Aucbvax.6443
fa.info-terms
utcsrgv!utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!info-terms
Tue Mar 9 16:15:10 1982
3270 protocol converter characteristics
>From decvax!duke!unc!mcnc!taylor@Berkeley Mon Mar 8 21:38:16 1982
We are continuing our evaluation of 3270 protocol converters which
allow asynchronous ascii terminals to interact as 3278 terminals
on IBM-type systems. This is a summary of our finding to date in
generic terms. We are continuing to put together specs and evaluate
different vendors, and we will be happy to share our finding as we
compile them.
The boxes we have been looking at are 'single function', appearing
to the front-end as a 3271 (or 3276) controller, the capability of
supporting typically 7 to 16 asynchronous terminals. The price
range is from about $8k to $15k.
The following characteristics apply to most boxes, but we have not
yet found one which has all the characteristics. (So far, we have
found 6 vendors who make these devices. They are Datastream, Renex,
PCI, ICCI, ICOT, and Alanthus.)
Autobauding to 1200 is common. To 9600 (or 19.2) is available, but
method for doing so is not always so nice.
Dial-ups are supported.
Many will alow connection to either of two host systems.
Many will provide clock for local connection (no null modem needed.)
Almost everybody runs bisync now, and most do not run SNA/SDLC, tho
most will promise it by July.
All support a wide variety of terminal types. Typically vt-100, Adds,
Televideo, Adm, hazeltine, 3101, ......
Most have firmware in proms.
All are addressable as drops on a multidropped line.
Some type of menu is provided in the connection phase in general.
A status line is optionally displayed to show terminal status.
Some use Beehive 25-line terminals for the async terminal for a
very close look-alike to the 3278.
-------------------------
I will try to eventually put together a point by point comparison
of these different boxes, but that will take a while. So far, we
have had the Datastream box in house, and we are in the process of
getting a couple of others in for demos.
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