Throughout Georgia (and the US), doctors are working to reduce their administrative overhead. They are combining practices or selling the practices to large hospital groups. Insurance, government paperwork, rules and restrictions are making it difficult for the small general practitioner to survive. Just the paperwork details are becoming a significant specialty, and the small offices can't keep up on all the details. The doctors want to "keep it simple" and concentrate on their professions, not the administrative details.
Read the whole story!
Conserve TCP/IP Addresses Using the PPP-SR Simple Router
This Aplications Note describes how up to 128 locations can be addressed using a single Class "C" IP address space when using the PPP-SR Simple Router family of products. Remote locations having up to four workstations are covered with this line of simple routers.
The DCB PPP-SR-DSU replaces a DSU, router and Ethernet network interface card (NIC) at remote locations for one to four PC's connecting to a corporate network or Internet service provider. The PPP-SR-DSU allows computers using async dial PPP programs (Windows95 Dial Up Networking, Chameleon, Spry etc.) to connect on a permanent private line link.
The DCB PPP-SR-DSU is a 56/64 Kbps synchronous DSU/CSU with one or four asynchronous ports and synchronous PPP or frame relay translation. The PPP-SR-DSU translates the synchronous protocols from the host router to asynchronous PPP and passes that to the async com ports of the remote PC's.
11/07/97
| Another School 10 Mbps Wireless System is Turned up by DCB.
|
The Mendota, Illinois Elementary School District now connects their three
schools, Northbrook, Lincoln, and Blackstone, as a single, fast, 10 mbps
ethernet.
DCB just completed the installation of 10 mbps ethernet lan links for
Mendota. Each school has a radio tower, 80 feet high at the Northbrook
school, 65 feet high at Lincoln and 65 feet high at Blackstone. One link is
8/10 of a mile, the second link is 1.1 miles. The ethernet radios are the
model 875, operating at 23 ghz over a licensed radio link.
This installation is the culmination of almost a year of planning by the
school district. Superintendent Bob Chinn began evaluating alternatives in
November of 1996. The evaluation process included various wireless and
fiber solutions, including the use of power company poles. The power
company alternative took months of discussions before it became clear that
the power company pole approach faced far too many obstacles.
In June, after reaching the decision to use 10 mbps wireless links, the
detailed installation process began. This included siting the towers,
constructing the towers, the licensing process, and finally, installing the
radios.
The system has already proved to be rugged and reliable. Mendota passed the
first difficult test on the 26th of October when the town was hit with 8
inches of heavy wet snow that devestated many trees in the town, but had no
effect at all on the wireless lan links.
Mendota will soon be testing video over the lan, delivering streaming video,
internet, and administrative data over the wired and wireless lan. This
network is truely a model network for schools as they build communications
infrastructures for the 21st century.
And now, for the "old" news...
10/29/97
Jason Roush Rejoins DCB Sales Force
After a few months absence, Jason Roush rejoins our sales department this month. He will be helping our western customers receive maximum benefit from their data communications dollars. His email address is jroush@dcbnet.com and he is located in Champaign, Il.
And now, for the "old" news...
8/18/97
DCB Forms new Alliance with Loop Telecommunications International, Inc.
DCB and Loop announce a new customer support alliance. DCB is now the Authorized Warranty Repair Station for Loop products in North America. Loop Telecommunication International Inc. is a multinational corporation with headquarters located in Taiwan's "Silicon Valley", the Science-Based Industrial Park. Loop was founded in 1991 in this renowned technology and research heartland.
Loop produces high-quality access equipment for both LAN and WAN applications. The product family consists of Network Access Equipment , Outside Plant Testing Devices, Information Access Systems, Wireless Communication Products, ISDN and WAN Equipment. In North America, Loop products can be purchased directly from DCB or other datacomm distributors.
This agreement adds a North Americian service and warranty repair location to Loop's facilities in Taiwan and Mainland China. As a reseller of Loop products for several years, DCB is proud to offer this service to our existing customers as well as other Loop customers. DCB technicians have expertise in many types of data communication equipment; and now that they are factory trained on Loop equipment, are well versed in all Loop products sold in North America. DCB will stock replacement parts and rental units.
8/18/97
New Data Broadcast Option Added to Access Switch Line
The new broadcast firmware option takes data in on the composite port
and broadcasts that data to the output ports. This firmware option is
available for the 8, 16, 24 and 32 port Access Switches. The broadcast
firmware defaults to 9600 bps, but other speeds are available as options.
The broadcast firmware also features a separate control port that is used
select a port number for receiving data from a selected output port to
the composite port.
One application for the broadcast firmware is in the paging industry, where
output is sent from a single site to multiple remote sites for
simulataneous broadcast of a page from numerous paging sites. The
reverse channel is used to selectively communicate with the remote paging
terminals to retreive status information.
Still Available! Our Data Communications Solutions Guide. Click Here to ask for your free copy of this 24 page guide. Please send your street address and we'll snailmail it asap.
8/14/97
DCB Introduces the "Simple Router"
One to Four Asynchronous Port PPP DSU for dedicated lines
The DCB PPP-SR-DSU replaces a DSU, router and Ethernet network interface card (NIC) at remote locations for one to four PC's connecting to a corporate network or Internet service provider. The PPP-SR-DSU allows computers using async dial PPP programs (Windows95 Dial Up Networking, Chameleon, Spry etc.) to connect on a permanent private line link.
The DCB PPP-SR-DSU is a 56/64 Kbps synchronous DSU/CSU with one or four asynchronous ports and synchronous PPP or frame relay translation. The PPP-SR-DSU translates the synchronous protocols from the host router to asynchronous PPP and passes that to the async com ports of the remote PC's.
7/3/97
DCB Adds Wireless Ethernet to Another School System!
DCB will be providing 10 Mbps Ethernet links between more schools this summer! Adding to our schedule of summer-time installs at schools and libraries in Illinois, we just won the contract to install two more 10 Mbps microwave links at another school district. This one involves a couple of licensed 23 GHz one mile links. Thanks guys!
We also updated several data sheets this week.
And now, for the "old" news...
6/6/97
New RS-232 to RS-422 Converter
DCB Introduces its new RS-232 to RS-422 Converter. The DCB RS-422 to RS-232 interface converter is just 1.75" long and 1" in diameter. It is a line powered unit. While designed for use with the DCB SR multiplexers, it is suitable for converting RS-422 to RS-232 with any manufacturers' equipment. The DCB converter requires a plus DC voltage on pin one of the RS-232 connector to power the circuit. The unit will convert RS-232 to RS-422, RS-530, and V.35 (transmit and receive data only).
We also updated several data sheets this week.
And now, for the "old" news...
5/20/97
New T1 Router
DCB Introduces its new T1 Router . The BR-SIT01 (TCP/IP only) and the BR-SXT01 (multiprotocol) routers support a primary WAN port at T1 or E1 speeds. Both also have an auxillary WAN port that supports up to 256 Kbps sync or async. This router is the easiest to configure yet. It comes with a GUI based management interface, or you can manage it using telnet, async command line, or SNMP. Put it on a DDS, ISDN, or switched 56 line. It even supports Frame Relay. Check out the data sheet!
This update, we added several data sheets, and updated others.
Now Available! Our Spring Data Communications Solutions Guide. Click Here to ask for your free copy of this 24 page guide. Please send your street address and we'll snailmail it asap.
5/13/97
New AC Power Switch Introduced
DCB Introduces its new remote AC power control switch. The APS-01 controls 120 Volt AC power to remote equipment. Working with all models of the DCB Access Switch, the APS-01 adds new commands to the Access Switch for Power ON, Power OFF, and Power Cycle (Reboot). The APS-01 is rated at 10 Amps continuous, and has a "fail-safe" feature that protects critical equipment from unanticipated outages due to cabling changes or powering off the controlling Access Switch. Priced at $195, it is available from stock to 2 weeks.
Check out the new Access Switch models, or go to the Access Switch Data Sheet!
Go to the APS-01 data sheet.
Now Available! Our Spring Data Communications Solutions Guide. Click Here to ask for your free copy of this 24 page guide. Please send your street address and we'll snailmail it asap.
4/18/97
We're at IWCE showing our new DV1D, frame relay products, and the Access Switch. You can also have a preview of our new Power Access Switch remote AC power controller. Stop by and visit.
4/2/97
Remote Network Management in the Real World
This short white paper discusses the realities of managing a LAN/WAN network with SNMP and how that management effort is more effective when using out-of-band management along with your SNMP workstation. The DCB Access Switch is discussed briefly and a link is provided to the DCB Remote Access Switch data sheet.
Old news from 3/20/97
New RS-232 Access Switch Models Introduced
Economical Remote Network Management
DCB introduces three new Access Switch models with higher port capacity. These new AS products fill out the Access Switch line with offerings of 4,8,16,24,32 ports and master/slave expansion units up to 152 ports. Connect a terminal device to one input port and a modem to the other for both local and remote access. Units with the master/slave configuration contain six input (controlling) ports and 24 or more output (controlled) ports.
The DCB Access Switch is used to access devices with async management ports without moving cables or using a manual patch panel. Ports are accessed by entering a port number or a user defined name. All ports run at 9600 bps (command port also runs at 19,200 bps). The user can access multiplexers, routers, modems, DSU/CSUs, channel banks, PBXs and other equipment with RS-232 async management ports. This access is out of band, so even if a network is down, the user can troubleshoot problems. By connecting a dial modem to one of the input ports, equipment cabled to the access switch can be remotely controlled. The Access Switch is an ideal addition to SNMP managed networks. It allows access to the equipment when the LAN/WAN is down and blocking SNMP and TELNET access. It is commonly used with Cisco, Newbridge, HP, and IBM equipment. The Access Switch is ideal for remote ISP POPs, Paging transmitter sites, and Cell Phone sites.
The DCB Access Switch is now available in the following models:
| Model | Port Configuration | Price
| | AS-04 | 2 input, 4 output | $ 595
| | AS-08 | 2 input, 8 output | $ 995
| | AS-16 NEW! | 2 input, 16 output | $ 1,495
| | AS-24 NEW! | 2 input, 24 output | $ 1,995
| | AS-32 NEW! | 2 input, 32 output | $ 2,495
| | AS-24M | 6 input, 24 output, 4 expansion | $ 2,495
| | AS-32S | 32 output, expansion for AS-24M | $ 2,495
|
This week, we also updated the Frame Relay Overview Applications Note and several cable configuration datasheets.
For the old news...
3/3/97
New 100 Megabit Ethernet Switch Line
DCB augments its line of ethernet hubs and routers with three new 100 Mbps products. The new lan switch, ES-06 supports 6 UTP ports, each of which can run either 10 or 100 Mbps. The ES-06/2 supports six 10 Mbps UTP ports and two 100 Mbps UTP ports. Our new LAN bridge, the EB-02 has one UTP 10 Mbps port and one 100 Mbps UTP port. Pricing is competitive on all these..
| ES-06 | LAN Switch, 6 UTP ports, 10 or 100 Mbps each port | $ 3,495
| | ES-06/2 | LAN Switch, 6 UTP 10 Mbps ports, 2 UTP 100 Mbps ports | $ 2,650
| | EB-02 | LAN Bridge, 1 UTP 10 Mbps port, 1 UTP 100 Mbps port | $ 650
|
(data sheets will be available soon)
2/10/97
Stephanie McNutt Joins DCB
Stephanie McNutt is the newest member of our inside sales organization. Stephanie's primary assignment will be assisting customers in the Eastern United States. (We hope she will also be able to keep Jason in in his cage.)
2/4/97
Visit us at Comnet booth 2710 this week!
We're at Comnet showing our new DV1D, frame relay products, and the Access Switch. Stop by booth 2710 and visit a while.
This update, we also...
Added a datasheet for our services.
Updated a "ton" of cable applications notes.
Updated the DV1 manual
And now, for the "old" news...
1/17/97
New High Speed SR Series Multiplexers.
SR multiplexers have been enhanced to support composite speeds of up to 128 Kbps. This is in addition to supporting ports at 38.4 Kbps, and is the result of moving to a faster processor chip and firmware enhancements. Some limitations do apply... a unit should not be configured with more than eight ports at 38.4 Kbps if it is configured for a 128 Kbps composite and is heavily loaded with traffic such as router traffic or machine-to-machine communications. This enhancement is another in the long stream of improvements to the SR product line which include frame relay composite encapsulation, support for multi-drop DDS and radio links, multi-point frame relay, higher port speeds, and ethernet composite transport. All SR multiplexers support remote management, link error detection and correction, and a network management port. See the SR multiplexer data sheets.
Updated data sheets for the SR Multiplexer,
1/2/97
New Firmware Brings "One Touch Dial" to the SR Series Multiplexers.
With "One Touch", any terminal connected to the SR can originate a dial up connection to the host computer with a single key press (space bar or enter key). Since "One Touch" also includes a disconnect timer, it is ideal for use on ISDN lines with usage charges.
ISDN is often a metered service, where the longer you are on line, the more it costs. "One Touch Dial" has a disconnect timer, configurable from 1 to 99 minutes. If the link has no terminal activity for the selected time period, the SR hangs up the line, saving charges when the link is not in use. The link is then reconnected by a single keypress when its needed. ISDN lines connect in as little as 3 seconds, and usually disconnect in less than half a second.
To implement "One Touch Dial", a number of configuration commands were added to the SR multiplexer. These are summarized below:
Sync or Async composite
Async composite speed (to 57.6 Kbps)
Error correction enabled or disabled (disabled for error correcting modems)
Leased line or dial up
Disconnect timer off or on (1 to 99minutes)
SR dial progress messages enabled/disabled
Connect to modem from management port to configure modem/ISDN TA
- On this update, we changed the What's new page, Technote Index, Apnote Index.
- Updated data sheets for the SR Multiplexer, Frame Relay Multipoint Firmware, Frame Relay Point-to-Point Firmware, DDS Multi-Drop Firmware.
- Added the Apnote...Private Frame Relay network saves money and time.
- A Customer success story. How a private frame relay network was used in an RS-6000 and SCO Unix wide area
network to extend the life of older equipment and save money and time.
- Added a technote, BR Router firmware reload, step-by-step
- Step-by-step instructions on how to reload firmware in the BR-AS01 routers. Used to upgrade firmware or replace an existing corrupt firmware load.
Still Available! Our Data Communications Solutions Guide. Click Here to ask for your free copy of this 24 page guide. Please send your street address and we'll snailmail it asap.
Our Spring Newsletter is now available. Call 1-800-4-DCBNET to get your free copy!
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