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SyncServer & SyncSwitch

The SyncServer/SyncSwitch Concept

SyncServer & SyncSwitch are embedded systems for protocol conversion and manipulation. Both SyncServer and SyncSwitch are identical from a hardware point of view. They communicate with the outside world via an RJ45 10/100BaseT Ethernet (TCP/IP) socket and a synchronous serial communications interface. Serial interfaces available include RS-232, V.35, X.21, RS-422, RS-449 and RS-530.

Each SyncServer contains:

  • Protocol implementation code (BX.25/X.25, and LAPB)
  • Both raw framed (HDLC) and unframed synchronous serial device control software.
  • A software interface which allows that protocol code to be operated from an application anywhere on the TCP/IP network.

SyncServer is designed for organizations which need to develop, run, and maintain applications that use synchronous protocols directly from their servers. OSS systems for telephone switches, weather data dissemination, and digital radar data processing systems are all examples of IT systems which need direct synchronous communications access.

SyncSwitch is designed for use in organizations which use synchronous communications at a higher level - without writing software which interacts directly with synchronous devices. SyncSwitch is a "plug and play" solution for IP-enabling legacy synchronous implementations without affecting applications.

SyncSwitch is an enhanced SyncServer version which contains an application that connects it with another SyncSwitch and transfers the information it receives via TCP/IP to a designated synchronous port and vice-versa.

Benefits of SyncServer

Reduce network operating costs

SyncServers reduce or eliminate the need to maintain legacy leased lines for carrying synchronous traffic. SyncServer replaces leased lines with a virtual TCP/IP connection. Actual serial protocol interactions are carried on over a short, local, connection, rather than a leased line and modem/dataset facility.

Reduced operating system software upgrade costs

Applications which use SyncServer to provide serial connectivity (SyncServer clients) run in any machine with a standard TCP/IP socket capability. Unlike systems where the synchronous application uses an OS version- specific protocol implementation and drivers, the SyncServer application interface contains no OS version-specific code. When (or if) an OS upgrade is required, there is no need to schedule additional project testing time to ensure that the protocol modules in use will run in the new operating system environment.

Increased project lifespan

Some IT projects have lifetimes in excess of the expected lifetime of the server/operating system they operate in. Since SyncServers don't have a bus connection or operating system kernel software, porting to new OS, CPU, or platform environments is greatly simplified. SyncServer enables data communications over IP networks (Intranet, Internet or Extranet) eliminating the cost and complexity of maintaining legacy leased line networks.

SyncServer is easy to set up in any IP network. System administrators use any browser based device on the network for configuration, control and other management activity.


Migrating Legacy Communication Networks to IP Networks

SyncServer permits easy migration of legacy networks to IP networks without requiring network redesign, new data collection devices, modifications to host computer communications or host computer applications.

It makes good business sense to migrate to IP if you can do it without network redesign or disruption. Migrating to IP Networks with SyncServer and SyncSwitch.
Give us a call at 1-888-WANWARE to discuss your specific applications.


Using a Legacy Network for WAN Communications

The following diagram depicts the collection of call detail records from a legacy telephone switch that functions with the BX.25/X.25 protocol.

Diagram depicting the collection of call detail records from a legacy telephone switch that functions with the BX.25/X.25 protocol.


Using IP for WAN Communications

After a SyncServer 1000 is installed next to the legacy telephone switch, the legacy network shrinks to the short connection between the telephone switch and the SyncServer 1000. The network infrastructure is now IP. The legacy infrastructure (synchronous leased line) has been eliminated along with the monthly of leasing it.

Diagram depicting the installed SyncServer 1000, thereby eliminating the legacy infrastructure.



Key features of SyncServer

Install SyncServer next to any synchronous device and run IP communications to any application.
SyncServer eliminates or reduces the requirement for an X.25 or other legacy networks for communication with remote synchronous devices. Reduce complexity and eliminate the monthly or usage costs of synchronous facilities.

Eliminate the need for WAN adapters for host application communications.
When applications need to communicate with synchronous legacy devices, your host application must be able to connect to the legacy network protocol. When SyncServer is used, application communication takes place over the host computer's TCP/IP socket interface. The host application communicates directly with SyncServer via the IP network.

Browser based configuration.
SyncServer is web enabled allowing it to be configured and managed remotely with a web browser from any authorized machine on the network. SyncServer can also be configured by a command line interface.

Any application on any operating system can communicate with SyncServer via IP.
SyncServer uses the TCP/IP sockets interface in the host computer's operating system. SyncServer software used with the host computer is available in source form.

SyncServer is easily installed within an existing network infrastructure.
No network redesign is required. SyncServer is placed into the network beside the synchronous device with one SyncServer port plugged into the synchronous device and the ethernet port plugged into the IP network.

SyncServer API is an enhanced version of the Wanware API.
Existing Netcom II or Wanware customers do not need to change their applications to run SyncServer. SyncServer uses the same API and enhances it for operation over IP networks. A recompile of existing applications is all that is required to use existing applications with SyncServer.

SyncServer will function with any application written with any API on any operating system.
SyncServer is the ideal solution for any company that has written applications using any WAN adapter with an X.25, Frame Relay or SNA network.


SyncServer is available in the following formats:

SyncServer 1000

  • One synchronous port
  • No moving parts (diskless, fanless device)
  • Suitable for single link connections to synchronous peer devices
  • Unstructured (bit string) synchronous transmission/reception
  • Raw HDLC-framed communications, as well as LAPB (NRM), BX.25 (AMATPS), and X.25 operation
  • Data link speed up to 64 Kbps
  • Maximum of 32 virtual circuits
  • Browser-based interface for configuration and management
  • API library for integration with application programs
  • Compact design, low power consumption
  • Electrical interfaces: RS-232, V.35, X.21, RS-422, RS-449, RS-440

SyncServer 2000

  • Two synchronous ports
  • Supports raw HDLC-framed communications, as well as LAPB (ARM & NRM), BX.25 (AMATPS), and X.25 operation
  • Data link speeds up to 2.048 Mbps
  • Suitable for customers requiring links to two synchronous devices, at a location or more virtual circuits (up to 1000 per link) than SyncServer 1000
  • Browser-based interface for configuration and management
  • API library for integration with application programs
  • Rack-mountable, 4U enclosure, available with redundant power supply
  • Electrical interfaces: RS-232, V.35, X.21, RS-422, RS-449, RS-440

SyncServer 8000
  • Eight synchronous ports
  • Supports raw HDLC-framed communications, as well as LAPB (ARM & NRM), BX.25 (AMATPS), and X.25 operation
  • Data link speeds up to 2.048 Mbps
  • Suitable for customers requiring links to two synchronous devices, at a location or more virtual circuits (up to 1000 per link) than SyncServer 1000
  • Browser-based interface for configuration and management
  • API library for integration with application programs
  • Rack-mountable, 4U enclosure, available with redundant power supply
  • Electrical interfaces: RS-232, V.35, X.21, RS-422, RS-449, RS-440

SyncServer 16000
  • Sixteen synchronous ports
  • Supports raw HDLC-framed communications, as well as LAPB (ARM & NRM), BX.25 (AMATPS), and X.25 operation
  • Data link speeds up to 2.048 Mbps (X.25 limited to 64Kbps)
  • Suitable for customers requiring links to two synchronous devices, at a location or more virtual circuits (up to 1000 per link) than SyncServer 1000
  • Browser-based interface for configuration and management
  • API library for integration with application programs
  • Rack-mountable, 4U enclosure, available with redundant power supply
  • Electrical interfaces: RS-232, V.35, X.21, RS-422, RS-449, RS-440