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C23-695-101
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters

daIapro
ANALYSIS
UPDATE: Since our last report on the PCl SmartNet Protocol Converters. PCl has dropped the Series 1000 PADs
which performed protocol conversion. PCl is marketing the
Series 2000. 3000. and 4000 PADs that have been enhanced
with SNA connectivity. These products will be covered in
Datapro Reports on Data Communications' PAD tab. PCl
has added the SmartNet 376 to its line. a protocol converter
that is used in place of an IBM 3X7413X76 to allow asynchronous devices access to 3270-based applications across
an X25 network.

(

To broaden its range of network solutions, Telematics International Inc., a wide area networking company that specializes in data switching, acquired Protocol Computers
Incorporated in July 1986. One of the original developers
of protocol conversion technology, PCI has contended in
the protocol conversion market since 1976. PCI manufactures high-performance protocol converters and X.25
communications products to link ASCII asynchronous
equipment to IBM mainframes and system 3X host computers and to provide a gateway to wide area networks,
data PBXs, and packet switched networks. It also markets
communications software for micro-to-mainframe file
transfer applications.
Within its SmartNet X.25 Series, PCI markets the SmartNet 2000, 3000, and 4000 Series. These PADs perform
asynchronous, muitiprotocol, and SNA switching functions.
PCI's protocol conversion products include the SmartNet
276, SmartNet 376, and SmartNet 5250/T. All SmartNet

VENDOR: PCI, Inc., 26630 Augoura Road, Calabasas, California 91302-1988. Telephone (818)
880-5704.
MODELS: SmartNet 276-ASCII-to-3270 SNA/
SDLC protocol converter; SmartNet 376 async
3270/X.25; SmartNet 5250/T-async to IBM
34/36/38 via twinax.
TRANSMISSION RATES: On the host side, primary rates range from 900 to 19.2K bps, while
primary rates on the terminal side are 19.2K bps.
COMPETITION: In protocol conversion market:
IBM, Local Data, Lee Data/Data Stream.
PRICING: $2,650 to $8,570 (SmartNet 276);
$2,925 (SmartNet 5250/T).
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
PAGE
Market Position ............................... 1 02
SPECIFICATIONS ................................ 102
PRICING ............................................. 103

(short for "smart networking") protocol converters offer
dial-in, dialback security; full IBM screen emulation; extensive file transfer capabilities that are compatible with
IBM's resident host software programs; and the most necessary ingredient, field upgradability. All SmartNet products are available in desktop or rack-mountable versions.
PCl's SmartNet customers include Fortune 1000 companies, small-end users, original equipment manufacturers,
value-added resellers, and value-added distributors. The
products currently address the following markets: financial, insurance, manufacturing, government, communications, transportation, medical, education, small business,
and automotive.

PRODUCT EVALUATION

PCI offers a broad line of conversion products and is,
therefore, an excellent source for prospective buyers whose
needs are specialized or varied. As one of the first companies in the protocol conversion market, PCI is experienced
in researching and developing conversion technologies,
which can be difficult to implement. One of the company's
strongest advantages is its established position in the marketplace.
PC/'s SmartNet 276 is an ASCII-to-SNA 3270 protocol converter that allows ASCII terminals. printers. and IBM Personal
Computers to attach to IBM SNA networks as 3278 displays.

NOVEMBER 1989

Those contemplating the use of PCI converters should
note that different models handle different conversion re-

C23-695-102

Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters
quirements. This can pose a problem for networks that use
several different protocols simultaneously. A few conversion systems provide line concentration and multiple protocol capability, whereby several different types of
emulations are available on software modules loaded from
an IBM host to the converter. In some cases, it is cheaper
to install a multi protocol converter than a variety of converters, each handling a separate emulation. The major
disadvantage of a multiconversion unit, however, is the
extensive host-based programming involved in defining
parameters for its operation. There are trade-offs in installing a multiprotocol converter instead of a variety of different units, and users need to analyze network requirements
carefully in terms of both types of products.

downloading to the Macintosh, the contents of System/3X
and AS/400 files can be filtered on the host. This procedure supports the use of popular database software such as
Excel, Jazz, Multiplan, and 4th Generation. Users can perform record searches on the host omine, thereby freeing
them to undertake other interactive functions.

MARKET POSITION

In June 1989, PCI introduced the SmartLink 52501
MacCOM software. With this product, PCI has achieved
an industry first: providing full-function connectivity between the Macintosh and IBM midrange systems without
requiring hardware add-ons to the Macintosh workstation.

PCI is one of the leading vendors in the protocol conversion market. Although IBM's entry into the market
strongly affected the sales of smaller vendors, PCI is holding its own. PCI is unique-it is one of the few vendors
that specializes in a particular data communications technology. The company has researched and developed protocol conversion technology since 1980, when only
Industrial Computer Controls, Inc. (later purchased by
Micom) offered significant competition. This experience
is PCI's strongest competitive advantage.

SmartLink 5250/MacCOM will appeal to many users because they will be able to retrieve IBM system files and
merge the data into Macintosh applications. Since the software supports the Macintosh user interface, the connections to IBM systems are transparent. In addition, prior to

Since its alignment with Telematics, PCl has branched out
into the X.25 equipment market, where there is much activity and profit potential. PCI is positioned well in the
X.25 equipment market, which is a natural extension of
the company's existing product line.

SPECIFICATIONS
MODELS: SmartNet 276; SmartNet Series 376, and
SmartNet 5250/T.
DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: SmartNet Series 200March 1985; SmartNet 5250/T-March 1987.
DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: SmartNet Series 200March 1985; SmartNet 5250/T-March 1987.
SERVICED BY: PCI, Inc.

MODELS
SmartNet 276: This model is an asynchronous 3270 cluster
controller that provides connectivity for asynchronous terminals, personal computers, printers, and plotters to an
IBM 3270 SNA host. Asynchronous devices attached to
the SmartNet 276 can make use of host applications that
support full-screen 3270 displays and printers. Devices
that would have to connect through the Network Terminal
Option (NTO) licensed program running on an IBM 3705
or 3725 communications controller can communicate
through SmartNet 276 to IBM host applications.
PCI equips the 276 with up to 32 ports to support the attachment oflocal and remote ASCII devices, which appear
to an IBM SNA host as IBM 3270 displays and printers.
Users can attach the SmartNet 276 remotely to an IBM

host via synchronous modems on a multidrop SNAlSDLC
line with other controllers or directly attach it to an IBM
37X5 without a modem at speeds up to 19,200 bits per
second. Either attachment occurs through an RS-232-C
connection.
The unit supports most asynchronous displays, including
IBM 3101 and Digital VT 100. In graphics mode, the
SmartNet 276 supports many ASCII graphics terminals,
such as Tektronix displays. Users can access SASI
GRAPH, PLOT-lO, DISSPLA and TELE-A-GRAPH, and
DI 3000 applications through the same SmartNet 276 that
supports nongraphic terminals. SmartNet 276 supports almost any ASCII serial printer and appears to the host as an
IBM 328X printer. Users can directly connect printers to
the 276 or attach them to a display auxiliary port.

SmartNet 376: This model is a protocol converter that is
used in place of an IBM 3X74/3X76 to provide asynchronous devices with access to 3270-based applications across
an X.25 network. An SNA host supports SmartNet 376
through a front end equipped with the NCP packetswitching interface, or through a public or private X.25
network. Instead of the NCP interface, the host computer
can use a SmartNet 1200 Host SNA PAD as a front end.
The 376 supports a full-duplex HDLC link with LAPB

NOVEMBER 1989

C23-695-1 03

Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters

link-level protocol at speeds up to 19.2K bps. Its display
and printer support are the same as those of the 276.
SmartNet 5250/T: This model provides a fully compatible
twinax interface for connecting up to seven asynchronous
devices to an IBM System 34/36/38 or 5294 without necessitating an additional investment in IBM communications
hardware or software. Local and remote displays can communicate with IBM 5291, 5292 (Model 01), and 3180
(Model 2) System 34-/36-/38-based application programs
without any host reprogramming.

SmartNet 5250/T attaches to the System 34/36/38 or IBM
5294 via a standard two-conductor shielded twinax cable.
Users can place the 5250/T up to 5,000 feet from the host
in an arrangement that allows other twinax workstations
that are connected upstream to share the twinax cable. The
unit supports most popular asynchronous displays, such as
IBM 316113162/3163/3164 and Digital VTl 001VT200.
Video and editing support allow the user to connect 132column/27 line asynchronous displays to emulate IBM
3180 Model 2 terminals. The 5250/T also provides sevencolor support to enable asynchronous color displays to emulate IBM 5292 Model 01 terminals.
Transmission Specifications
The SmartNet 276 provides up to 32 physical RS-232-C
ports that offer simultaneous support for any combination
of up to 32 ASCII terminals, PCs, and printers attached
directly or remotely via modems at speeds from 300 to
19,200 bps using even, odd, or no parity. PCs or terminals
can also access SmartNet 276 via any port contention device capable of accepting an RS-232-C signal and selecting
a port on the 276, such as switches, PBXs, or CBXs.
The SmartNet 376 supports a full-duplex HDLC link with
LAPB link-level protocol at speeds up to 19.2K bps.
The SmartNet 5250/T supports asynchronous data rates
up to 19.2K bps.
Device Control
To set up and configure the SmartNet 276, SmartNet 376,
and SmartNet 5250/T, the user follows factory default parameters to connect the system online. Full-screen 3278style configuration menus facilitate the reconfiguration of
the devices from the control port. All configuration parameters are stored in nonvolatile memory to be protected
from power outages.

NOVEMBER 1989

The 5250/T provides asynchronous-to-IBM System 34/36/38
conversion via twinax cable. The unit emulates the IBM 3180.
5219. 525.5291. or 5292 display stations.

Software
SmartLink 5250/MacCOM: Used in conjunction with the
SmartNet 5250/T, SmartLink 5250/MacCOM connects
Apple Macintosh workstations to IBM AS/400 and
System/3X midrange systems. It supports interactive
transactions, bidirectional file transfers, and editing between the two systems. SmartLink 5150/MacCOM provides full-function connectivity between the Macintosh
and IBM midrange systems without requiring hardware
add-ons to the Macintosh workstation.
Users can connect the Macintosh through its standard
asynchronous serial port to the 5250/T and achieve the
effect of a Macintosh emulating an IBM 5291 twinax terminal. In addition to supporting both direct cabling and
dial-in connections, an asynchronous gateway can connect
Macintosh stations networked via an AppleTalk LAN. In
this mode, each Macintosh can perform multiple sessions
with the host.
Since SmartLink 5250/MacCOM fully supports the Macintosh user interface, connection to IBM systems is user
transparent. Contents of System/3X and AS/400 files can
be filtered on the host before downloading to the Macintosh. To free the Macintosh for other interactive tasks, users can perform record searches on the host offline. The
Macintosh printer can be configured to output System/3X
and AS/400 listings, text, or spreadsheets.

PRICING
The SmartNet 276 with 8 asynchronous ports costs $2,650
and with 32 asynchronous ports, $8,570. The SmartNet
5250/Twith seven asynchronous ports costs $2,925. SmartLink PC File Transfer Communications Software costs
$95, and SmartLink 5250/MacCOM costs $1,200. 0

C23-695-101
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters
daIapto
ANALYSIS
UPDATE: Holding 27 percent of the installed base of
protocol converters at IBM/PCM mainframe sites (according to a Computer Intelligence Corporation study),
PCI is a major vendor in the protocol conversion arena.
With the introduction in 1985 the SmartNet Series 1000
packet assembler/disassemblers (PADs) that perform protocol conversion, PCI also entered the X.25 PAD market.
Covered in this report are PCl's top SmartNet protocol
conversion products, as well as the SmartNet 1000 units.
To broaden its range of network solutions, Telematics,
International Inc., a wide area networking company that
specializes in data switching, acquired Protocol Computers Incorporated in July 1986. One of the original developers of protocol conversion technology, CI has
contended in the protocol conversion market since 1976.
Before the acquisition, however, PCI was losing ground to
IBM and other competitors. PCl's rivals quickly scooped
up shares of the conversion market once they introduced
products. Since the acquisition, Protocol Computers, now
officially called PCI, Incorporated, is spending more on
marketing communications and expanding its customer
support. According to PCI, as of January 1987, more than
20,000 of its protocol converters are installed worldwide.
PCI manufactures high-performance protocol converters
and X.25 communication products linking ASCII asynchronous equipment to IBM mainframes and System/3X
host computers to provide a gateway to wide area networks, data PBXs, and packet switched networks. It also
markets communications software for micro-to-mainframe fIle transfer applications.

VENDOR: PCI, Incorporated, 26630 Augoura
Road, Calabasas, California 91302-1988. Telephone (818) 880-5704, (800) 423-5904.
MODELS: SmartNet 251-ASCII to IBM 34/36/
38 SNA/SDLC protocol converter; SmartNet
271-ASCII to 3270 bisync protocol converter;
SmartNet 276-ASCII to 3270 SNA/SDLC protocol converter; SmartNet 1200-X.25 to 3270
SNA host packet assembler/disassembler
(HPAD); SmartNet 1300-3270 SNA to X.25 terminal PAD (TPAD); SmartNet 1500-ASCII to
X.25 PAD; SmartNet 5250/T-async to IBM 34/
36/38 via twinax.
TRANSMISSION RATES: On the host side, primary rates range from 900 to 19.2K bps, while primary rates on the terminal side are 19.2K bps.
COMPETITION: In protocol conversion market:
18M, Local Data, Lee Data/Data Stream. In the
PAD market: General Datacomm.
PRICING: Ranges from $1,050 for the SmartNet
1500 with one X.25 link and one asynchronous
port to $9,700 for any SmartNet 200 Series model
with 32 asynchronous ports.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
PAGE
Product Evaluation ........................... 102
Market Position ................................ 104
SPECIFICATIONS ................................. 105
PRICING ........ ........ .......... .......... .......... 108

PCI's hottest protocol conversion products are the SmartNet Series 200 and SmartNet 5250/T. All SmartNet (short
for "smart networking") protocol converters offer dial-in,
dial-back security; full IBM screen emulation; extensive
fIle transfer capabilities that are compatible with IBM's
resident host software programs; and the most necessary
ingredient, field upgradability. All SmartNet products are
available in desktop or rackmountable versions.
The SmartNet 200 converters feature program packs that
slide into a slot on a basic enclosure.SmartNet 200 offers
network management capabilities and security features,
which are generally not available on protocol converters.
For all SmartNet 200 units, an option called SmartLink
lets those using an IBM PC to transfer data fIles to and
from System 34/36/38 computers and allocate, delete, and
rename fIles on the PC's diskette.

PCl's SmartNet 276 is an ASCII-to-SNA 3270 protocol converter that allows ASCII terminals, printers, and IBM Personal Computers to attach to IBM SNA networks as 3278
displays.
DECEMBER 1987

Included in the SmartNet 200 line is the SmartNet 251, an
ASCII-to-SDLC converter that emulates an IBM 5251-12

C23-695-102
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters
SNA/SDLC cluster controller and allows asynchronous
ASCII devices to access a System 34/36/38. The desktop
unit supports up to eight physical devices and one floating-point logical unit. The SmartNet 251 MSU supports
up to 32 asynchronous devices.
Also in the Smartnet 200 family is the SmartNet 271, an
ASCII-to-bisync converter that provides IBM 3271 controller emulation, permitting the use of ASCII peripherals
in a bisync network. The desktop 171 supports up to
seven ASCII devices, allowing them to emulate standard
3270 bisync terminals. The 271 MSU supports up to 32
asynchronous workstations. The SmartNet 276, emulating
an IBM 3274/76 SNA/SDLC Physical Unit Type 2 cluster
controller, supports 18 concurrent IBM Logical Units
(LUs) and 32 user proftles; a separate ASCII port supports
control-console functions. The 276 MSU offers up to 32
asynchronous links.

(NPSI) front-end software and converts messages from the
host into X.25 packets, which are sent via a virtual path
through the X.25 network. The 1200 maintains up to eight
virtual circuits through the X.25 network. It presents data
to its SDLC host by appearing to the host as one or more
3274/6 control units communicating over a point-to-point
or multipoint line.
The 1300 Terminal PAD, designed to interface with SNA/
SDLC terminal controllers, lets attached SDLC cluster
controllers communicate with up to three SDLC hosts
through an X.25 network. Each 1300 supports up to three
IBM 3274/6-type controllers in a multidrop configuration.
The 1300 maintains a virtual circuit through the X.25
network to a companion SmartNet 1200 HPAD at each
host site. The 1200 presents the data to its host from the
SDLC controller.s connected via the 1300s as if they were
attached on a point-to-point multipoint line. (See Figure
1.)

The SmartNet 5250jT (twinax) protocol converter provides a fully compatible twinax interface for connecting
up to seven asynchronous devices to an IBM System/3X
or 5294 cluster controller without additional IBM communications hardware or software. Attached to the host
(or dual hosts) via a standard two-conductor shielded
twinax cable, the 5250/T can be located up to 5,000 feet
from the System 34/36/38 with other twinax workstations
connected upstream sharing the twinax cable. The 5250/T
has 512K bytes of memory and supports up to seven serial
async devices and one parallel printer. It emulates IBM
5291; 5292-01; 3180-2 displays, and 5256, 5219, and 3812
printers. Like the Smartnet 200 converters, the 5250/T
supports PCl's SmartLink PC file transfer option.
While PCI originally specialized in protocol converters,
the company also recognized other industry needs. Products that transmit data from different geographical areas
through either private data communications networks or
public X.25 packet data networks (PDNs) such as Datapac, Tymnet, Telenet, Accunet, and Transpac were required. To fill this need, PCI has developed the SmartNet
1000/2000/3000 products. The Series 2000 and 3000 feature higher end functions, such as switching capabilities,
and work with a PC AT-based network management system that controls multiple SmartNet 2000 and 3000 communications processors in an X.25 network. Those
products, the most actively marketed of PCI's Packet Assembler/Disassemblers (PADs), will be covered in a separate report in the near future. Covered in this report is the
SmartNet 1000 family of three PADs. Models 1200 and
1300 provide SNA/host or terminal X.25 packet data network access.
The 1200 Host PAD attaches to an IBM host; Model 1300
supports SNA/SDLC controllers. Used in conjunction, the
Model 1200 only accepts calls, while the 1300 both initiates and accepts calls. The Model 1200 unit, an integrated SNA/SDLC-to-X.25 converter and PAD, is used in
place of IBM's Network Packet Switching Interface

The third product in the 1000 Series is the SmartNet 1500.
Unlike the SNA-to-X.25 1200 and 1300, this unit is a
basic asynchronous PAD that connects asynchronous devices to X.25 networks and performs the opposite conversion as well. The unit is available in one-, three-, five-, or
seven-asynchronous port versions, all of which support
one X.25 link. The unit is best used to connect PC users
and remote offices to PDNs. It is fully compatible with
SmartNet 2000 and 3000 networking products and supports X.3, X.28, X.29, X.121, and X.25 CCITT Recommendations. The unit may accept or reject incoming calls
with reverse charging.
PCI's SmartNet customers include Fortune 1000 companies, small-end users, original equipment manufacturers,
value-added resellers, and value-added distributors. The
products currently address the following markets: financial, insurance, manufacturing, government, communications, transportation, medical, education, small business,
and automotive.

PRODUCT EVALUATION
PCI offers a broad line of conversion products and is,
therefore, an excellent source for prospective buyers
whose needs are specialized or varied. As one of the first
companies in the protocol conversion market, PCI is experienced in researching and developing conversion technologies, which can be tricky and difficult to implement.
One of the company's strongest advantages is its established position in a marketplace ftlled with relative newcomers.
With the SmartNet Series, PCI entered the wide area
networking market, which is now far more volatile than
the protocol converter market. Several large data communications equipment vendors, such as Memotec, are entrenched in the PAD market, and PCI faces stiff
competition in selling these products. PCl's Series 1000

DECEMBER 1987

C23-695-103
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters

IBM
MAllifRAME
HOST

IBI'I
52941

5250

37X5
SMARTIIET

1300
SNA

3270/3770

IBM
3274

SMARTIIET

1200

)( 25

X 25

.... I'IE

SNRnET

1200
X.2~

SMART In
1300

5250
SNA

(

IBM
SYSTEM
34/36/38

SOLC

PCI 276

IBM
3214
ASYNC

Figure 1. Shown above is a typical application using the SmartNet Series 1000 units and the SmartNet 276. Also in the network is
the SmartNet 2600, a switching Packet Assembler/Disassembler (PAD) that provides asynchronous-to-X.25 protocol conversion.

units are unique in that they allow ASCII or SNA/SDLC
devices to communicate through the X.25 network with
IBM SDLC hosts. PCI sources say that it is the richness of
features and functionality that makes the SmartNet products competitive with the larger companies' offerings.
Those contemplating the use of PCI converters should
note that different models handle different conversion
requirements. This can pose a problem for networks that
use several different protocols simultaneously. A few conversion systems provide line concentration and multiple
protocol capability, whereby several different types of emulations are available on software modules loaded from
an IBM host to the converter. In some cases, it is cheaper

DECEMBER 1987

to install a multiprotocol converter than a variety of converters, each handling a separate emulation. The major
disadvantage of installing a multiconversion unit, however, is the extensive host-based programming involved in
defining parameters for its operation. There are trade-offs
in installing a multiprotocol converter instead of a variety
of different units, and users need to analyze network requirements carefully in terms of both types of products.
An area in which PCI can improve its field service, which

users have complained in the past. PCI is aware of the
service problem, and since Telematics acquired the company, improving service is being emphasized. The company has expanded both its customer support and its

C23-695-104
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNetProtocol Converters

The 5250/T provides asynchronous-to-IBM System 34/36/38
conversion via twinax cable. The
unit emulates the IBM 3180,5219,
525, 5291, or 5292 display stations.

expanded hardware/software development and is trying to
respond quicker to customer problems.

MARKET POSITION
According to a Computer Intelligence Corporation survey
of the installed base of protocol converters at IBM/PCM
mainframe sites, PCI is one of the top vendors, holding 27
percent of the market. PCI was stronger in the early 1980s
when the market was hot, with predictions that 1983 revenues would double in 1984. That, however, was not the
case. Sales have eroded and all the major protocol converter vendors felt the pinch. Strong competition also
threatens PCI's secure position in the protocol conversion
market. IBM poses the biggest challenge to all protocol
conversion manufacturers, because most conversions involve the IBM network. Users of IBM mainframes and
older bisync equipment can now have a one-vendor solution when purchasing protocol converters.
PCI is unique in that it is one of the few vendors that
specialize in a particular data communications technology. The company researched and developed protocol
conversion technology since 1980, when only Industrial
Computer Controls, Inc. (later purchased by Micom) offered significant competition. It is this experience that
marks PCI's strongest competitive advantage. Although
PCI now faces competition from a growing number of
vendors, the company has the largest base of converters
today, and it offers the broadest line of converters available from one source. Since being aligned with Telematics,
PCI has branched out into the X.25 equipment market,
where there is much activity and profit potential. PCI is
positioned well in the X.25 equipment market, which is a
natural extension of the company's existing product line.
To strengthen its financial position, PCI has aggressively
sought agreements with other companies to distribute,
OEM, or sell PCI converters under private labels. The

acquisition by Telematics has already strengthened the
company's marketing efforts. Telematics recently announced that for the first nine months of 1987, revenues
were $29.4 million, as compared to $15.5 million during
the same period in 1986, an increase of about 90 percent.
According to John Pitt, chairman, president, and chief
executive officer of Telematics, "Although the recent
sharp, general decline in the value of equity securities in
the world's stock markets have been unsettling, Telematics remains a fundamentally sound company with a positive long-term business outlook."

APPLICATIONS PROFILE
We interviewed two PCI Series 200 protocol converter
users, both of whom were impressed with the products'
performance, ease of use, and reliability.
The first person interviewed is an employee in one of the
top 12 banks in the United States who was directly involved in purchasing the product. The bank needed an
async-to-SNA converter with a minimum of eight ports
and the capability to do protocol conversion for hard copy
printing. The protocol converter also had to support local
and remote reconfiguration and an auto speed-detect
function. After doing a lengthy decision analysis of several
protocol converters, including IBM products, she decided
to purchase PCI's Models 276 and 251 units because they
met most of the bank's criteria. The SmartNet Series 200
products were installed in the bank's network over a year
ago. The only criteria that neither the IBM nor PCI converters could meet was the support of a response-time
monitoring function. The user said that while both vendors claimed their products could support the function,
the units did not do so in a workable manner. In evaluating IBM's products against PCl's, the user said she decided that "protocol conversion just wasn't IBM's
business. To get an answer to my questions was like pulling teeth."

DECEMBER 1987

C23·695·105
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters

(

Currently, there are three Model 276s and one Model 251
in the bank's network, and a third model will be put in at a
remote site in the near future. The units give the company's
employees dial in access to their electronic mail or access to
the network from home. Customers also use the SmartNet
200s for cash-management applications, dialing in through
a PC with Crosstalk software. The SmartNets support
about 200 users, although not simultaneously.
The user has experienced no hardware problems since the
units were installed. She called them "super reliable," but
said that the setup wasn't easy, since the operator's manual didn't reflect the firmware release she had. She assumed the problem came from the fact that PCI was in the
process of rewriting the documentation to address the
newer firmware.
Commenting on technical support, the interviewee said
that PCl's technical support staff has only a few excellent
people, but such a situation is to be expected, since PCI is
a small company. However, response time on calls has
always been good, with a callback time ranging between
30 and 45 minutes from the time a call for assistance is
placed.
She said SmartNet 200 protocol converters are easy to use
because they are flexible, reliable, easy to configure, and
menu driven. Also, the units are "security conscious";
those with privileged access always get a fixed terminal
identification, eliminating the need to dedicate ports to
priority users.
"Based on our lengthy evaluation, I feel pretty confident
that we went with about the best [protocol converter] out
there. We are really happy with them. We wouldn't be

expanding if we weren't. PCI just needs to beef up its
technical support," she concluded.
The second user, who works for a data processing (DP)
service facility, said he agreed that PC's converters are
reliable products. "They're very straightforward and we've
had no problems with them." His company has used PCI
products since August 1984. "Back then," the user told us,
"they were the only ones on the market to handle graphics," the main application for which they were purchased. Having had good experiences with the 1076
models, the company purchased three 8-port SmartNet
276s about a year ago, also for graphics applications. Currently, approximately 100 ditTerent users dial into the DP
service, with a few dozen using the SmartNet 276 simultaneously.
He noted that the products "don't just install themselves;
you have to read the documentation. Earlier, the documentation was sketchy, but, since the spring of 1986, it's
been very accurate." The user said that since the installation, he hasn't had one problem with the 276. "Early
versions like the 1076 had quirks," he said, but he
couldn't think of one Model 276 weakness.
The user rated company's service "acceptable." He commented, "During the purchase by Telematics, customer
service went downhill, but since then, the service has been
just fine."
In a final evaluation of the SmartNet 276, the user said
that PCI's graphics development and support are very
strong. "I'm very happy with its reliability, and it gets the
job done, which other boxes may not do. KMW and Local
Data have boxes that appear to do graphics, but once we
were shown that PCI can do the job, we haven't looked at
anything else."

SPECIFICATIONS
MODELS: SmartNet Series 200-Models 251, 271, and
276; SmartNet Series 1000-Models 1200, 1300, and
1500; and SmartNet 5250/T.
DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: SmartNet Series 200March 1985; SmartNet 1200 and 1300 and SmartNet 5250/
T-March 1987; SmartNet 1500-February 1987.
DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: SmartNet Series 200March 1985; SmartNet 1200, 1300, and 1500 and SmartNet 5250/T-March 1987.
NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: SmartNet Series
00-7,000; SmartNet Series 1000-853; SmartNet 5250/
T-780.
SERVICED BY: PCI, Incorporated.

with IBM 370 and System 34/36/38 host computers.
Models within the series include the following:
• SmartNet 2S1: a protocol converter supporting ASCIIto-SNA/SDLC conversion, allowing ASCII terminals,
printers, and IBM PCs to attach to IBM System/3X as
5251-11 displays and 5256-3 printers.

MODELS

• SmartNet 271: a protocol converter supporting ASCIIto-bisync conversion, allowing ASCII terminals, printers,and IBM PCs to attach to IBM SNA networks as
3277 or 3278 terminals; the 271 emulates the IBM 3271
or 3274 controller. The 271 performs all the functions of
the SmartNet 276 (listed below), but is used with bisynchronous hosts.

SmartNet Series 200 protocol converters allow for the
connectivity of asynchronous terminals, PCs, and printers

• SmartNet 276: a protocol converter supporting ASCIIto-SNA/SDLC conversion,allowing ASCII CRTs, print-

DECEMBER 1987

C23-695-106
Protocol. Conversion
Systems

PCI· SmartNet Protocol Converters

i The SmartNet 1200 is an SNA Host Packet Assembler/
'Disassembler (HPAD) that converts an SNA/SDLC datato CCITT X.25 for transmission across a Packet Data
Istream
Network. An application of the unit can be seen in Figure 1.

ers, and IBM PCs to attach to IBM SNA networks
appearing to the host as 3278 displays and 3287 printers;
the 276 appears to the host as an IBM 3274/36 cluster
controller.

SmartNet Series 1000 products provide asynchronous and
SNA/SDLC-to-X.25 connectivity. Models 1200 and 1300
differ from the 1500 in that they perform not only the
basic packet assembling/disassembling function, but also
protocol conversion. The three models within the series
are listed below.
• SmartNet 1200: an SNA Host PAD that interfaces an
IBM mainframe or minicomputer to an X.25 PDN. The
unit supports X.25-to-3270 conversions, eQ1ulating an
IBM 3274/76 controller.
• SmartNet 1300: an SNA Terminal PAD (TPAD) that
interfaces SNA/SDLC terminal controllers, SmartNet
276 ASCII/3270, and SmartNet 251 ASCII/5250 SNA
protocol converters to an X.25 PDN. The unit supports
3270 SNA-to-X.25 conversion, emulating an IBM 3278
Model 2 display station.
• SmartNet 1500: a basic PAD that connects PCs and
small, remote offices to PDNs. The unit can be configured as a host or terminal concentrator.

SmartNet 5250jT, the last model covered in this report, is
a protocol converter supporting ASCII-to-EBCDIC conversion, allowing asynchronous ASCII devices to directly
attach to the twinax ports of the IBM System 34/36/38
minicomputers or the 5294 cluster controller. The 5250/T
emulates the IBM 3180, 5219, 5256, 5291, or 5292 display
stations.

TRANSMISSION SPEOFICATIONS
The SmartNet Series 200 protocol converters each support 32 RS-232-C ports, configurable as Data Terminal

Equipm:ent (DTE) or Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment (DeE),. for the connection of up to 32 ASCII devices. The protocol converters are compatible with
SmartNet PADs, switches, and switching PADs for X.25
communications and support PC file transfer through
SmartLink software, which· allows secure PC-to-mainframe communications at a maximum transmission rate
of 19.2K bps. SmartLink can be used with the Series 200
units, as well as the 5250/T. In addition to SmartLink
software, information users can transfer between a PC and
an IBM host through VM/CMS, TSO, and CICS. PCs can
also transfer files to and from the System 34/36/38
through a System/3X Emulator Transfer Utility. Emulated terminals include the IBM 3278, IBM 5251, and
Digital Equipment Corporation VT100, among others. Series 200 units support a total of 45 common terminal
types.
On the host side, SmartNet Series 200 units support synchronous point-to-point, multipoint, and direct connections in half- or full-duplex mode. On the terminal side,
direct, dial-up asynchronous connections are supported
with full-duplex transmission; flow control is X-on/X-off.
Other features common to all Series 200 protocol conversion units include line concentration, modem auto callback, auto logon, an auto dial directory, full four-color
support, and the appending of files.
The SmartNet 251 supports 4 to 32 ASCII terminals and
printers attached directly to the System/3X through a
communications adapter or remotely via a synchronous
modem on a multidrop SNA/SDLC line with controllers.
Terminal side data rates range from 300 to 19.2K bps.
The SmartNet 251 supports one 19.2K bps SDLC link
into the IBM System 34/36/38 host through an RS-232-C
interface.
The 251 supports most asynchronous displays, including
the IBM 3101, Digital Equipment VTloo/VT52, Lear Siegler, ADDS Viewpoint, Televideo, and Hewlett-Packard
(HP) 2621 AlP.
The SmartNet 271 supports any combination of ASCII
terminals, PCs, and serial printers attached directly or
remotely to an IBM 3705 or 3725 via a synchronous
modem on a multidrop bisync line with other controllers.
The 271 supports 4 to 32 physical ports and 8 to 64
concurrent Logical Unit (LU) sessions; data rates on the
terminal side of the unit range from 300 to 19.2K bps. The
SmartNet 271 also supports one 9600 bps bisync link to
the host and one RS-232-C interface.
The 271 supports the following asynchronous displays: the
IBM 3101, Digital Equipment VT100, Lear Siegler, ADDS
Viewpoint, Data General D2oo, Freedom 100/50, Hazeltine 1420/1500/1510, HP 2621, and Televideo. Devices
that would otherwise connect through the IBM Network
Terminal Option (NTO) licensed program running on an
IBM 3705 or 3725 can communicate through the 271. The

DECEMBER 1987

C23-695-107
Protocol Conversion
Systems

PCI SmartNet Protocol Converters

(

271 also supports IBM PCs and compatible units through
SmartLink communications software. A graphics mode
allows the SmartNet 271 to support graphics on most
ASCII terminals and plotters. Graphics applications that
can be accessed include SAS/GRAPH, PLOT-l 0, DISSPLA, and TELL-AGRAPH, DI-3000. Other features of
the 271 include a data transparency mode (protocol enveloping) and auto logoff.
The SmartNet 276 simultaneously supports any combination of 4 to 32 ASCII terminals/PCs and serial printers
attached directly or remotely via an asynchronous modem. The 276 can run four to eight LU sessions simultaneously. Both the terminal side and host side support data
rates ranging from 300 to 19.2K bps. On the host side, the
276 attaches either directly to the IBM 37X5 or remotely
through modems on a single multidrop SNA/SDLC line
with other controllers. As on the SmartNets 251 and 271,
the host-side connection is through an RS-232-C interface.

Asynchronous displays and graphics mode capabilities are
the same as listed above for the SmartNet 271. As with the
SmartNet 271, devices that would otherwise connect to
the host through the IBM Network Terminal Option
(NTO) licensed program running on an IBM 3705 or 3725
can communicate through the 271. The 271's other features include a data transparency mode, auto logoff, a
four-level security feature, a system password, and host
control of DTR to external dial-up modems.
All SmartNet Series tOOO units support point-to-point or
multipoint connections.

nostics port and can be direct connected or attached via a
modem. The unit is compatible with the SmartNet 2600,
2700, and 3600 products for SNA terminal cluster-to-X.25
PDN conversion.
The SmartNet 1500 is a basic packet assembler/
disassembler for PC users who want to connect to PDNs.
The unit is available in one-, three-, five-, or seven-asynchronous port models. Each port operates at selectable
rates from 300 to 9600 bps. Features include auto call and
mnemonic call methods, two inactivity timers to control
idle connections, and a password-protected configurator
that can be accessed through any port.
The SmartNet 52SO/T connects up to seven asynchronous
terminals, PCs, printers, and graphics devices to the twinax
port of the IBM System 34/36/38. The 5250 supports 45
asynchronous terminals, including the IBM 3161/62/63/
64, Digital Equipment VT100/VT220, Lear Siegler, ADDS
Viewpoint, Televideo, and Wyse. Through the 5250/T,
asynchronous printers can emulate IBM 5256, 5219, and
3812 printers, which connect directly to the 5250/T or
through the auxiliary port of an asynchronous display or
PC. Through software, users can select to have either
RS-232-C or RS-422A ports.
The 5250/T also has a cable-through feature when the unit
is the last twinax drop in a multidrop environment. Cable-through means that the cabling can run through the
actual protocol converter itself.

DEVICE CONTROL
The SmartNet 1200, designed as an alternative to IBM's
NPSI software on the host end, interfaces to a SmartNet
1300 to convert SNA/SDLC datastreams to X.25 for
transmission across a PDN. The unit also interfaces to an
IBM System 34/36/38 host, supporting remote access to
IBM 5250/5294 clusters. The 1200 only accepts calls.
The 1200 Host PAD supports as many as eight leased or
switched virtual circuits and can be directly connected or
attached via a modem to the host. The unit supports
SNA/SDLC and X.25 link speeds up to 9600 bps. Model
1200 concurrently supports one X.25 link, one SNA/
SDLC port, and one asynchronous diagnostic port. SmartNet 1200 also supports the LAPB protocol.
SmartNet 1300 is a terminal PAD that simultaneously
supports IBM 3270, 3770 SNA/SDLC controllers, the
SmartNet 276 protocol converter, as well as IBM 5294 or
5250 terminal clusters and the SmartNet 251 protocol
converter, all for accessing the IBM System 34/36/38
across an X.25 PDN. The 1300 initiates and accepts calls.
On the host side, the 1300 interfaces to the SmartNet 1200
or to NPSI software residing in the IBM front end. The
unit supports as many as three SNA/SDLC PhYsical Unit
connections, one X.25 link, and one asynchronous diag-

DECEMBER 1987

An operator configures PCI SmartNet Series 200 converters through a menu-driven configurator. To install the
units, the user must configure the synchronous port and
asynchronous ports. Examples of the functions that must
be set on the host side of the converter include whether
the unit will connect to the host directly or via the modem; the polling address; unit operating speed; and the
presence or absence of Non-Return-to-Zero-Inverted
(NRZI). In contrast to other protocol converters, external
strapping allows the user to connect devices and/or modems to individual parts using standard cables without
using cross-cables.
The asynchronous ports are configured for the following:
whether the ASCII terminal connects directly to the converter or to a modem or modem sharing unit (MSU);
which of the ports are assigned to CRTs; CRT brand (over
300 different models are supported by PCI); speed for
each port; auto speed selection; which ports are assigned
to printers; printer speeds; and whether the dynamic
printer port is used, and by which CRT. The synchronous
ports are configured for SDLC and/or bisync address;
number of devices connected (e.g., up to 32 Logical Units,
converted to one SNA Physical Unit Type 2); and SNA/
SDLC timeout.

1987 DATAPRO RESEARCH CORPORATION. DELRAN. NJ 08075 USA
REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED-FOR REPRINTS. CALL 1-800-328-2776

· P.CI Smat1:NltProtocol Converters
Upon receiving PQwer,.all Series ~OO protocol convert~rs
testin~emal components. In: addition, slIPCI u:nitshave
buiIt~in di~ostic line monitors and integhttedtrace ca-'
pabilities. 'Di!ignostic test sequences activated by keyboard
command include the following: display of switch settings;
ASCII line test; monitor of SOLC address PQlIing;
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