Computer resource sharing—the need for all users to have timely access to all computer resources—is a problem wherever high volumes of data must move to and from many different departments in an organization. Infotron addresses this problem with its IS4000 Intelligent Switching System.
By routing all connections through the switch, any terminal or computer port can talk to any other compatible terminal or computer port. The IS4000 can support up to 4000 terminations, and permits up to 2000simultaneous connections, every one of which can operate at 9600 bits per second (bps). Inputs may be any combination of synchronous or asynchronous, dial-up or dedicated, at mixed speeds from 50 bps to 19,200 bps.
In a complex resource sharing environment, the efficiency of the system is reflected in the method of port selection and contention. In the IS4000, a large number of users contend for a smaller number of ports. There is no limit to the contention ratio. Any number of users may contend for any number of ports.
A "master/slave" architecture eliminates costly wiring and facilitates economic field growth. The slaves may be distributed throughout the user's facility. Each slave may be positioned near the terminals or the computers it serves. As new facilities are added, the IS4000 is expanded by adding new slaves and/or expanding existing ones. Slaves are interconnected with a cable which may be up to 500 feet in length. The IS4000 inputs may include conventional and DDS telephone links, Infotron statistical multiplexers, and modems.
Redundancy for the system is provided by the multiple microprocessor architecture. Dual load-sharing power supplies and stand-by logic modules are available to provide further assurance of uninterrupted service.
A complex data-switching system must include extensive system diagnostics to isolate problems quickly. For the IS4000, an operator can review all system parameters from a connsole, monitor any connection, and command various test routines. Loopback tests can be performed on any channel. In addition, there are LED indicators to show activity and control signal status for every line and port on the system.
The same kind of console control is an asset in making configuration and service changes. The IS4000 provides the operations manager with complete console control of the system for changing, at any time, class assignments, restricted access groups, speeds, ABR convention, connect and disconnect criteria, busy messages, and keyboard selection routines. The control console may also be transferred to any remote location.
Event reports are provided for every user access and all major system actions. Date, user and destination identification, speed, time in queue, connect time, disconnect time, and reason for termination are reported for each call, and may be used for billing purposes.