IBM WIDE AREA CONNECTOR Contents Announcement Letter Number 192-207 dated September 15, 1992 US - Last Revised on September 15, 1992 Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and Availability The IBM Wide Area Connector is a dual-port high-speed communications adapter available in Micro Channel (R) Bus and Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) Bus versions, and provides protocol independence for various synchronous bit oriented protocols. The adapter's dual ports are independently configurable to support one of four electrical interfaces: CCITT V.35 or CCITT X.21, up to 2.048 megabits per second (Mbps), EIA RS 422/449 up to 1.544 Mbps, or EIA RS 232D (CCITT V.24/V.28) up to 19.2 kilobits per second (Kbps). The adapter is supported by a device driver that conforms to the IBM extensions of the 3Com (1)/Microsoft (2) Network Driver Interface Specifications (NDIS), Version 2.01. The adapter is designed to work in a PC or PS/2 (R) system unit running under IBM Operating System/2 (R) (OS/2 (R)) Version 2.0, and when used with the IBM RouteXpander/2, a licensed program product from IBM, provides support for multiple protocols over a single high-speed communication link in bridging and routing environments. Planned Availability Date: November 20, 1992. (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. (1) Trademark of 3Com Corporation. (2) Trademark of Microsoft Corporation. IN BRIEF . . . The IBM Wide Area Connector: o Provides high-speed, dual-port, multiple-interface connectivity to wide area networks o Allows each port to be configured individually o Provides full duplex, synchronous communication at up to 2.048 Mbps o Provides transport capability for multiple synchronous bit oriented protocols over a single communication link via the NDIS interface o Is designed in conjunction with IBM RouteXpander/2 for access to frame relay and IBM 6611 networks o Is designed to work in OS/2 (R) environments. Customer Letter Section DESCRIPTION BUSINESS SOLUTIONS In a wide area network environment, there is an ever increasing need to support multiple protocols at high speeds over a single communication link. The IBM Wide Area Connector is designed to meet this need. The Wide Area Connector is a high-speed, protocol-independent serial communications adapter that offers connectivity, over a single link, to a variety of networks. For example, with the IBM RouteXpander/2, the adapter provides connectivity to: o A frame relay network o An IBM 6611 network o Two remote Token Ring local area network (LAN) servers communicating over a nonswitched, point to point communications line. The adapter offers a choice of electrical interfaces such as EIA RS 232D (CCITT V.24/V.28), EIA RS 422/449, and CCITT V.35 & X.21, and consists of two full duplex serial communication ports. These ports, while simultaneously supporting two different electrical interface attachments, can also support communication speeds up to 2.048 Mbps on one and up to 64 Kbps on the other, depending on the type of electrical interface used. The adapter is provided with executable Media Access Control (MAC) hardware device driver code that conforms to IBM extensions to the 3Com/Microsoft Network Driver Interface Specifications (NDIS), Version 2.01. End users, independent software vendors, value added resellers (VARs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can write their own application software that conforms to these specifications, to provide high-speed, multiprotocol network connectivity to suit their networking needs. INVESTMENT PROTECTION The IBM Wide Area Connector easily plugs into an existing OS/2 workstation and does not require a separate, dedicated electrical or mechanical package. The adapter can be run as a single-port network connection or easily expanded to two ports. The electrical interface connectors can be easily changed to provide different electrical interfaces that support a wide range of network speeds. These interface connectors can be ordered as accessories. GROWTH ENABLEMENT The Wide Area Connector, in conjunction with the IBM RouteXpander/2, enables the addition of a Token Ring LAN to an existing network, and the devices on the Token Ring can access a frame relay network. Other software can also be written for use with the Wide Area Connector, to support various synchronous bit oriented protocols over a single communication link, and to expand an existing network without requiring additional links. The second port on this adapter also allows network expansion by providing connectivity to an additional communication link using the choice of electrical interfaces supported by the adapter. SYSTEM MANAGEMENT The Wide Area Connector simplifies systems network management in a multiprotocol environment, since the adapter, when used with appropriate software, requires only a single communication link. USER PRODUCTIVITY The adapter supports communication speeds up to 2.048 Mbps, depending on the type of electrical interface used. User productivity can be significantly increased by exploiting the high-speed communication feature supported by the adapter. PRODUCT POSITIONING The IBM Wide Area Connector is a high-speed, protocol-independent serial communications adapter that is designed to support IBM extensions of the 3Com/Microsoft Network Driver Interface Specifications (NDIS), Version 2.01, and to operate in an OS/2-based IBM PC or PS/2. NDIS-compliant device drivers allow multiple network protocol stacks to coexist in the computer memory and provide the ability to selectively change from one protocol to the other without the requirement for additional hardware. Software developers such as independent software vendors, value added retailers (VARs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can develop application software that conforms to the IBM extensions of the 3Com/Microsoft NDIS, and, when used with the Wide Area Connector and the NDIS Media Access Control (MAC) hardware driver provided with the adapter, allows high-speed multiprotocol connectivity to system networks. This system network connectivity can be from a LAN to a LAN, or from a LAN to a wide area network (WAN). For example, the Wide Area Connector, when used with the RouteXpander/2, a licensed program from IBM, provides a low-cost solution to connect two remote Token Ring LANs, or standalone OS/2 workstations with multiple protocols that require high-speed off-LAN communications into a network, but may not need a dedicated bridge or a router. The Wide Area Connector in conjunction with the RouteXpander/2 provides network attachment in any of the following configurations: o A nonswitched line joining two OS/2 workstations, which may be attached to a LAN. In this configuration, the workstation functions as a router and remote bridge for multiple communications protocols on the two joined LANs. o A nonswitched line from an OS/2 workstation attached to an IBM 6611 Network Processor, allowing multiple protocols to be routed and bridged to multiple destinations that may be reached through the IBM 6611 network. o A nonswitched line from an OS/2 workstation attached to a frame relay bearer service, allowing multiple communication protocols to be routed or bridged to as many as 200 different destinations. NOTE: For more information on the IBM RouteXpander/2, please refer to Programming Announcement 292-478. PUBLICATIONS The IBM WIDE AREA CONNECTOR INSTALLATION AND TESTING INSTRUCTIONS publication (form number SA27-3986, part number 33G8478) is shipped with the product. DISPLAYABLE SOFTCOPY PUBLICATIONS The WIDE AREA CONNECTOR TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL is offered in displayable softcopy form (in US English). The displayable manual is part of the basic machine-readable material. The files are shipped on the same medium as the basic machine-readable material. TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS: WIDE AREA CONNECTOR (MICRO CHANNEL BUS): Length: 292.10 mm (11.5 inches). Width: 88.27 mm (3.475 inches). Thickness: 15.24 mm (0.6 inches). WIDE AREA CONNECTOR (ISA BUS): Length: 333.5 mm (13.13 inches). Width: 106.68 mm (4.2 inches). Thickness: 15.24 mm (0.6 inches). OPERATING ENVIRONMENT: Temperature: 10 (degs) to 40 (degs) C (50 (degs) to 104 (degs) F). Relative Humidity: 8% to 80%. FCC Classification: A. MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: The IBM Wide Area Connector is designed to operate with an IBM PC, PS/2, or PS/55 operating under IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 or IBM OS/2 Versions J/T/H 2.0. PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: The Wide Area Connector requires the following software products. Subsequent releases of these software products will also be supported unless otherwise specified. o IBM OS/2 Version 2.0, or IBM OS/2 Versions J/T/H 2.0 o LAN Enabler Version 2.0 function as provided in any of the following or equivalent: - IBM LAN Enabler Version 2.0 - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2 With the above software products installed, the Wide Area Connector can be used in conjunction with one of the following software products: o IBM RouteXpander/2 o Other IBM OS/2-based application software that conforms to the IBM extensions to NDIS that is written to work with the IBM Wide Area Connector. Details of the IBM extensions to NDIS are available upon request to: IBM Corporation, Department D53, 11400 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78758. Other optional programs are also available to use the Wide Area Connector with the IBM RouteXpander/2. For a list of these programs and for more information on RouteXpander/2, see Programming Announcement 292-478. PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS: System performance depends on a variety of system unit and communication load factors. These include the type and speed of the system unit processor, communication line speeds, and the processing requirements of other application programs running in the system. Additional performance information will be provided at product availability. LIMITATIONS: o When two ports are used simultaneously, only one port can support a maximum communication speed of 2.048 Mbps while the other port can support a maximum communication speed of 64 Kbps. o Maximum communication speeds supported depend on the choice of electrical interface used. o The Wide Area Connector does not support switched lines. PLANNING INFORMATION CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: The IBM Wide Area Connector is designated as customer setup. Customer setup publications are available. It is the responsibility of the customer to provide the appropriate data service unit (DSU)/channel service unit (CSU) for attaching the Wide Area Connector to the communication link. CABLE ORDERS: An electrical interface communication cable, which is 5 meters (about 16.4 feet) long, is shipped with the product. PROBLEM DETERMINATION: The Customer Problem Analysis and Resolution guides contain self-test and diagnostic procedures which assist the customer in isolating a defective adapter element. PACKAGING: Product Shipment Group Boxes Wide Area Connector (ISA) Adapter board, 1 - EIA RS 232D EIA RS 232D interface (CCITT V.24/V.28) connector and cable, Installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Wide Area Connector (ISA) Adapter board, 1 - CCITT V.35 CCITT V.35 interface connector and cable, installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Wide Area Connector (ISA) Adapter board, 1 - CCITT X.21 CCITT X.21 interface connector and cable, installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Wide Area Connector (ISA) Adapter board, 1 - EIA RS 422/449 EIA RS 422/449 interface connector and cable, installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Wide Area Connector, Adapter board, 1 Micro Channel EIA RS 232D interface - EIA RS 232D connector and cable, (CCITT V.24/V.28) installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Product Shipment Group Boxes Wide Area Connector, Adapter board, 1 Micro Channel CCITT V.35 interface - CCITT V.35 connector and cable, installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Wide Area Connector, Adapter board, 1 Micro Channel CCITT X.21 interface - CCITT X.21 connector and cable, installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions Wide Area Connector, Adapter board, 1 Micro Channel EIA RS 422/449 interface - EIA RS 422/449 connector and cable, installation and diagnostic code diskettes (3.5' & 5.25'), installation and testing instructions ACCESSORIES AND/OR SUPPLIES: The following Wide Area Connector elements can be purchased from IBM Authorized Supplies Dealers, IBM Authorized Distributors, or IBM Teleservice and Customer Support (TCS). Call IBM TCS at 800-IBM-2468. Mail orders should be sent to: IBM Corporation IBM Teleservice and Customer Support One Culver Road Dayton, NJ 08810 Part Description Number Shipment Group EIA RS 232D 33G8461 EIA RS 232D connector Connector and communication cable CCITT V.35 33G8462 CCITT V.35 connector Connector and communication cable CCITT X.21 33G8463 CCITT X.21 connector Connector and communication cable EIA RS 422/449 33G8464 EIA RS 422/449 connector Connector and communication cable SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL This product uses the security and auditability features of host hardware, host software, and/or application software. User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities. TERMS AND CONDITIONS FIELD-INSTALLABLE FEATURE: Yes. WARRANTY PERIOD: One year. CUSTOMER SETUP: Yes. MES DISCOUNT APPLICABLE: No. All other terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM Personal Computer or Personal System/2 in which the feature is installed. CHARGES Feature Part Purchase Description Number Number Price Wide Area Connector (ISA Bus) EIA RS 232D 2880 33G8469 $745 CCITT V.35 2884 33G8470 795 CCITT X.21 2888 33G8471 745 EIA RS 422/449 2890 33G8472 745 Wide Area Connector (Micro Channel Bus) EIA RS 232D 2872 33G8465 745 CCITT V.35 2873 33G8466 795 CCITT X.21 2875 33G8467 745 EIA RS 422/449 2878 33G8468 745 EIA RS 232D Connector NA 33G8461 145 and Cable CCITT V.35 Connector NA 33G8462 195 and Cable CCITT X.21 Connector NA 33G8463 145 and Cable EIA RS 422/449 NA 33G8464 145 Connector and Cable NA = Not applicable.