FarSync X25 T4Ee
This top of the range FarSync X25 T4Ee PCIe card provides 4 high performance X.25 communications lines handling many different line signalling modes. A PCI version is also available.
Overview
The FarSync X.25 T4Ee product 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 PCIe card will support 4 X.25 lines at speeds to over 2.048 Mbits/s. The highly flexible universal network connector supports RS232, X.21, RS530, RS449 and V.35 network interfaces.
Line signalling modes: NRZ, Manchester encoding, FM0, FM1 and Conditioned Diphase are handled by the onboard FarSite customisable communications controller as well as soft selectable line termination resistance.
The product is supplied with a free 5 year warranty.
- 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 FarSync X25 T4Ee 4 line card runs an AMD processor with SRAM and an embedded HDLC controller connected to the Server/PC through a PCIe bus.
Network Interfaces
The multi function line drivers available on all the ports support X.21 (V.11), V.35, RS232 (V.24, X.21bis), RS530 (EIA530, RS422) and RS449 network interfaces, all soft configurable and ESD protected from static charges.
X.25 line speeds of over 2.048 MBits/s are supported.
Clock Generation
As well as external (line generated) clocking FarSync X25 T4Ee also supports card generated clocks with speeds from 9600 baud to over 10 Mbits/s, each line can be set to a different speed.
Line Signalling Modes
A wide variety of line signalling modes can be handled including NRZ plus the self clocking (clock for the data is decoded from the incoming data line) line signalling modes NRZI, Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Diphase (also known as Differential Manchester), FM0 and FM1 at speeds of up to 10 MBits/s. This means separate clock lines are not required, these line signalling modes, are a soft configurable alternative to NRZ and a reliable way of handling long high speed cable runs. Some X.25 implementations particularly require Conditioned Diphase and this card can support those.
Line termination is supported on all the balanced pair signals for X.21 (V.11), V.35, RS530 (EIA530, RS422) and RS449 (RS422 signalling) operation. The line termination resistors may be soft selectable on a port by port basis. The addition of line termination resistors can be helpful in improving signal quality on long higher speed lines.
Multiple Cards
The drivers supplied with Windows and Linux allow large numbers of ports to be supported by the installation of multiple FarSync cards in a Server. Typically 12 or more cards (24+ ports) can be supported; the card limit is only dependent on the resources available in the host Server and the total bandwidth of the PCIe/PCI/PMC bus.
PCIe Compatibility
FarSync PCIe cards are suitable for systems with a PCIe bus, covering single and multi-processor systems. These cards are compliant with PCI Express Base specification revision 1.0a and above. The FarSync adapters are bus mastering, 1x (single lane) cards.
If you are not sure about your particular system, contact us and we can provide advice on the card that is most suitable for you.
Cables
This four port card uses a single large high density 100 pin HIPPI type connector, all four lines are available though this connector. The quad port cable HCR4 attaches to the card and splits out the four network interfaces into separate network connectors to provide support for EIA-530 (RS422) and RS232. X.21, V.35 and RS449 are available through transition connectors. Details of the cables and converters available are listed in the cables section of the Order Information table. Crossover cables, sometimes referred to as null modem cables, or DTE to DCE conversion cables are also available.
FarSync X25 T4E+ PCI card
The FarSync X25 T4E+ has a very similar set of features to the FarSync X25 T4Ee except it is for a PCI bus.
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
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 | |
| Card type and PCIe specification | AMD Processor with embedded communications controller, FarSite extended communications controller (customisable), 100 pin HIPPI connector for the communications lines, FarSync PCIe cards are suitable for systems with a PCIe bus, covering single and multi-processor systems. These cards are compliant with PCI Express Base specification revision 1.0a and above. The FarSync adapters are bus mastering, 1x (single lane) cards. |
| Physical characteristics | Short card (height 107mm, length 167mm) |
| Network connections supported | 4 synchronous or asynchronous ports, soft switchable line termination RS232 – DTE DB25M connector, DCE type cables also available. The connectors listed above are with the appropriate cable fitted, these cables can be found in the Cable Options section. |
| Link speed range Synchronous | X21, RS530, RS449, V.35: up to 10 Mbits/s internally or externally clocked, RS232: up to 128 Kbits/s. |
| Link speed range Asynchronous | RS232, X.21, RS530, V.35: 50, 75, 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38.4K, 57.6K & 115.2 Kbits/s |
| Maximum total bandwidth | 53 Mbits/s |
| Line signal modes | NRZ, NRZI, Manchester Encoding, Conditioned Diphase (Differential Manchester), FM0, FM1 |
| Multiple cards | The drivers supplied with Windows and Linux allow large numbers of ports to be supported by the installation of multiple FarSync cards in a Server. Typically 12 or more cards (24+ ports) can be supported; the card limit is only dependent on the resources available in the host Server and the total bandwidth of the PCIe/PCI/PMC bus. |
| Line indicators | 4 LEDs one per port showing line connection status |
| ESD Protection | Yes, Littelfuse high speed ESD and over-voltage protection |
| MTBF | 165,256 hours calculated using Bellcore Method 1 Case 3, 40 deg.C ambient, 15 deg.C case temperature rise above ambient |
| Approvals | EN55022 class B, CE, FCC class B, RoHS2 compliant |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0–50°C ambient air temperature. An industrial temperature range version is available on special order, contact us for details. |
| Humidity | Operating humidity 10 to 85% non condensing. |
| Power requirements | < 2.32 A @ +3.3v, < 1mA @ +12v (for ESD suppression) < 7.7 watts. |
| Line clocking - internal | Internal clock range: over 160 different frequencies between 300 baud and 10 Mbits/s. See Hardware Details for the list. No special cables are required to use internal clocks. Internal clocking is supported on RS530, RS232, X.21, V.35 and RS449 connections |
| Line clocking - external | External clocks received from a serial port and used to a drive serial communications port can be any frequency up to 10MHz. |
| Line Termination | Line termination resistors can be configured in or out. |
| Terminal timing | Terminal Timing is supported to enable system-wide clock synchronisation. |
| Cables | Cables are ordered separately, see the Cable Options section for details |
| Warranty | Free 5 year warranty |
| Compliance | RoHS2, 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
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 X25 T4Ee | Intelligent 4 port X.25 PCI Express (PCIe) card featuring many line signalling modes with X.25 Software and the X.25 Developers Toolkit for Windows and Linux included. | FS6456 |
| FarSync X25 T4E+ | Intelligent 4 port X.25 PCI card featuring many line signalling modes with X.25 Software and the X.25 Developers Toolkit for Windows and Linux included. | FS6446 |
| Software Options | ||
| FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Windows | Upgrade to the standard Windows FarSync X.25 software that allows up to 4095 simultaneous sessions | FS9504 |
| FarSync X.25 High Capacity Pack for Linux | Upgrade to the standard Linux FarSync X.25 software that allows up to 4095 simultaneous sessions | FS9505 |
| FarSync XOT Extension | An optional upgrade to add XOT (X.25 over TCP/IP) with FarSync X.25 cards on Linux. A FarSync X25 card must be purchased with this product. | FS9508 |
| HCR4 | HCR4, Quad port RS530 and RS232 DTE cable DB25M connectors, 2.0 metres for use with FarSync T4Ee, T4E+, X25 T4Ee and X25 T4E+ cards, see pinouts. Also supports X.21, V.35 and RS449 interfaces with addition of conversion cables TCX1, TCV1 and TC449 respectively, | FS6076 |
| TCX1 | TCX1, X.21 DTE (V.11) DB15M 1 port HCR4 cable to X.21 transition connector, see pinouts. | FS6052 |
| TCV1 | TCV1, V.35 DTE M34M 1 port HCR4 cable to V.35 transition connector, see pinouts. | FS6053 |
| TC449 | TC449, RS449 DTE DB37M 1 port HCR4 cable to RS449 transition connector, see pinouts | FS6054 |
| Test-T4E | Loopback connector for testing the cards 4 communication ports | FS6026 |
| Null-MX | General purpose X.21 double shielded crossover cable, DB15F connectors, 0.5 metres. Converts the DTE presentation into a DCE, see pinouts | FS6090 |
| X21-EXT | X.21 double shielded 15 metre extension cable, DB15F to DB15M | FS6091 |
| Null-MR4 | RS232 and RS530 (EIA530, RS422) double shielded crossover cable, DB25F connectors, 0.5 metres. Converts the DTE presentation into a DCE. | FS6097 |
| X.21-449-INT | X.21 to RS449 (DB37F connector) - conversion cable, for use when FarSync adapter generates the clock, 0.5 metres, see pinouts | FS6093 |
| X.21-449-EXT | X.21 to RS449 (DB37M connector)- conversion cable for use when the clock externally generated (DCE Clock), 0.5 metres, see pinouts | FS6094 |