Description

SyncServer 1000 is a small modem-like Linux appliance made by The Software Group Ltd. (TSG) that offers easy integration of “legacy” Wide Area Networks (WANs) with IP networks. The device is intended to allow companies to transparently convert older communications transport protocols (such as X.25, Frame Relay, and SNA) to TCP/IP, giving legacy applications direct access to IP-based LANs, intranets, and the Internet.

The SyncServer 1000 has two interface ports: one, which connects to a broadband (10/100-BaseT) network; and another, that connects directly to the legacy WAN (X.25, Frame Relay, SNA) interfaced equipment. (One SyncServer 1000 is required to implement each physical legacy-to-IP conversion.) The device includes an API for integration with host application programs, and can be configured and administered remotely using a web browser.

“Many legacy networks with X.25, Frame Relay and SNA are still used today [for applications that include] telephone switches, point of sale systems, ATMs, credit/debit terminals, train signalling systems, and field data collection devices to name just a few. These legacy networks are quite reliable and companies have invested a great deal in hardware and applications,” explained TSG president Derek Vair. “SyncServer was developed to allow these legacy networks to be economically integrated with IP, allowing legacy data to be converted and carried over IP networks. The result is a much simpler, easier to manage IP-based network that provides immediate cost savings.”

A pair of SyncServers can also be combined into a switching configuration that provides framed synchronous connectivity using shared IP networking facilities instead of synchronous leased lines. In the “SyncSwitch” configuration, the SyncServer provides connectivity for devices which use HDLC frames as their base connectivity, such as PPP, Frame Relay, X.25, or SDLC.

Currently SyncServer is designed to operate on a secured Intranet, behind a firewall or via a VPN. However, later this year TSG plans to will release a secured SyncServer with integrated IPSEC VPN that can be deployed anywhere on the InterNet, explained TSG chief technical officer Ragnar Paulson. “We are also working on more switching functionality in the SyncSwitch model, and anticipate releasing a product capable of level 3 (X.25 packet level) switching in the near future,” Paulson added.

What’s in the box?

The SyncServer’s embedded computer is based on a Motorola PowerQUICC 850 processor, running at a clock speed of either 50 MHz or 80 MHz, and equipped with 16MB of RAM and 8MB of nonvolatile Flash memory. The device has two external interfaces: a 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet (10BaseT, 100BaseT) port, for connection to TCP/IP-based networks; and a synchronous serial port which can be factory-configured for either V.35, X.21, RS-232, or RS-449, which connects to the synchronous serial ports of legacy devices.