBX for Unlsys systams

CO.......lon Performed

ASCII to EBCDIC

Burreughs poll select

Burroughs poll select

Burreughs poll select

Specific Device Emulated

IBM 3274 controller

All Burroughs-compatlble
tarminals

Digital equipment VT100,
all Burroughs compatible
tarmlnals

Digital Equipment VT100,
all Burroughs-compatlble
tarminals

Specific Functionality Provided

Async ASCII-IBM S/370
chsnnel

Greup poll to poll select

Greup poll-poll select

Virtual Screen Sizea Suppt. (char.)

1,920

3,564

Command Port Supported

Yes

HOIl1 Side SpecifiCation.
Specific Hosts Supported

IBM 43XX, 3OXX, and 9370

Burroughs computars, frem
8-20 to A-17

Burreughs computars, frem
8-20 to A-17

All Burroughs hosts, from
8-20 to A-17

Host Operating Systams Supported

VTAM, VM/CMS, MVS/XA

Vandor did not specify

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not spacJfy

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 SNA and 1 ASCII

Connections Supported

Direct connection,
polnt-te-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
Direct to block or byta
multiplexer chsnnel

1 or 2 host ports (sync,
asyne, or TDI)
Direct connection,
point-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line, TDI
Any Burreughs FEP

1 or 2 host ports (syne,
async, or TDI)
Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line, TOI
Any Burroughs FEP

1 to 7 host ports (sync,
asyne, TDI)
Direct connection,
point-to-point on dlel-up
line, multipoint on laased
line, TDI
Any Burroughs FEP

Connection to Host Via Controller

(

Protocol Conve...lon

Tran....I.8Ion Spec.-Hollt Line
Maximum Transmission Speed (bpa)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

Channa! speed
Synchrenous
Full duplex
SNA/channel

19.2K
Asynchrenous, synchronous
Half duplex
Burroughs poll select

19.2K
Asynchrenous, synchrenous
Half duplex
Burroughs poll select

19.2K
Asynchrenous, synchrenous
Half duplex
Burreughs poll select

Codes Supported

EBCDIC

ASCII

Vendor did not specify

Intarface

Bus and tag cables

1 RS-232-C, TDI

1 R5-232-C, TOI

Clocking

Intarnal

Dste derived, extam./lntam.

Data derived, extam.f1ntarn.

Data derived, extam, intam

Terminal Side Spec.-Terminal Une
Number and Type of Ports Previded

Up to 64 ports

64 tarminal addresses
supported

254 tarmlnal addresses
supported

254 !armlnal addresses
supported

Specific Devices Supported

ASCII CRTs, printers, PCs

All Burroughs-compatlble
and async devices

Any Burrougha-compatlble or
aaync devica

All Burroughs-compatlble
and async devices

Connactlons Supported

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remota

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remota, TDI

Direct connection, dlal-up,
leased, remota, TDI

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remota, TOI

Tran.ml.sIon Spec.-Terminal Une
Maximum Trensmisslon Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregata Input Rata (bpa)
Synchrenizatlon
Transmission Mode
Pretocols Supported

38.4K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchrenous
Full duplex
SNA/3270

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchrenous, synchrenous
Full duplex, half duplex
TTY II, Burroughs poll
select, NCR poll

19.K
All ports at 19.2K
Asynchrenous, synchrcnous
Full duplex, half duplex
TTY II, Burroughs poll
select, NCR poll

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous, synchrenous
Full duplex, half duplex
TTY II, Burroughs
poll select, NCR poll

Codes Supported
Intarfacas Supported

ASCII
RS-232-C

ASCII
R5-232-C, TDI

Dlegnolltlca

Self-last, channel trace

Self-tast, status LEOs,
optional loop back

Status LEOs, optional
loopback

Self-last, status LEOs,
optional loop back

Pricing and Availability
Purchase ($)
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Osta of First Commercial Delivery

12,900 and up
JDS MIcrcPrcceasing
60
December 1988

4,000 up
Memotac Ostll, Inc.
30
1965

9,000
Memotec Data, Inc.
30
1985

16,000 up
Memotec Delli, Inc.
30
1965

Call-back, multilevel
security, dynamic baud reta

Also acta as remota
frcnt-end prccessor; hostbasad net management

Also acta as a remota
front-end prccessor;
host-based net management

Also acta as remota
frent-end prccessor;
host-based net management

CommenIa

set

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibitad.
Datapro Information Services Group. Oslran NJ 06075 USA

JANUARY 1991

.,.......

3503

Protocol. ConvenIon

Protocol Converters

Data Networking

eom.......... COlum..

ConvenIon

.,...../TennI..1
Control.,.

Vendor

- - . COInnIunIcatIon Carp. NetlInk, Inc.

NeIIInk, Inc.

NdInk, Inc.
"'.., -

Model

Mlcom lox Type 3 (M83)

SNA..Qate 3103-1

SNA..Qate 3103-1A

SNA..Qate 3103-1.

DevIce Type

Protocol converter

Protocol convelfllr

Protocol converter

eonv.r.Ion PerfornIecI

ASCII to EBCDIC

AScII to EBCDIC. BSC to
SOle

ASCII to EBCDIC, LUO/1/2/3

BSC to SDLC, BSC 3276 to
LU1/2; BSC 1 RJE to LUO/1

SpecIIIc DevIce Emulllted

IBM 3274 Model 61C, IBM
3276 Model 12

Fun tunc. PU Type 2,
willi multiple LU
types (8100)

FuH func. PU Type 2,
willi multiple LU types
(8100)

IBM 3174/3214 controller,
IBM 3770

IIpecItIc I'uncIIonIIIIty ProvIded

IBM PU Type 2

LU type dynsmlc-ba8ed on
bind

LU type dyn., based on bind

BSC 2760/3760 or 3271/53n3274

VIItuIII IcnItm Slaw 8uppt. (ohm'.)

1,920

3276 (types 213/4/6)

3276 (types 2, 3, 4, 6)

1,920, 3,564

Command Port 8upporWcI

Ves

~1teI

IBM 43XX, IBM 8100, VTAM,
8100 Tandem, IBM S/370

IBM 43XX, IBM 8100, IBM
S/370, VTAM, 8100 Tandem

IBM 43XX, IBM 8100,
370/Tandem

Host Operating Systems Supported

DOS/VS, OS/VS, RSTS/E or
VAX VMS

MVS

No. Host SelectIons Suppt. Concurrently

1 SDLC and 1 esync, or
1 BSC and 1 uync
Direct connection,
poInt-to-point on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line, using IBM 3174 or 37XX
IBM 37XX

Direct connection,
poInt-to-point on dlal-up
line, multipoint on Ieesed
line
IBM 37XX or equivalent

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dlal-up
line, multipoint on Iaesed
line, IBM 37XX, or equlv.
IBM 3705, 3725 or
equivalent

Direct connection,
poInt-to-point on dlal-up
Une, multipoint on Ieesed
line
IBM 37XX, Amdahl, Comten

19.2K

Host SIde SpeoIfIcatIona
Specific Hosts Supported

Connections Supported

Connection to Host Via Controller

equipment PDP-11,
; IBM 43XX, 8100, 3090,

Trlnlmluion 8pec.-Host LIne
Maximum Transmlselon Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

~nchronous, synchronous

F I duplex
BSC, SNA/SOLC

64K
Synchronous
Full duplex, half duplax
SNAfSOLC

84K
Synchronous
Full duplex, helf duplex
SNA/SOLC

84K
Synchronous
Full duplex, helf dUplex
SNA/SDLC

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

EBCDIC

Interface

1 R8-232-C, 1 RS-422

1 R8-232-C, V.35, X.21

Clocking

External, Internal

Extemel, Internal

Terminal SIde 8pec.-Terminal LIne
Number and Type of Ports Provided

Up to 18 ports

2 to 8 BSC ports/2 to
18 uync, multidrop ports

2 to 18 esync, multidrop
ports

2 to 8 BSC, multidrop por1B

Specific Devices Supported

IBM displays, PCB, and all
major prlntara for display
terminals

Any terminal supporting
cursor addressing;
sottware-controlled via
host

Any terminal supporting
cursor addressing; software
controlled vis host

Contact vendor

Connections Supported

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remote

Direct connection, dlal-up,
poInt-to-polnt

PoInt-to-point

Direct connection, dial-up,
lessed, remote,
point-to-point

Maximum Transmlselon Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bpS)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

19.2K
78.8K
Asynchronous
Fun duplex
TTY II

300 to 9,800 bps
84K
Asynchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
Xon/XOff

300 to 9,800 bps
64K
Synchronous
Half duplex

Codes Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII
R8-232-C

300 to 9,800 bps
84K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
BSC, TTY II, 327X, 2760,
3760,2700, Burroughe
poll/Bal., 2740-1
ASCII, EBCDIC
Rs-232-C

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C

ASCII, EBCDIC
RS-232-C

ASCII line 18818,
self-test, 8\8tus LEOs

Self-test, 8\8tus LEOs

Self-test, sl8tus LEOs

Self-test, sl8tu8 LEOs

3,056 for 4 ports
MICom auth. s_. reps.
30
January 1983

7,000 to 9,800
Contact vendor
10 to 14
July 1982

4,000 to 8,000
Contact vendor
10 to 14
February 1988

6,250 to 8,000
Contact vendor
10 to 14
December 1988

3-yesr warranty; expandable
by 2 portlncremenl8; PC
file transfer

3 ysu warranty; expandable
~ 2 portlncremenl8; PC
transfer

3 year warranty; expendable
by 2 port Increments: PC
file transfer

TrInImIuIon 8pec.-Terminal Une

PrIcIng and AveIIebIIIIy
Purchue($)
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Oste of First Commercial Delivery

C-rnent8

JANUARV 1991

esc

C> 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction PrOhibited.
Ostapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 06076 USA

Data Networking

system., Inc.

3503

Protocol Conv....lon
S,s..ms:
Comparison Columns
Conv....lon
.,...ms/T.rmlnel
Controll.rs

Protocol Converters

Perle Sptem., Inc.

Plantnmlc. Futurecomma,
Inc.

Plantnmlca Futurecomm.,
lne.

PERLE Model 31

XQATE HIU

MlcroTURBO

NanoTURBO

DevIce Type

Protocol converter

Protocol converter,
termlnel emulator, code
converter

Protocol converter.
terminal emulator, code
converter

C-l'8Ion PertormecI

ASCII to EBCDIC

Async to IBM SNA/SDLC

ASCII to EBCDIC, async to
ASCII to EBCDIC, async to
IBM SNA/SDLC, async to IBM IBM SNA/SDLC, async to IBM
3270
3270

8pecHIc DevIce Emulated

IBM 5251 Model 11 display,
IBM 5291 or 3180 Display
Stetion

IBM 3180 Display Stetlon

IBM 3174/3274 controller,
IBM PU Type 2

8pecHIc Functionality ProvIded

ASCII display-IBM 3180,
5291,5251

ASCII PCs & printers-IBM
3180

ASCII display-IBM 3174/3274

Vlrlual Scl'Hn SlZH Suppt. (char.)

3,584

1,920

Command Port Supported

Vendor did not specify

Yes

Specific Hosta Supported

IBM AS/400, IBM System/3X

DEC PDP-", VAX; IBM AS/400,
System/3X, PU Type 4

Host Operating Systems Supported

Vendor did not specify

DEC PDP-II, VAX; IBM
AS/400, System/3X, IBM
PU Type 4
Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not specify

Vendor

Perle

Model

Hoe! SIde Specification.

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 SNA/SDLC

1 SDLC

32 BSC, 32 SDLC, 8 async

32 BSC, 32 SDLC, 2 async

Connections Supported

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dial-up
line

Connection to Host Via Controllar

IBM 5294/5394

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leasad
line
IBM 5294/5394

Dlract connection,
poInt-to-point on dlal-up
line, multipoint on leasad
line
IBM 3174/3274, IBM 37XX

Direct connection,
poInt-to-polnt on dlal-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
IBM 3174/3274

Tran......on Spec.-Hoat Line
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mods
Protocols Supported

1M
Asynchronous, synchronous
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

56K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
SNA/SDLC

Codes Supported

ASCII

ASCII, EBCDIC

Up to 19.2K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC, HDLC, QLLC,
Trsnsparent frame relay
ASCII, EBCDIC

Up to 19.2K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC, HDLC, QLLC,
Transpararent frame relay
ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

1 R8-232-C, Twlnax

1 RS-232-C, V.35, X.21

1 R8-232-C

1 RS-232-C

Clocking

External

External, Internal

External

7 ports for printers or
terminals

20 PC ports and 20 printer

Up to 10 async/SNA/BSC
ports

Up to 6 sync (SNA/BSC)
and async ports

SpecllIc Devices Supported

Vendor did not specify

IBM PC & compatebles w/our
software

Any asynchronous device

Connections Supported

Dlract connection, dial-up,
laaaed

Dial-up, leased, remote

Diract connection, dial-Up,
laased, remote

Direct connection, dial-up,
leased, remote

Tran.mlaeton Spec.-Tennln.. Line
Maximum Transmission Speed (bpa)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rate (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mods
Protocols Supported

38.4K
38.4K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

19.2K
19.2K
Synchronous
Full duplex
TTY II

Up to 19.2K
6UK
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SDLC

Up to 19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
Vendor did not specify

Codes Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C

ASCII
RS-232-C, V.35, X.21

ASCII, EBCDIC
RS-232-C

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C

Dlagnoatlcs

Vendor did not specify

Stetus LEOs

ASCII line tests,
self-test, stetus LEOs

PrIcIng and Availability
Purchase ($)
Serviced By
Availability (d'3:S ARO)
Date of Rrst ommerclal Delivery

From 1,995
Perla Systems, Inc.
10
October 1990

10,850 Qncl. PC software)
Perle Systems, Inc.
10
October 1990

2,995
PFI
21 to 28
December 1988

1,995.00 Standard NanoTURBO
PFI
21 to 28
Vendor did not specify

TennInIIl Side Spec.-Tennlnsl Una
Number and Type of Ports Provided

(

Commenta

Supports multiple sessions
for terminals

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.

Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

ports

SNA to X.25 & Telax to
to X.25 conversion opt.;

OptIonal SNA to X.25 & Telax
to X.25 conversion; compatlsupports ·PFI's net management ble with PFl's net management

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conv....lon
Svat.me:

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Data Networking

Com...rI.on Column.
Conve...lon
SV8t.m./T.rmlnal
Controllel'8
....ntranlca FuturKoJllllll,

ShatrataJl Co",•

Telemellce In\IIrnatIonaI,
Inc.

Thome. EngIneerIng Company

Inc.

Model

PAc.2S TURBO

Shalla... 8000

SmertHet 5250/T

Unltec

DevIce Type

Protocol converter,
terminal emulator, code
converter

Code converter

Protocol converter

Protocol converter,
terminal emulator, code
converter

Converelon Performed

ASCII to EBCDIC. BSC
ASCII to EBCDIC. aaync to
IBM SNA/SDLC, async to IBM SDLC, proprietary
3270

Vendor did not specify

ASCII to EBCDIC, async to
IBM SNA/SDLC, BSC to SDLC

SpecIfIc DevIce Emullltecl

IBM 3174/3274 controller,
IBM PU Type 2

IBM 3274 Model 51C

IBM 5291. 5292. 5256, 5219,
3612

IBM 3174/3274 controller,
3278 display, 3287 printer;
Bull VIP 7700, 7760, 7800

SpecIfIc FIIIICIIonaIIty Provided

ASCII display-IBM 3174/3274

Async-sync

ASCII devices-IBM Twinax
ports

Bldlrecttonal conversion
between IBM 3178/3219
displays & 3287 printers and
async displays and printers

1,920

Vendor did not specify

1,920

Yas

Yes

DEC PDP-11 , VAX; IBM AS/400, Digital Equipment PDP-11,
System/3X, PU Type 4
Digital equipment VAX

System 34/36/36

Host Operating Systams Supported

Vendor did not specify

IBM 3080/3090, IBM 43XX;
all Bull 8000, 7000, & 8000
hosts
Vendor did not speclfy

No. Host Selections Suppt. ConcurranHy

128 BSC; 128 SDLC; 38 async Vendor did not speclfy

Vendor did not specify

ConnectIons Supported

Direct connecaon,
polnt-to-point on dial-up
line, mulHpolnt on leased
line
IBM 3174/3274, IBM 37XX

Direct connecaon,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line

Twinax Interface

IBM 37XX

Connects

Direct connection,
polnt-to-point on dial-up
line, muHlpolnt on leased
line
Vendor did not specify

19.2K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify
Vendor did not specify

Codes Supportsd

Up to 64K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC, HDLC, QLLC,
SDLC, Transp. frame relay
ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

1 R8-232-C, R8-449

1 R8-232-C

Vendor did not specify

1 R8-232-C' 1 RS-422

Clocking

External, Internal

External

Vendor did not specify

External, Internal

Up to 72 asyncfSNA/BSC
ports

Four ports and printer port

Any synchronous device

Vendor did not specify

IBM, DEC, Lear Siegler,
ADDS, Televldeo, Wyse

ANSI 3.64-competlble; IBM
327X; Bull VIP 7700, 7780,
7800, HDS 5.7; Unlsys UTS
20/40/400

Direct connecaon, dial-up,

Direct connection, dial-up

Vendor did not specify

Direct connection, dial-up

Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor
Vendor

19.2K
1.2M
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex, half duplex
BSC

VI.....

s-n SI_ Suppt. (cllllr.)

Commend Port SupporleCl
Hoet Side Speclllcallon.
Specific Hoste Supported

Connection

to Hoet Via Controller

Tran~""on Spec.-Hoet

Una

Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

Termlnel SIde Spec.-Tennlnal Una
Number and Type of Porte Provided
Speclfic Davices Supported

Connecaons Supported

DOSfVS

to IBM 5294

ASCII, EBCDIC, OX, DCA, DEF Vendor did not specify

to 7 asynchronous

to 44 host ports

56K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex, hall duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC, VIP,
Uniscope, IPARS, X.25
ASCII, EBCDIC, PARS

Up to 44 async or sync
ports

leased, remota

Tnlnem',,'on Spec.-Tennlnlll Une
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rata (bps)
Synchronization
Trensmlsslon Mode
Protocols Supportsd

Up to 64K
307.2K
Asynchronous, synchronous
Full duplex
BSC,SDLC

19.2K
9,800
Synchronous
Half duplex
TTY II, BSC 2770/2780/3780

Codes Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC
R8-232-C

ASCII, EBCDIC, OX, DCA, DEF Vendor did not specify
RS-232-C
R8-422

ASCII
R8-232-C

Dlagnoellce

ASCII line tasts,
self-test, status LEOs

Self-test

Vendor did not specify

Self-last, status LEOs

5,225 to 15,505
Vendor did not specify
21 to 28
2nd quarter 1988

5,500 to 20,000
TRW Inc.

2,925 (8 ports)
Telemattes
Contact vendor
1987

1,500-30,000
Thomas Eng. Co., ITT ServeCom
14
August 1985

PrIcIng mid Availability
Purchasa ($)
Serviced By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commercial Delivery

Commenta

JANUARY 1991

30
August 1987

Optional SNA to X.25 & Talex The 8000 Is a data
to X.25 conversion; compa... conversion system for data
ble with PFI's net management transmission

did not specify
did not specify
did not specify
did not speclfy
did not specify

Multi-processor,
multI-function network
computer

@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproducaon Prohibited.

Datepro Information Services Group. Dalran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Conv....lon
.pt.mal
Comparlaon Columna
Conv....lon
.ptems/T.rmln.1
Control.....

3503

Vendor

Tru Softworke, Inc.

Well 0.11 Inc.

Model

VM DIIIOut

DCF 113270

DmceType

Terminal emulator

Protocol converter

Convel'8ion hrtonned

IBM 3270 (bisync or SNA)
async

Speclllc DevIce Emullllld

Digital Equipment VT100,
TTY

IBM 3274 Model 51C

Specltlc Functlonllllty ProvIded

IBM 3270-async

Async-3270 SOLe-

Vlrlull Sc:rHn SIne Suppt. (cher.)

All 3270 sizes, Including
1,920, 2560, & 3,564

1,920

CClmmIJld Port Supportad

Yes

Yes
IBM 43XX, 3270 types

Host Operetlng Systams Supported

DEC PDP-II, VAX; IBM
AS/400, 3080/3090, 43XX,
or 9370; any async host
DOS/VS, OS/VS

No. Host Selections Suppt. Concurrently

1 BSC and 1 SDLC

Connections Supported

Direct connection,
polnt-to-polnt on dial-up
line, multipoint on leased
line
IBM 3174/3274, IBM 37XX

HoeI SIde SpecIftcItlOnI
Specilic Hosts Supported

Connection

to Host Via Controller

Protocol Converters

ASCII to EBCDIC

VM/CMS, TSO
Any combination of SDLC,
BSC, and async
Point-to-polnt on dial-up
line; direct connection
through RS-232-C cabling
Emulates 3174, 3274
controller

Spec.·Ho~ Une
Maximum Transmission Spesd (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

38.4K
Synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC

Vendor dld not specify
Synchronous
Half duplex
BSC, SNA/SDLC, async

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

1 R5-232-C

1 RS-232-C

Clocking

Internal

TranemlHlon

TermInIl SIde Spec.-Tennlnel Une
Number and Type of Ports Provided

Umlted only by host; up
15,000

to 17 R5-232-C ports

Specific Devices Supported

All 3270 terminals (IBM
3278, 31 BO, etc.)

async terminals, PCs,
PS/2s, and printers

Connections Supported

Direct connactlon, dial-up,
leased, remote,
channel-attached

Direct connection, dlal-up,
leased, remote

Maximum Transmlaslon Speed (bps)
Maximum Aggregate Input Rata (bps)
Synchronization
Transmission Mode
Protocols Supported

1.44M
40M
Synchronous
Full duplex
BSC, SNAfSDLC;
chennel attached

19.2K
Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous
Half duplex
BSC, TTY II

Cod.. Supported
Interfaces Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC
RS-232-C

OIagnoetica

ASCII line tests,
self-test, status LEOs

Self-test

Vendor did not specify
Trax Softworks, lne.
Vendor did not spectfy
1982

4,995
Wan Data, Inc.
2 weeks
Vendor did not specify

VM dielout lets 3270 users
dialout to asyne systems

Can simultaneously support
SNA, BSC, and async In one
unit

Tre..m....on Spec.-TennlneJ Una

(

Pllcllllll end Amiability
Purchase ($)
Servloed By
Availability (days ARO)
Date of First Commerctel Delivery

Commenta

1991 McGraw-HIli, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datepro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conv....lon
Syalema:
Comparlaon Columna

3503
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Code, Speed, Interface,
and Async/Sync
Converters
Comparison Column
Entry Descriptions
Code, Speed, Interface,
and Async/Sync Converters include a number of
devices that handle conversions from one code,
interface, speed, or synchronization to another.
These units are generally
less sophisticated devices
than those represented in
the other category.
The following text briefly
describes the column entries in the order in which
they appear in the columns.

JANUARY 1991

Code, Speed,
Interface, and Async/
Sync Converters
Model. This entry lists the
exact name and model
number of the product.

V.35, RS-232-C to RS422, and AT&T 301/303 to
V.35.

any async or sync DCE,
ASCII printers, and IBM
3X78 display terminals.

Transmission
Specifications

Connections Supported.
The possibilities here are
Direct, Dial-Up, Leased
Lines, and Other.

Maximum Transmission
Speed (bps). Vendors list
the maximum transmission speed in bits per second.
Synchronization. The
possible responses are
synchronous and asynchronous.
Transmission Mode. The
devices operate in either
half-duplex or full-duplex
mode.

Device Type. In this entry,
vendors indicate if the
device is an interface converter, async/sync converter, code and speed
converter, or another
type.

Codes Supported. Vendors indicate ASCII, Baudot, EBCDIC, or Other.

Conversion Performed.
Responses in this category include RS-232-C to

Specific Devices Supported. Typical responses
include any async DTE,

Interface. Vendors select
from a choice of RS-232C, V.24, V.28, V.35, Current Loop, or Other.

Diagnostics. The types of
diagnostics offered in the
questionnaire to vendors
are Status LEOs, Remote
Tests, Loopbacks, and
Other.

Pricing and
Availability
The explanations for the
entries Purchase, Serviced by, Availability
(days ARO), Date of First
Commercial Delivery, and
Comments are the same
as those for Conversion
SystemsfTerminal Controllers.

@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.

Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

3503

Protocol Connl'llion
.,.telUl
Comperl8Oll Column.

Protocol Converters

Code.....ed. Intertece. end
urnc/.rnc Conn......

s,.teme, Inc.

Vendor

Alkan...

Model

PATHIV-PIIM

ATS-1

CommunlCellone AcIepter Plue 83721
(CAP)

DevIce Type

Protocol and data converter

A8ync/sync converter

Code and speed converter

Sea commenta section

Asynchronous to synchronous Speed converaion of cads
structure, transmission
mode, word structure,
and flow control

Async DTE to sync modem

Trenlllllllllon SpeclllCltlonl
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

9,800 bps

19.2K

45.5 to 19.2K

38.41<

Synchronization

Synchronous

Asynchronous

Synchronous

Transmission Mode

Half duplex

Full duplex

Half duplex, full duplex

Codes Supported

EBCDIC

ASCII

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot,
ticker tape, transcods

ASCII, Baudot

Interface

R8-232-C

EIA-232-D

SpecItIc Devl_ Supportad

Version 8 IBM 3624 ATM's
w/Blsync future

Vendor did not specify

Any esync device

Async DTE, or esync/sync DCE
DCE

ConnllCllon. Supportad

Direct, leaaed lines

Vendor did not specify

Any type

Direct, lesaed lines,
dial-up

Dlllllnolltlce

CRT + keyboard option;
prlntar option

Status LEDs

Status LEOs

Status LEOs, self-tast

Pricing and AvailabUIly
Purchase ($)

10,000

395

425

Serviced by

Arkanses Systams, Inc.

Astrocom

Black Box Corp.

Contact vendor

Availability (days ARO)

01J the shelf

Immedlataly

Available from stock

Data of First Commercial OsllYery

June 1990

Vendor did not specify

1985

Comments

Converts protocol & appllcatlon data from IBM 3624 ATMs
to IBM 4732 PBM protocol &
data formata

CUstomized conversions
available to fit customer
requirements; provides
connectMty between 2
Incompetable esync devices;
cards for rack mount also
available

6K buIfar for speed change;
daisy chslnable

Black lox Corp.

A/S Converter

Async/sync converter. speed
ccnverter. 8W11ched carrier
emulator

(
1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohlbltad.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

.,......

3503

Data Networking

Protocol ConversIon

Protocol Converters

eomparleon Columna
Code, Speed, InterfllCe, IUHI

Aavnc'.",o Converters

c-ttIt DatIIoomm

Vendor

Corp..

C-2200 LTDS

. A4ync/aync converter

Interface

convener,

aaync/&yne

Vendor did not specify

1'rInem~

converter

R8-232oC to TTY

Interface converter,
aayncf&yne

converter,

multiported FEPs

R8-232-C to TOI

R8-232-C to TDI

8peaH1cat1_

Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

800 to 1UK (automatically

Up to 38.4K

Up to 38.41< w/optlonal 66K

Up to 38.4K

Asynohronous, synohronous

Asynchronous, synchronous

aeIected)

Synchronization

Aaynchronous, synchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

FuU duplex

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC, Wang

ASCII, Burroughs

Burroughs poll/select

ASCII, Burroughs
poIl/aaIect

RS·232oC

RS·232oC; V.SS Is optional

R8-232oC

termln s

Burrou~ha-compatlble

B=:ihs-iXlmpatibie
termlnas

~patIbIe

PoII/SeIIICI
Interface

R8-232oC

8pec\k DevIcea Supported

Vendor did not specify

eonn.ctIone 8upported

Direct

Direct, leased Unes,
dial-up

Direct, IeI88Cl linea,
dlal-up, TDI

DIrect, leased Unes,
dlal-up, TDI

Vendor did not specify

Statue LEOs

Status LEOs, Internal
generated acraena

Status LEOs,
Intemally-canverted
acraens

PrIcIng Ind AwllabIHty
PurChlae ($)

247

995 to 1,495

Comdete Corp.

Comstat Datacomm Corp.

3,495 for 4 ports; 7,175
fOr 8 ports
Comatat Datacomm Corp.

1,295 to 1,785

Serviced by
Availability (days ARO)

3-4

5 days

Dete of First Commercial Delivery

Vendor did not specify

May 1985

January 1987

May 1985

c:omn.ta

Power derived from R8-232oC
Interface (eome
appIlcItIona may require
auxlnary power); codas are
switch eeIIctable; IU
RS·232oC leads are
supported

JANUARY 1991

Cornatat Datacomm Corp.

1991 McGraw~HIII, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Intormatlon Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

Protocol Conversion

3503

S,"'mal
Comparleon Column.
Code, ........ Inte....e ...nd
A.me/S,ne Co.."........

Protocol Converters

VIIIIIIor

DCC Corp.

o.ner.J DlltaComm, Inc.

o.ner.J DataComm, Inc.

JBM Electranlca

Model

ECS·21

AIC-3

ODC Imwr- Converter

ASC-RJE

DevIce Type

Interface converter

Aaync/sync converter

Interface converter

Async/sync converter

eon-ton Perforlned

R8-232oC to 20mA current
loop

Aaychronous to synchronous

RS-422 to RS·232oCty.35;
R8-232oC to V.35

Async to bisync or SNA/SDLC

TrIn.......1on 8pecH1cat1_
Maximum Trensmlsalon Speed (bps)

20K

19.2K

Vendor did not specify

38.4K

Synchronization

Asynchronous

Asynchronous. synchronous

Asynchronous, synchronous

Transmlsalon Mode

Half duplex, lull duplex

Hall duplex; fuD duplex

Half duplex, full duplex

Half duplex. full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

ASCII

ASCII, EBCDIC

Interface

R8-232oC. currant loop.
20mA

R8-232oC, V.2a

R8-232oC, V.35, RS-422

R8-232oC

8pecItIc DevIces 8upparlecI

Vendor did not specify

Asynchronous terminal

DTE/DCE

IBM 2770. 2780. 3741, 3780,
3270

ConnecIIona Supported

Leased lines

DIrect, dlal-up

Direct, dlal-up

Direct, 1e88ed lines.

dlaf.up
DlagllMllce

Status LEOs. manual
Ioopback

None

Power LED

Status LEOs

PrIcIng I11III AveHllbll1ty
Purchaas ($)

125

245

Contact vendor

995

Sarviced by

DCC Corp.

General DataComm

General DlltaComm

JBM Electronics

AvaHabHIty (days ARO)

Stock to 30

Immediately

14 days

Date of FIrat Commercial Dallvery

1988

1990

1985

1988

Commenta

Optically Isolatad; date
Une and low speed oontrol
path; LEOs Indlcata data
transmission, loop curent,
and oontrol status

In·llne, miniature oonverter;
operatas without AC power

(
1991 McGraw-HilI, Inoorporatad.· Reproduction Prohibited.
Dstepro Information Sarvices Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Con.....1on
SysteIMI

3503
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Com,.rIaon Columna
Code, SpHd. Interfac., and

AarnclSync Con.e.......

Vendor

JIM EIectronIca

JIM EIectnmIca

Memolec DatIl, Inc.

MemcIteC DabI, Inc.

Model

88C

&PC

DMSO B

DMll B

DevIce Type

Speed and data format
conversion

Code and speed converter

Interface converter

Intarface converter, TDI
extender

ConvenIon PerforIMd

Blayne to bI8ync

BI8yI1C to SNA

R8-232-C to TOI (Burroughs)

R5-232-C to TOI (Burroughs)

Tl'llnsmleslon Spec:/IIcIIIIon
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

3UK

38.4K

19.2K

Synchronization

AsynChronous, synchronous

Synchronous

AsynChronous

Transml88lon Mode

Hall duplex, lull duplex

Half duplex, full duplex

Half duplex

Codea Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

Code transparent

Intarface

R5-232-C

R5-232-C, TDI

SpecItIc Devlcn Supported

Vendor did not specify

IBM 3270, 3770

Burroughs tarmlnals and
hosts

Burroughs terminals and
hosta

Connec\lona 8upportad

DIrect, leased linea,
dlal-up

Direct, leased lines,
dlal-up

Direct, leased lines, TOI

Direct, leased lines, TO!

DIagnoatIca

Status LEOs

Status LEOs, remota tasts

Status LEOs

PrIcIng and Availability
Purchase ($)

1995

175

275

Serviced by

JBM Electronics

Memotac Data, Inc.

Mernotac Data, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

14 days

7 days

Data of First Commercial Dallvery

1989

1984

1985

c:omm.nta

JANUARY 1991

1985
WIll regenareta TOI signals
for another 1,000 feet

1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporatad. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

.,........

Protocol Conversion

3503

Comparl_ Column.

Protocol Converters

Cod.......... Interface. and

Alame/.,ne Converters

Vendor

MomllleC DatIl. Inc.

Nu 0 .... Inc.

Nu DatIl. Inc.

Model

OM 511 B

6144

721017212

7211

DevIce Type

Interlace converter,
async/sync converter

Code and speed converter

Interlace converter

ComNnIon ......ormed

RS-232-C or TOI (Burroughs)
to sync

RS-232-C to Bell 43401

RS-232-C to
Csntronlcs, Centronics to
RS-232-C

RS-232-C to Csntronlc8

TraMlllllIIon SpecllIcetIona
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

19.2K

Up to 19.2K

Vendor did not spaclfy

Synchronization

Asynchronous, synchronous

Synchronous

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

Half duplex, full duplex

Full duplex

Half duplex

Full duplex

Codes Supported

Coda transparant

ASCII, bl-phese encoding

ASCII

Interlace

RS-232-C, TOI

RS-232-C, V.2B, V.24, Bell
43401

RS-232-C, V.2B, V.24,
Csntronlcs

RS-232-C, V.2B, V.24,
CentronicS

SpecIfIc DevIceo Supported

Burroughs terminals and
hosts

Vendor did not specify

Connocllona Suppolted

Dlract, leased lines

Leased lines

Dlract

Olellnostlcll

Status LEOs

Status LEOs, Iocpbacks

Status LEOs

PrIcing end Avallebility
Purchase ($)

895/palr

225

109

Sarvlced by

Memotec Data, Inc.

Nu Data, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

Stock

Data of First Commercial Delivery

1985

1988

Comments

Must be used In pairs

Synch short haul

Selectable DTE/DCE, parity,
stop and data bits

2K buller

(
@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

.........

3503

Protocol

Protocol Converters

ConvtInlon
,.

Data Networking

'.'

ConIpmt. . . c.lu......
Code.....ed. Interface. and

Alamc/Sync eon"........

V..cIor

Nu .... 1no.

Nu DatIl. Inc.

NY DIIta, Inc.

Nu_Ino.

Model

7213

7220

7221

7222

DevIce Type

Interf_ COIIV8I18r

Code and speed conveI1IIr

Interface convwter, code
and speed converter

Interface convwter, coda
and speed converter

Conver8Ion Performed

R8-232-C to Centronics

Vendor did not specify

R8-232-C to IBM Parallel
(CentronIcs)

R8-232-C to IBM parallel
(Centronlca)

1'ranImI8IIon 8pecHIceIIona
Maximum Trensmi8810n Speed (bps)

Vendor did not specify

Up to 19.21<

Up to 19.2K

Vendor did not specify

Synchronization

Asynchronous

AaynchronoUl

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

FuR duplex

Full duplex

Fun duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

ASCII

R8-232-C, V.28, V.24,

RS·ru-C, V.2B, V.24

R8-ru-C, V.2B, V.24, IBM
parallel (Centronics)

R8-232-C, V.28, V.24, IBM
parallel (Cantronlcs)

Interface

CentronIcs

SpacIIIc DevIcee Supported

Vendor did not spaclfy

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not spaclfy

Vendor did not specify

Connectlona Supported

DIrect

Direct

Dlegnoatlca

Status LEDs

Status LEOs

Status LEDs

225

398

460

ServlC8cl by

Nu Data, Inc.

Du Data, Inc.

Nu Data, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

Stock

Data of First Commercial Delivery

1989

1986

1985

Comlll8llta

84K butler

Sclentlllc software lor
asyncfsync converter
available at customar
request; suppcrts Xon/Xoll
or CTS/DTR control

Sclentll\c 8Oftw8re lor
aayne/aync Inpula avail. at
customer requast; supporta
Xon/Xoll or CTS/Dm control

Software for asyncJsync
conversion avail. at
customer request; suppcrts
Xon/Xolf or CTS/DTR control

PrIcIng ..cI AVllllllbilty
Purch188($)

JANUARY 1991

Cl 1991 McGraw·HIII, Incorpcretad. Reproduction Prohlbl1ad.
Dstapro Information Servic:B8 Group. Dalran i'kJ 08075 USA.

Data Networking

ii{
~t

3503

Protocol Conv....1on
Syatenla.
Com,.rt. . Columna
Code. Speed. Interface. and
Aaync/Sync Converte...

Protocol Convertars

Vendor

Nu Deta, Inc.

Nu DatIl, Inc.

Nu DtIta, Inc.

Model

7230/7231

723IS

7240

7243/7244

DevIce Type

Interlace conVtlft8r

Interface converter

Interlace converter

Intarface converter

ConvenIon Performed

R8-232..c to R8-449; R8-449
to R8-232..c

RS-449/422/423 to EIA-530

R8-232..c to EIA-485

R8-232..c to EIA 422,
EIA-422 to R8-232..c

TI'IIMIIIIIaIon SpecItIcatIon.
Maximum Transmls.1on Speed (bps)

Vendor did not specify

Up to 64K

Vendor did not specify

Synchronization

Vendor did not specify

Asynchronous, synchronous

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

Vendor did not specify

Full duplex

Vendor did not specify

Coda. Supported

Transparent

Tranaparent

Transpsl'llnt

Transparent

Interface

R8-232..c, V.28, V.24, 449

Vendor did not specify

R8-232..c, V.28, V.24,
EIA-485 multipoint

Vendor did not specify

8pecItIc DevIce. SUpported

Vendor did not specify

Connection. SuPllCllWd

Direct

DIrect

Direct

DIrect

D....noetIcI

Vendor did not specify

Status LEOs

Pricing and AwIIIIbIIIty
Purcha8a ($)

148

Serviced by

Nu Data, Inc.

AYa1lab1l1ty (days ARO)

Stock

Data of first Commercial Dellvary

1998

Com......

Powarad from Interface

Powered from the Interface

Collision datactIon &
streaming control

Extands RS-232 links

(
@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporatad. Reproduction Prohibited.
Dataprc Information Services GrcuP. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conversion
Srat.m••
ComPllrl.on Column
Code,Speed, Interface, and
A.vnc/.JllcCOnv........

3503
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Vendor

Nu Data, Inc.

Nu Deta, Inc.

Nu Data, Inc.

Model

7217

7270

7272

7274

DevIce Type

Interface converler

Interface converter

ConVWIIon PerfonnecI

R8-232 10 E1A-530/422

R8-232-C 10 V.35

R8-232-C 10 EIA-422

V.35 10 EIA-422 (X.21)

TI'8IIIIIIIIaIon 8pecHIcatI_
Maxlmum Transmission Speed (bpa)

Vendor did not specify

Up 10 64K

Up 10 2.048M

Synchronization

Asynchronous. synchronous

Asynchronous, synchronous

Asynchronous. synchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Codes Supported

Transparent

ASCII. Transparant

Transparant

Interface

R8-232-C. V.2B. V.24.
EIA-530/422

R8-232-C. V.35. V.28. V.24

RS-232-C. V.28. V.24.
EIA-422

V.35. EIA-422 (X.21)

SpecHIc Devlcee SIIJIIIOI'IlId

Vendor did not specify

ComectIonI Supported

Direct

Dlract

DIqnoIIIcI

Status LEOs

StalUs LEOs

Purchase ($)

283

289

288

298

Serviced by

Nu Data. Inc.

Avellability (days ARO)

SIOck

Stock

SIOck

SlOck

Data of Firat Commercial DaUvery

1988

1989

1988

Conunenta

Rackmount cerd (model
7258): $253; max. 16 per
rack

Rackmount card (Model
7271): $259; max. 16 per
rack

Rackmount card (Model
7273): $238; max.; 16 per
rack

Rackmount card (Model
7275) $268; max. 16
cards per rack

PrIcing and Availability

JANUARY 1991

1991 McGraw-Hili. Inc:orporated. Reproduction PrOhibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075. USA

Data Networking

3803

Protocol Conversion
S,atema:
Comparlaon Columna
Cod.. Speecl. Interfac.. and
AarnclSync Convertera

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Nu Data. Inc.

Nu D.... lnc.

Model

Davlee Type

Interface converter

ConveNlon Perlonnlld

R8-232-C to EIA-449/422

V.35 to EIA-449/422

R8-232-C to MIL 188

MIL 188 unbldanced to MIL
1BB-114A balanced

TrenIllllIl,lon Speclflcellon,
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

Up to 64K

Up to 2.D4BM

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did not specify
Asynchronous, synchronous

Nu Data. Inc.

Nu D.... Inc.

7282

Synchronization

Asynchronous. synchronous

Asynchronous, synchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Codes Supported

Transparsnt

Transparent

Trsnsparsnt

Interface

R8-232-C, V.2B, V.24,
ElA-449/422

V.35, EIA 4491422

R8-232-C, V.2B, V.24, MIL
188

MIL-188 unbalanced

SpecIIIc DevIce, Supported

Vendor did not spacify

Vendor did not specify

MIL-188-114A balanced

Connection, Supported

Dlrsct

Direct

Dlrsct

Direct

DI'linolltlc,

Stetus LEOs

Status LEOs

PrIcing end AVIIHIlblIIty
Purchase ($)

209

289

29B

32B

Ssrvlced by

Nu Data, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

Stock

Data of First Commercial Delivery

1988

Cornmenta

Rackmount card (Model
7277): $179; max. 16 per
19" rack

Rackmount card (Model
7279): $259; max. 16 per
rack

Rackmount card (Model
7291): $288; max. 16 per
rack

Rackmount card (Model
7293): $298; max. 1B per
rack

(
1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Ssrvlces Group. Delran NJ 06075 USA

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Convenlon
Syatema.
Comperlaon Columna
Code. Speed. Inte....ce. and
Aame/Sync Convertera

3503
Protocol Converters

Vendor

Nu Dm,1nc.

Model

7314

DevIce Type

Interface converter

ConverIIon Performed

Data Networking

Pelle Syetema, Inc.

PIIIntronlcll Futurecomma,
Inc.

PERLE Model 31

MlcroTURBO

Interface converter

Async/sync converter

Interface converter, cede
and speed converter,
async/sync converter

RS-232-C to current loop

R5-232-C to 20/80 mA
current loop

R5-232-C to Twinax

TnlnsmIllIon Specillcetloni
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

Vendor did not specify

Up to 19.2K

38.4K

Up to 19.2K

Synchronization

Asynchronous

Asynchronous, synchronous

Transmission Mode

Fun duplex

Full duplex

Vendor did not specify

Full duplex

Codes Supported

Transparent

ASCII, EBCDIC

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

Interface

R5-232-C, V.28, current
loop, V.24

RS-232-C

R5-232-C, V.24, X.21 bls,
R5-449, V.35

SpecItIc Device. Supported

Vendor did not specify

IBM 5251, 5291, 3180, 5224
Model 25, 5258, 5219

IBM SNA/SDLC,
3270,
BSC 2780/3780; Telex

Connections Support.d

Direct

Direct, leased lines,
dial-up

DIrect. leased lines,
diei-up

Dl8gnlllllCl

Status LEOs

PrIcIng IIIId AveII8b111ty
Purchase ($)

189

From 1,995

2,995

Serviced by

Nu Data, Inc.

Perle Systems, Inc.

PFI

Availability (days ARO)

Stock

21 to 28

Date of First Commercial Delivery

1988

1986

October 1990

December 1988

Internal/external loop,
20/80 rnA currant loop,
neutral or poler

Internal or external loop
supply

Replaces Perle Model 3 In
product line

OptIonal SNA to X.25 and
Telex to X.25 conversion;
compatible with PFl's
PAC.NET network meneger

Comm.nta

JANUARY 1991

NuD_lnc.

R5-232-C to V.35, RS-232-C

to R5-422

esc

1991 McGraw-HIli. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

3503

Protocol Conversion
Spam••
Comparlnn Column
Code, Spaed, Interf.ce, .nd
uync/Sync Converters

Protocol Converters

Vendor

PlantronlCil Futurecomml,
Inc.

PI.ntronlcl Futul'llCOmm..
Ine.

IIhIhtIIII Corp.

Model

N.noTURIO

PAC.25 TURBO

ShIll....

Device Type

Interlace converter. code
and speed converter.
async/sync converter

Intarlaee converter. code
and speed converter

Interlace converter

RS-232-C to V.35. RB-232-C

Vendor did not specify

RS-232-C to EIA-530 (MIL
STO 1111-114 Type 2)

Con_Ion Parlonned

RS-232-C to V.35. RS-232-C

to RS-422

eooo

to RS-422

Tellbyte Technology, Inc.

12-1/2

TranamlaBlon Specification.
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

Up to 19.2K

Up to 64K

19.2K

Synchronization

Asynchronous, synchronous

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

ASCII, EBCDIC

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

Interlace

RS-232-C, V.24, X.21 bls,
RS-449, V.35

RB-232-C, V.24, X.21 bis,
R5-449, V.35

RS-232-C

RS-232-C, EIA-530

Specltlc Davlce. Supported

IBM SNA/SDLC, esc 3270,
BSC 2780/3780; Telex

IBM (SNA/SDLC BSC 3270,
BSC 2780/3780; Telex

Vendor did

Connection. Supported

Direct, dial-up

Direct, leased lines,
dial-up

Direct, dial-up

Direct

DlagnoatiCII

Status LEOs

CRT error mesaagas

Vendor did not specify

PrIcIng and Ava.ablilty
Purchase ($)

1,995 Standard NanoTURBO

139

PFI

5,225 to 15,505, depending
on configuration
PFI

Contact vendor

Serviced by

TRW, Inc.

Telebyta Technology, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

not specify

Computars, printars,
tarmlnals, serial devices

21 to 28

Vendor did

not specify

Data of First Commercial Osllvery

February 1991

August 1987

Vendor did

not specify

Commanta

Optional SNA to X.25 and
Telex to X.25 conversion;
compatible with PFI's
PAC.NET network manager

Optional Features: SNA to
X.25 conversion, Telex to
X.25 conversion
(TLX.25 TURBO)

The 8000 Is a data
con_Ion system for data
transmission

Supports 10 Category I, and
3 Category II circuits

(
@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.

Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

Protocol Conv....lon
Sptemal
ComPII"aon Columna
Cod., SpHd, Interfa_, and
Aa,nc/Sync Conv....rs

3503
Protocol Converters

Data Networking

Vendor

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

Model

82-7/8

83-2

83-3/4

DevIce Type

Interface converter

ConveIWlon PerfornIecI

EIA-530 to RS-232-C (MIL
STO 188-114 Type 1)

RS-232-C to RS-422

RS-232-C to current loop

TI'IIMIIIIIIIon Specification.
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

lOOK

38.4K

Asynchronous

lOOK at 4000 feet; 1M at
360 feet
Asynchronous

9.8K

Synchronization

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Half duplex, full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII. EBCDIC. Baudot

Interface

RS-232-C. EIA-530

RS-232-C. RS-422

RS-232-C. current loop

SpecIfIc DevIcn Supported

Computers. printers.
terminals. serial devices

Connection. Supported

Direct

DillII-acs

Vendor did not specify

PIIeIng and Avellability
Purchase ($)

160

110

128

105

Serviced by

Telebyte Technology. Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

Vendor did not specify

Date of First Commercial Delivery

Vendor did not specify

Self-powered

Comments

JANUARY 1!!91

1991 McGraw-Hili. Incqrporated. Reprodl!ctian Pro/liblted.
Datapro Information Services Group. D~ran NJ 0807$ UaA

Data Networking

3503

Protocol Conv....lon
S,atema:
Comparison Columna
Cod., Speed, Int.rfac., and
Aa,nc/Sync Conv.rte...

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Telebyht Technology. Inc.

Telebyte Technology. Inc.

TeIebyht Technology. Inc.

Telebyte Technology. Inc.

Model

6.1

6.2

Device Type

Interface converter

Con_Ion Perfonned

RS·232·C to RS-485

RS·232-C to V.35

R8-232·C to MIL STD 18BC

RS·232·C to MIL STD 18BC

Transmlllion Speclflcatlonl
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

38.4K

56K, 64K, and above

19.2K

Synchronization

Asynchronous

Asynchronous, synchronous

Vendor did not specify

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

Half duplex

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

Interface

RS·232-C, R8-485

RS·232·C, V.SS

R8-232-C, MIL-8TD 188C

R8-232-C, MIL STD 18BC

Speclllc Device. Supported

Computers, printers,
terminals, serial devices

Connection. Supported

Direct

Dlegn08llc.

Stetus LEOs

Status LEOs

Vendor did not specify

Pricing end Availability
Purchase ($)

120

195

100

160

Serviced by

Tel&byte Technology, Inc.

Telebyte Technology, lne.

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

Vendor did not specify

Date of First Commercial Delivery

Vendor did not specify

Comments

(
1991 McGraW-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

3503

Protocol Converelon

Data Networking

S,etemal

Protocol Converters

Comparison Columne

Code, Speed, Interface, and

AaynC/.,nc Converte,.

Vendor

Telabyte Technology, Inc.

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

Talebyte Technology, Inc.

I ...

89-5

19-1

Interface converler

Interface converter

RS-232..c to MIL STD 188C

R8-232..c to MIL STD 188-114 RS-232..c to MIL-STD-188-114 RS-232-C to MIL STD 189-114

TrIInlllllulon SpecItIcIItIonI
Maximum TransmiSsion Speed (bps)

19.2K

38.4K

Synchronization

Synchronoull

Vendor did

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII. EBCDIC. Baudot

Interface

R8-232..c, MIL STD 188C

R8-232..c. MIL STD 188-114

RS-232..c. MIL-8TD-188-114

Vendor did not specify

SpecIfIc DevI_ Supported

Computers. printers.
terminals. serial devices

ComectIoI.. 8upparted

Direct

DIagnoa1Ica

Vendor did not specify

PrIcIng and Availability
Purchase ($)

T. . . . Technology, Inc.

not specify

38.4K

Asynchronous

Synchronous

195

140

250

325

Serviced by

Telebyte Technology. Inc.

Talebyte Technology. Inc.

Telebyte Technology. Inc.

Availability (deys ARO)

Vendor did

not specify

Vendor did not specify

Date 01 First Commercial Delivery

Vendor did not specify

Commante

JANUARY 1991

1991 McGraw-Hili. Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

3503

Protocol Con......on

.,..m••
Com...rI.on Column.

Protocol Convertars

Cod., ....ed. I....r f _••nc1

Aavnc/.ync eonv.rten

r:,'!

:
\

Vendor

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

Model

121

281

282

DevIce Type

Interlace converter

Interface converter

Interlace converter

Interface converter

ConveNlon PerlonnecI

R8-232-C to

R8-232-C to RS-422

R8-232-C to R8-422

Tranamleelon Speclllcatlona
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

38.4K

SynchronlzaUon

Aaynchroncus

Asynchronous

Transmission Mode

Half duplex. full duplex

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudo!

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

Interlace

R8-232-C, current loop

RS-422

R8-232-C, R8-422

R8-232-C, RS-422

Specific DevIcH Supported

Computers, printers,
terminals, serial devices

Connection. Supported

Direct

Vendor did not specify

Direct

Dlagno.Uc.

Stetus LEOs

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did

current loop

not

specify

PrIcIng and Avanability
Purchase ($)

195

150

138

Serviced by

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

Telebyte TechnolOgy, Inc.

Telebyte Technology, Inc.

Availability (days ARO)

Vendor did not specify

Date 01 First Commercial Delivery

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did

Vendor did not specify

Vendor did

Comonente

not

specify

not

specify

Optlcelly Isolated

(
@ 1991 McGraw-Hili, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datapro Information Sarvices Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

3503

Protocol Conv....lon

Data Networking

S,a.ma:
Comperlaon Columna

Protocol Converters

Cod., Speed, Int.rface, end
Alayne/Sync Conv.rte...

Inc.

TeleProceealng Productll,
Inc.

T.I.Proceealng Productll,

Inc.
TP-200

TP-200M

TP-201

TP-3&O

DevIce Type

Async/sync converter

Asyne!sync converter

Async/sync converter

Interface converter

Converalon Perfonned

Aeync to sync with speed
matching

Async to sync with speed
matching; Row control

Async to sync

R8-232-C to V.SS, or V.35 to
RS-232-C

Trenlmlallon ~
Maximum Transmission Speed (bps)

19.2K

9.8K

9.6K; optional 19.2K

To lOOK
Asynchronous, synchronous

Vendor

T"'--"ng ProdUCll,

T...Procell/ng ProdUC18

Inc.

Synchronization

Asynchronous, synchronous

Transmission Mode

Half duplex, full duplex

Full duplax

Half duplex, full duplex

Cod.. Supported

ASCII

ASCII (7, 8, or 9 bits)

ASCII, 7 or 8 bits; 9 bH
optional

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

Interface

R8-232-C

RS-232-C

RS-232-C, V.SS

Specific DevI_ Supported

Aaync DTE, sync DOE

Async DTE; asyne or sync
DCE

Async DTE, syne DOE

Async DTE, sync DCE

Dirac!, async DTE, and sync
DOE/R8-232-C

Dlal-up, async to sync
DCE/R8-232-C

DIrac!, async DTE, sync
DOE/RS-232-C

Vendor did not specify

DlIIfIIIOItiCI

Loopbecks

Status LEDs, loopbecks,
remotstssts

Vendor did not specify

Ststus LEDs, loopbacks

Pricing and AvaHIbIHty
Purchase ($)

395 for quantity of 1-9

735 for quantity of 1-9

295 for quantity of 1-9

450 for quantity of 1-9

Avallabliity (days ARO)

TeleProcessing Products,
Inc.
30

TeleProoosslng Products,
Inc.
30

TeleProcessing Products,
Inc.
30

Date of First Commercial Delivery

1978

1981

1984

1979

Commente

Auxiliary AC power cord
available; speed matching
stsndard; 3K charactsr
buffer

Control signal option for
controlled cerner
applications; direct dial
emulation option

Auxiliary AC power adapter
optional; 9-blt option
available

May be used wHh our
TP-2002 Une Driver to
extend R8-232-C interface
to up to 2000 feet, at up to
9600 bps; available in
both stendalone and
rack mounted versions

ServIosd by

JANUARY 1991

1991 McGraw-HIli, Incorpcratsd. Reproduction Prohibited.
Datspro Information Sarvlces Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

Data Networking

3503

Protocol Conv.,.lon
Systemsl
Comparison Columns
Cod.,Spaed,lnhHf.c.,.nd
Async/Sync Convert.,.

Protocol Converters

Vendor

Tru Sotlworka, Inc.

VIR,lnc.

Model

VM DIeI Out

MIU-303

MIU·530

MIU·530/V.35

DIIvIcII Type

Code and speed converter

Interface converter

ConY8ra1on Performed

3270 to async

AT&T 303

RS·449 or EIA·530 to
R5-232-C

RS-449 or EIA-530 to V.35

T.....IIDI_lon Speclftc.uMaximum Transmission Speed (bps)

Vendor did not specify

Synchronlzatlon

Asynchronous

Synchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

Interface

R5-232-C

RS-232-C, V.35, 303

R5-449, EIA-530 or R5-422

V.35, RS-449, RS-422

Specific DIIvIcIII Supported

Any 327G-compatlble device

Vendor did not specify

ConIHICIIoM Supported

Dirac!, leased lines,
dlal-up

DIrac!, dial-up

Dirac!, dlsl-up

DIrac!, dial-up

Dlagnoatlca

Stetus LEOs; date scope
bullt In; self-test

Status LEOs, optional
monitor port

Stetus LEOs

Stetus LEOs, opIIonal
monitor port

Prlclnll Ind AVIII.bUlly
Purchase ($)

9,000-20,000

Serviced by

Trax Softworks, Inc.

610 for standalone version;
BOO for rackmount version
VIR

450 standalone version;
435 rackmount veralon
VIR

450 stendalone veralon;
435 rackmount veralon
VIR

Availability (days ARO)

Vendor did not specify

Dsta of First Commercial Delivery

December, 1982

Vendor did not specify

2nd quarter of 1990

10 speed seleCIor; uses
Internal or external clock

10 speed seleClor; uses
Internal or external clock

10 speed selections; uses
Internal or external clock

ComIlllHlta

(
1991 McGraw·HIII, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohlbijed.
Datepro Information Services Group. Delran NJ 08075 USA

JANUARY 1991

3503

Protocol Converalon

Data Networking

Svatema;
Comparison Columna
Code, Speed. Inte".ce, .nd

Protocol Converters

Aaync/Sync Converters

VIR, Inc.

WaU Data, Inc.

MIU-V.H

MIU·X.21

DATAQATE/COfICentr8ta

Interface converter

Code and speed converter

R8-232-C to V.35

R8-232-C to X.21, V-35 to
X.21, R8-422 to X.21

Single RS-232-C port to
multiple R8-232-C

Tranllllllalon 8pacIfIcatIone
Maximum Tranemleslon Speed (bps)

Vendor did not spectfy

Vendor did not epecIfy

9.6K

Synchronization

Synchronous

Transmission Mode

Full duplex

Codes Supported

ASCII, EBCDIC, Baudot

EBCDIC

Interface

R8-232-C, V.SS

R8-232-C, R8-422

RS-232-C

8pecItIc DevIcH Supportad

Vendor did not specify

IBM 3274, 3276, 5294,
5251-12

ConnectIone Supported

Direct, dial-up

Direct, leasad linas,
dlal·up

DlaIlIlOlllcl

Stetus LEOS, optional
monitor port

Status LEOS, optional
monitor port

Remote testa

450 for standalone version;
435 for rackmount version
VIR

7,495

Serviced by

450 standalone version;
435 raei
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