3. MPP: <product description> The Multi Protocol Switching PAD
Franklin Telecom's Wide Area Network system products are based on personal computer technology. They combine multiple protocol connectivity and network control with a new standard of price/performance. The Multi Protocol Switching PAD (MPP) connects most host computers and user systems through the international standard X.25 packet switching protocol. The Network Control Center (NCC) provides sophisticated, real-time network management using simple, menu-oriented operator functions.
APPLICATIONS
Multi Protocol PAD
SNA LU Switch
S/3X, AS/400 Multi Session
Asynchronous PAD
X.25 Switch/Concentrator
Unisys PAD
SNA Concentrator
RJE PAD
BSC PAD
POS Terminal PAD
PROTOCOLS - PROTOCOL SPECS
3270 SNA and BSC
3770 SNA/RJE
3780 BSC/RJE
Async X.3, X.28, X.29
Polled Async
X.25 DTE/DCE
Burroughs Poll/Select
NPSI/X.25
The Franklin Telecom Multi-Protocol Switching PAD (MPP) is a network node that combines support for twelve user protocols with X.25 packet switching capability. It consists of one or more Franklin Telecom Co-Processor Line Cards with Multi-Protocol Switching software installed in a PC/AT-compatible computer. Wide area network operation and utilization is enhanced by this new standard of Price/Performance, Flexibility, Reliability and Network Control.
PRICE/PERFORMANCE
The MPP is inexpensive but delivers 400 packets per second throughput when configured as a 16 port X.25 switch. Each port operates at up to 64Kbps. Concurrent support of multiple protocols eliminates the need for many single protocol devices. Immediate economies are realized in equipment purchases, training and maintenance.
FLEXIBILITY
The MPP has many network applications through its switching, concentration and X.25 packet assembler/disassembler (PAD) functions. Installation is simplified since any port can be locally or remotely configured to any protocol. Configuration is performed through security-protected menus and data entry screen formats that are logically arranged, with no complex command languages to learn.
RELIABILITY
The MPP and NCC utilize personal computer technology, the most widely manufactured and affordable equipment in the computer industry. Franklin Telecom products are subjected to extensive quality controls and testing. Complete nodes carry a one year warranty.
NETWORK CONTROL
The NCC maintains alarm, billing and line performance data, and provides realtime control of the network. It is structured to receive and transmit data over multiple X.25 links, and can support communications with other Network Management Systems with minimal integration.
PERFORMANCE MONITORING
The NCC supports a network of up to 250 Franklin Telecom nodes. It collects alarm, statistics, and billing messages sent from the nodes to be stored on disk and optionally displayed and printed. It provides extensive network operations monitoring, including display of port statistics in real time, a "datascope" remote display of traffic on a port, and line status verification.
CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT
The NCC can up-line or down-line load software and configuration files. Up to 16 X.25 lines per NCC are supported, allowing multiple nodes to link to a single NCC when no backbone network is present. The network is configured on a PC using simple menus and data entry screens, and may be printed and saved using standard PC facilities.
OPERATIONAL CONTROLS
Dual NCCs are supported by the nodes in the network in a primary/secondary relationship. The secondary collects messages from the nodes (e.g. alarms) and is precluded from sending commands to the nodes until the primary relinquishes control. The primary NCC operator may reboot the nodes, initiate file transfers, display status or utilization information, and print billing or statistics reports.
For more information on installation and configuration of the MPP, please click here <link to MPP Installation and Operations Manual>.
Products - MPP
