Maintaining A Lead With The IDG 9700 Advanced Line Controller

Tulsa based Interface Design Group has announced the development of their latest product, the IDG 9700 Advanced Line Controller. The IDG 9700 offers the most flexibility available in a line controller, allowing a TPF host to be accessed by numerous terminals and numerous platforms. By simultaneously utilizing up to four high performance processors, the IDG 9700 can control as many as 32 communications lines at varying speeds and protocols. ALC, SLC, and BISYNC line control is handled at baud rates from 1200 to 38.4K. The IDG 9700 provides X.25 connectivity up to 2 Mbytes per second.

The IDG 9700 provides many standard features which separate it from other line controllers. These include data streaming on 3.0 Mbyte and 44.5 Mbyte channels, complete compatibility with UNISYS Multiplexor channels as well as IBM channels and support for a variety of standard communication interfaces including RS422, RS232, X.21, X.25, and V.35.

Designed to handle multiple CPU connections to multiple communications lines, the IDG 9700 is equipped with two channel interfaces, and can be increased to up to four channel interfaces. While data streaming is the preferred mode of transfer, high-speed data transfer is user configurable. Each channel interface is equipped with a 5 MIPS microcontroller and 24K bytes of control storage.

The IDG 9700 is expandable to four high performance communications processors, enhancing network expansion capability and increasing throughput. Each additional processor supports up to eight communication interfaces.

Built into the IDG 9700 is the capability to test internal channel adapters. When placed in the Channel Wrapback mode, the IDG 9700's channel adapters will route diagnostic traffic across the channel cables testing both the integrity and performance of the system. The IDG 9700's Channel Cable test facility allows it to test each line within a cable and accurately report any lines which have failed. This insures that cables, cable paths and cable lengths are within specifications.

The IDG 9700 supports Local Area Networking, allowing users to monitor system displays locally or from a remote location. Remote tracing and dumping for diagnostic purposes, as well as other control features, are possible under this scenario.

Of course the IDG 9700's LAN connectivity is compliant with the SuperVision 3 LAN protocol. This allows for connectivity between the IDG 9700 and SuperVision 3 workstations, and to SuperVision 3 REXX support. Any SuperVision 3 workstation may be connected to any number of IDG 9700's to allow direct operator access and control through SuperVision 3 automation.

The IDG 9700 also communicates directly with NetView when using the LAN connection to SuperVision 3. By running a NetView console under SuperVision 3, messages from the IDG 9700 may be directed through the LAN connection to the NetView session. Using SuperVision 3 REXX programming, NetView may directly control an entire IDG 9700 network.

With a 19" footprint, the rack mounted IDG 9700 conserves valuable computer room space. Units may be mounted in a 36" deep single rack, or dual mounted in racks available from IDG. The IDG 9700 is equipped with a universal input power supply and may be connected to an AC power source supplying 5 amps at 90 to 260 Volts and 47 to 400 Hz.

IDG's new multi-protocol communications line controller, just one more example of how Interface Design Group continues to extend its lead. For more information contact Interface Design Group (918) 234-9200 USA.