FarSync Flex X25
The FarSync Flex X.25 USB adapter has been developed to provide high performance X.25 communications for Linux and Windows systems.
Overview
The FarSync Flex X.25 adapter is a high quality X.25 solution for business, government and military applications, it has been developed to provide high performance, versatile X.25 connectivity for Linux and Windows systems.
The bus powered V3 version of the USB adapter will support an X.25 line at speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s. The highly flexible universal network connector supports RS232, X.21, RS422, RS530, RS449 and V.35 network interfaces. Line signal encoding modes NRZ, NRZI, FM0, FM1, Manchester Encoding or Conditioned Diphase can be used.
- The FarSync adapters install easily under Windows 11, 10, Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, on single or multi-core 32 and 64 bit systems. The FarSync drivers are signed by Microsoft for easy installation. For use on earlier Windows versions contact FarSite.
- The X.25 software has a host of features including ISO Transport (classes 0 to 3), support for OpenFT FTAM, a WinSock2 compliant Sockets API and a Java API. The Sockets API is also accessible from .NET applications. Up to 4095 connections can be supported using the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack or 254 per port as standard.
- IP over X.25 support is included permitting TCP/IP operation over an X.25 network.
- 32 and 64 bit applications supported.
A comprehensive Developers Toolkit for development using APIs to X.25 and ISO Transport is supplied with each X.25 product including many sample applications.
A multi-port Line Monitor and a Line Statistics application are also supplied.
- The X.25 card installs seamlessly as a plug and play device. SMP (multi-processor) systems are supported.
FarSync adapters support Linux kernel versions from 2.6.12 onwards, in 32 and 64 bit formats, including the leading distributions supplied by Red Hat, SuSE, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Slackware and more.
FarSite is committed to supporting FarSync adapters on new versions of Linux and Linux kernels as they are released.
Configuration is by a Java based GUI. - There are APIs to the X.25 layer, a Sockets based interface and a Java API. There is also an API to the ISO Transport layers (ISO 8073 – connection oriented).
- IP over X.25 support is included permitting TCP/IP operation over an X.25 network.
- XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) support is available as an option, using the same API’s as X.25. XOT can operate at the same time as X.25.
- Up to 254 connections per port are supported as standard or up to 4095 connections using the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack.
- The source code for the driver and the libraries for the API are supplied with the product, allowing rebuilding by the end user for use with almost any of the current or future Linux variants.
A comprehensive Developers Toolkit for development using APIs to X.25 and ISO Transport is supplied with each X.25 product including many sample applications.
A multi-port Line Monitor and a Line Statistics application are also supplied.
The card is suitable for connection to all types of X.25 networks, X.25 over the ISDN D channel and leased lines. Typical applications include:
- Private X.25 networks such as Police, Customs, Military, Fishery, Financial, Government and Airline
- E-Commerce gateways for credit verification
- Mixed X.25 and IP networks
- SMS message gateways
- Billing and Mediation
- FTAM access
- ATM connections
- Lottery terminals
- X.400
- PC / Server based X.25 switch with XOT
The card is compatible with all public X.25 networks.
Product details
The intelligent FarSync Flex X.25 has been designed for easy installation and to provide high performance in a variety of environments. The Flex adapter uses an ARM processors with Flash for the on board code.
- 254 simultaneous SVC and PVC virtual connections or 4095 per port using the High Capacity Pack
- XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) support available as an option on Linux
- Over 2,000 X.25 packets per second
- Line speeds of up to 2.048 Mbits/s
- Network interfaces for X.21 (V.11), V.35, RS232, RS449 and RS530 (EIA530, RS422)
- Line signal modes NRZ, NRZI, FM0, FM1, Manchester Encoding or Conditioned Diphase up to 2.048 Mbits/s
- USB 2.0 high-speed mode (480mb/s) USB 3 and USB 1.1 compatible
- High efficiency, USB Bus powered, energy saving design
- Internal and external line clocking
- Dual bank flash for secure in field upgrades and previous system restore capability
- Optional mounting brackets
Application developers have a choice of APIs for X.25 and ISO Transport. An API selector guide is provided to assist the developer in choosing the most appropriate interface.
The comprehensive Developers Toolkit is included with the product. For further information see: X.25 Developers Toolkit and API details
The XOT extension allows applications using the same API to transmit data over XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP). TCP/IP is normally routed over Ethernet on PCs and Servers. The XOT support is compatible with FarSite’s FarLinX Mini Gateway for X.25 and also other manufacturers XOT products. The XOT and X.25 interfaces can be used simultaneously.
The FarSync XOT Extension should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync X25 card is purchased, although a retrofit is possible.
Notes:
There is also FarSync XOT Runtime software for Linux available that allows XOT to run over the PCs standard TCP/IP connection such as an Ethernet card.
An optional high capacity pack is available for FarSync X25 adapters. The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack allows up to 4,095 simultaneous connections to be made; a huge increase from the standard 254 on each line. The expanded capacity applies to SVC, PVC and ISO Transport connections.
Customer applications developed to use the standard X.25 Sockets API are compatible with the FarSync X25 High Capacity Pack.
The FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is available for Windows and Linux, it should be ordered at the same time that the FarSync X25 adapter is purchased although a retrofit upgrade is possible. One FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack is required per card. Further details are listed in the Order Information section.
For both Windows and Linux configuration is by a GUI configuration application, rapid installation and easy configuration are key features of the product. See the sample screens.
The X.25 line can be reconfigured and restarted without reloading the software.
Many of the parameters such as DTE / DCE selection are determined automatically. Selecting the line speed by default automatically sets suitable timer and retry values. An advanced tab permits users to exactly specify the configuration of the line if necessary.
The Configuration in Linux can also be optionally configured by a text file.
| Windows support | The FarSync adapters install easily under Windows 11, 10, Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, on single or multi-core 32 and 64 bit systems. The FarSync drivers are signed by Microsoft for easy installation. For use on earlier Windows versions contact FarSite. |
| Linux support | FarSync adapters support Linux kernel versions from 2.6.12 onwards, in 32 and 64 bit formats, including the leading distributions supplied by Red Hat, SuSE, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Slackware and more. |
| SMP (Multi-Processor Systems) | The software has been designed for and tested on SMP Servers |
| 32 and 64 bit systems | The FarSync X25 cards can be used on 32 and 64 bit systems using Intel/AMD X86/x64 type processors under Linux and Windows with 32 or 64 bit applications |
| X.25 Features | |
| X.25 CCITT compliance | 1980, 84 & 88 |
| DTE/DCE operation | Both and Automatic detection and selection |
| Maximum SVCs (all types) | 254 sessions on each line, any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing. 4,095 sessions using the optional High Capacity Pack (see Order Information), any mix of bothway, incoming and outgoing |
| Maximum PVCs | 254 sessions on each line. 4,095 sessions using the optional High Capacity Pack (see Order Information) |
| Maximum simultaneous connections | 254 connections on each line. 4,095 connections with the optional High Capacity Pack (see Order Information) |
| Data Packet size range | 0 to 4,096 bytes |
| Data packets per second throughput | More than 2,000 pps |
| X25 facilities supported | Reverse charging, Closed User Group (CUG), Network User Identifier (NUI), Fast Select, Packet and Windows size negotiation, Extended sequence numbering (128), Throughput Class Negotiation. |
| Types of network connection | X.25 packet switch, leased line, dial up (X.32 and dial on DTR) |
| Accessible via API | Four APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API and a legacy NCB API. |
| IP over X.25 | Supported, complies with RFC 1356 on Linux and Windows |
| X.25 switch | X.25 Switch daemon available on Linux for free download for use with FarSync X25 adapters |
| XOT Option Features | |
| XOT Specification | Complies with RFC 1613 - X.25 over TCP (XOT) |
| Maximum XOT connections | 4,095 on Linux, |
| Maximum SVCs and PVCs | 4,095 on Linux,, any mix of SVCs and PVCs |
| Data packets size range | 0 to 4,096 bytes |
| OOB (Out of Band) data | Supported for Interrupts, Resets and the D bit |
| X25 facilities supported | Closed User Group (CUG), Network User Identifier (NUI), Fast Select, Packet and Windows size negotiation, Throughput Class Negotiation. |
| Accessible via API | Two APIs, a Sockets based interface, a Java API |
| ISO Transport Features | |
| Supplied with the X.25 software | Included with both the standard product and the High Capacity Pack |
| Standard supported | ISO 8073 (connection oriented) |
| Classes supported | Classes 0, 1, 2 and 3 |
| Negotiation between classes | Yes |
| Simultaneous transport connections | 254 sessions on each line. 4,095 sessions using the High Capacity Pack |
| TPDUs in a NSDU | 1 |
| Accessible via API | Yes |
| Developers Toolkit | |
| X.25 Developers Toolkit and API details | |
| General | Intelligent USB adapter with ARM processor, dedicated RAM and dual bank Flash memory, Field upgradeable onboard firmware, USB bus powered, USB 2.0 (high-speed - 480mb/s mode) USB 3 and USB 1.1 compatible, Network line connector: HD26 for connection of network cables |
||
| Physical characteristics | Dimensions: - Height 30mm, Length 126 mm, Width 62mm, Weight: 190g, Cable (supplied): 0.6 metre A to B USB cable with thumb screw secured B connector. |
||
| Network connections supported | RS232 – DTE DB25M connector, DCE type cables are also available |
||
| Link speed range | RS232: up to 128 Kbits/s, X.21, V.35, RS530, RS449, RS422, RS485: up to 3 Mbits/s or 20Mbits/s with Flex+ |
||
| Sync and Async | Synchronous operation up to 3 Mbits/s, or 20Mbits/s with Flex+ Asynchronous operation up to 115.2 KBits/s |
||
| Line Signal Modes | NRZ, NRZI, FM0, FM1, Manchester Encoding and Conditioned Di-phase to well over 3 Mbits/s | ||
| ESD protection | Yes, Littelfuse high speed ESD and over-voltage protection |
||
| Indicators | LED displaying network line status | ||
| Approvals | EN55022 class B, CE, FCC class B |
||
| Power requirements | USB Bus powered, < 500 mA on full load, < 2 watt | ||
| MTBF | MTBF: 360,181 hours - calculation based on Bellcore Method 1 Case 3, 40°C ambient, 15°C case temperature rise above ambient. | ||
| Operating Temperature Range | –40°C to 85°C ambient air temperature. (industrial temperature range) | ||
| Humidity Range | 5% to 95% RH operating (non-condensing), 5% to 95% RH storage (non-condensing) |
||
| Line clocking (internal/external) | Internal and externally generated line clocking is supported, Internal clock range 100 baud up to 3Mbits/s (Flex) and 20Mbits/s (Flex+) on X.21, V.35, RS530, RS422, RS449 and RS485, Internal clock range 100 baud to 128 Kbits/s on RS232 (V.24), Custom clock rates are dynamically configurable through the API with glitch free transitions. |
||
| Extra Line Control | Bit reversal, receive clock inversion, configurable resistive interface signal termination. Full configurable bidirectional clocking. |
||
| Cable type compatibility | Cables are ordered separately see list of cables available | ||
| Warranty | 5 years | ||
| Compliance | RoHS2 and REACH | ||
Order Information
The X.25 software firmware, drivers, utilities and the X.25 Developers Toolkit are all included with the FarSync adapter. Line cables are ordered separately.
The software and documentation is downloaded from this website using a code supplied with the FarSync X25 adapter, it includes:
- Drivers for Linux and Windows.
- Numerous example applications with source code
- Documentation for all the APIs in Adobe PDF format
- Source code for Linux drivers and API Libraries
- Network monitor and various useful utility programs
- USB connected products include a USB-F cable
New releases of the software with enhancements and fixes are made available for free download from the Download page in the Support section of this web site.
| Product Name | Description | Product Code |
|---|---|---|
| FarSync Flex X25 | 1 port synchronous USB Adapter with X.25 Software and Developers Toolkit. Includes the Flex hardware, USB cable, drivers, utility programs, documentation and a quick start guide. * Line cables are ordered separately, see table below | FS6100 |
| * If you require the FarSync Flex for use with Nokia Siemens Networks LMT software then please contact us. |
| Product Name | Description | Product Code |
| KCR1 | RS232 (V.24, X.21bis) and RS530 (EIA530, RS422) DTE cable. DB25M connector, same cable for both interfaces, 1.5 metres | FS6011 |
| KCR1-DCE | RS232 (V.24, X.21bis) and RS530 (EIA530, RS422) DCE cable. DB25F connector, Same cable for both interfaces, 2 metres | FS6070 |
| UCX1 | X.21 (V.11) DTE cable. DB15M connector, 1.5 metres | FS6062 |
| UCX1-DCE | X.21 (V.11) DCE cable. DB15F, 2 metres | FS6075 |
| UCV1 | V.35 DTE cable. MRAC-34 (V.35M) connector, 1.5 metres | FS6063 |
| UX35C | V.35 DCE cable. MRAC-34 (V.35F) connector, 1.5 metres. | FS6095 |
| KC449 | RS449 (RS422) DTE cable. DB37M connector, 1.5 metres | FS6019 |
| KCR-MON | Monitor Cable - RS232 (V.24) and RS530 (RS422, EIA530) with DB25M to DB25F passthrough, 1.5 metres | FS6016 |
| KCX-MON | Monitor Cable - X.21 (V.11) with DB15M to DB15F passthrough, 1.5 metres | FS6017 |
| TEST-T2U | Loopback connector - for T2U, T2Ue and Flex, communications port testing | FS6024 |
| Product Name | Photo | Description | Product Code |
| Flex Mounting Kit - metal |  | A pair of FarSync Flex mounting brackets. Must be ordered with the FarSync Flex as it is a factory fit only. Should only be used if a metal mounting bracket is required. | FS4901 |
| Flex Mounting Kit - plastic |  | A pair of FarSync Flex mounting brackets (recommended when fixing the location of the Flex case is required). Can be retrofitted, easy to fit, no disassembly of the Flex case is required to fit. | FS4902 |