BosCom e-Twinax 4693, e-Twinax 4756, e-Twinax 4608, e-Twinax 4610, e-Twinax 4712 Specification

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

e-Twin@x Controller™

Complete hardware and software solution that provides a
secure Twinax-over-TCP/IP connection to a local or remote
AS/400 – without SNA!

Rear view of e-TwinSt@r
Controller, with RJ45 unit
attached.

Overview

The e-Twin@x Controller is the only SNA-free, pure TCP/IP Controller in existence. It allows you to leverage your investment
in Twinax by supporting all Twinax display stations and printers (both SCS and IPDS), as well as existing cabling. When
used as a remote Controller, all SNA, AnyNet and MPTN traffic is eliminated, leaving your network with a single protocol:
pure TCP/IP, which is easy to configure and maintain, and is routable. The e-Twin@x Controller also supports remote
management via a Web browser, saving you valuable technical resources.

Advantages

Replaces SNA connectivity and Anynet protocol with simple, easy-to-configure TN5250e TCP/IP.

Serves as a secure, low cost connection from your remote branches to the AS/400 using the Internet, saving a fortune
in leased line expenses.

Allows configuration and management from a standard Web browser that accesses the Controller via dial up or over
the WAN; most changes can be done without restarting the Controller.

Includes a built-in 2- or 6-port* Remote Access Server (RAS), complete with AS/400 client RAS software, built-in
firewall and support for RADIUS standards.

Housed in a compact 1U communications Controller that fits into standard 19” rack-mount communications cabinets.

Provides IP over Twinax connection to a local or remote AS/400, allowing Twinax-attached PCs to benefit from IP
applications such as e-Mail, Web browsers and Microsoft Networking, while running up to 5 times faster when used
with BOS IP over Twinax drivers.

Supports up to 112 Twinax devices; upgrades to expand the number of devices supported from 8 up to 56, are
software-based and can be applied either on-site or remotely, via the Internet.

Provides an interface to Citrix Metaframe supporting Twinax technology or other corporate intranet computing for
PCs using IP over Twinax.

* optional

Secure, Reliable, Low Cost Connection using the Internet

1
2

When the traditional SDLC connection is replaced with a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection using TCP/IP, the e-Twin@x
Controller can be used to maintain legacy Twinax devices (such as high-speed printers and dumb terminals) at your remote
sites. In this configuration, all the devices will appear on the AS/400 as TN5250 devices, and all PC devices can connect
to the AS/400 either by using dumb terminal emulation or by installing the e-Twin@x version of BOSâNOVA TCP/IP or IBM
TCP/IP drivers to connect to the AS/400 over TCP/IP.

The e-Twin@x Controller can be connected to the AS/400 via the Internet, saving you a fortune in leased line expenses.
Requirements are minimal:

Local site: a fixed connection to the Internet and BOS' Java-based SECURIT-e Server™, which can be run on the
AS/400, and any PC or Mini Computer with a Windows, Unix-based or Linux operating system.

Remote site: a connection to the Internet, either via a dial up account or using a leased line to a local ISP.

5250 traffic, encrypted via industry-standard algorithms, flows from the Controller to the Java-based server, where the data
is deciphered and sent to the AS/400. The e-Twin@x Controller can initiate the dial-up to the Internet when the first user
tries to access the AS/400. It also supports two parallel connections to two different ISPs, allowing increased bandwidth,
speed and reliability.

Configuration and Maintenance with Ease

The e-Twin@x Controller is managed via a standard Web browser, which enables all of the units to be managed from a
central point anywhere on the network, or via a modem dialed in to the RAS. Configuration can also be done using a dumb
terminal attached to any of the ports. The Controller software can also be updated over the network or via dial-in. Terminals,
PCs or printers can be added to the Controller very simply using a plug-and-play feature in Auto mode. The device name
can be changed at any time, without restarting the Controller. The Controller also verifies the host connection, including
which PTFs are installed for each OS version.

The e-Twin@x Controller as an
IP gateway with enabled RAS feature.

Router

Twinax

Router

DCU/CSU

Twinax
Terminal

Twinax
Terminal

e-Twin@x
Controller

PC Printer

Ethernet

Modem for
dial - in (RAS)

Local Site

PC

Modem

PC

Home Office

Configuration and management can be done
via a standard Web browser from anywhere on

IBM AS/400
or iSeries

Remote Site

Twinax Printer

PC Printer

DCU/CSU

PC

the network.

e-Twin@x Controller as an IP Gateway

The e-Twin@x Controller connects to the network using a standard network hub, which is attached to the local office via
a standard IP router. Ethernet PCs can be connected to the same network hub as the Controller for mixed Ethernet and
Twinax infrastructures.

With the TCP/IP drivers loaded on the PC, the user can take full advantage of the WAN, and get: support for e-Mail; printer

and file sharing on the network; access to Internet applications; and support for Citrix Metaframe.

Overcome Network Instability and Printing Problems

Dial Backup *

The Dial Backup feature ensures improved uptime for Controllers that are connected to an AS/400 using a LAN connection
(via the Internet routers or a separate Frame Relay network). If the LAN connection fails, the Dial Backup provides (via an
attached modem) an additional method to connect to the AS/400.

Automatic Session Recovery

In the event that a router on a frame-relay network disconnects and then re-connects, users of remote Twinax-attached
devices can choose to resume their current session. The e-Twin@x Controller can be set to automatically recover the session,
within a user-defined time period, ensuring smooth and efficient operations even in cases of network instability.

Router
IBM AS/400
or iSeries

Router

DCU/CSU

IBM AS/400
or iSeries

DCU/CSU

Frame
Relay

Back-Up

Modem

e-Twin@x Controller

PC Printer

DCU/CSU

Local Site

Router

Ethernet

PC

Securit-e Server

Remote Site

Twinax Printer

PC Printer

Twinax

PC

Internet

Twinax
Terminal

Twinax

Terminal

Main

Back-Up

Modem 2

e-Twin@x Controller

PC Printer

Local Site

Modem 1

PC

Ethernet

PC

Secure connection via the Internet using modem(s) for a
mixed Twinax and LAN environment.

Router

Securit-e Server

Internet

Remote Site

Twinax Printer

PC Printer

Twinax

PC

Twinax
Terminal

LAN (Frame Relay) connection with Dial
Backup feature.

Customized Object for Specialty Printers

The e-Twin@x Controller supports a wide variety of Twinax printers, including label and barcode printers that are often
called upon to deal with special printing requirements such as oversized fonts, graphics, and unusual page sizes. A
parameter can be set to instruct the host to send a pure data stream through the e-Twin@x Controller, allowing it to override
the original complex formatting commands with simplified commands that are supported by most printer models, before
releasing the job to the destination printer.

e-TwinSt@r Series Eliminates Need for Active Star Hubs

The e-TwinSt@r Series Controller includes a built-in unit featuring 8 (or 16) RJ45 sockets. Twinax devices working over CAT5
lines are connected directly to the Controller, saving the cost of an active star hub and eliminating the need for power
sources and additional space in the communications closet, as well as the extra set-up and maintenance time.

E-mail on Dumb Twinax Terminals

Basic e-mail functionality, known as TwinMail, is supported on dumb Twinax terminals. In addition to sending and receiving
e-mail, TwinMail includes a personal address book that can be organized according to user-defined preferences.

PC Remote Access

The e-Twin@x Controller supports a 2- or 6-port* Remote Access Server (RAS), providing remote PC users with network
access in addition to AS/400 access. Remote users can dial in to the e-Twin@x Controller and gain access to the network
using the RAS. This RAS includes a firewall for restricting access per user to specific IP devices or ports (e.g. one group
of users may be allowed access to the AS/400 for display emulation, but not file transfer). The RAS also automatically logs
all remote access activity. The RAS component can use the services of any RADIUS server for authentication, if required.

* optional

*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Technical Specifications

1
2
3
4

1
2

48xx

4600

4601

4602

4604

4605

4800
4801

1
2
3

4693

4608

4610

46xx

4756

4712

Devices Supported

Supports virtually any Twinax-attached terminal, although for the later models not all features are supported (such as shared
addressing, mouse support, imaging, etc.). Here is a partial list: 5251, 5291, 3179-2, 3180, 3196, 3197C, 3197D, 3477, 3476, 3486, 3487

Printers

SCS Printers: all models supported
IPDS Printers: all models supported

Workstations: Supports all PCs with TDLC emulation and BOS, IBM or IBM-compatible ISA emulation cards.

Host System Requirements

OS/400 V3R2 or higher

For device naming and SCS printing functionality the
correct PTF must be installed. (See Web site for details.)

Ethernet LAN connection

Ordering Information

e-Twin@x Controller Remote Models

Supports up to 3 Twinax devices
(includes 2 port Y-cable)

Supports up to 8 Twinax devices
(not for sale in North America)

Supports up to 10 Twinax devices
(includes 2 port Y-cable)

Where xx represents the number of Twinax devices
supported: 16, 28, 56 or 12 (for 112)

e-Twin@x Controller Local Models

Supports up to 56 Twinax devices connected to local hosts

Supports up to 112 Twinax devices connected to local hosts

Physical Specifications

Electrical: Universal input 100v-240v, 0.6A, 50/60Hz

Width: 17.4" / 44.1 cm; with brackets: 19" / 48.3 cm

Height: 1.64" / 4.16 cm (1U)

Depth: 9.8" / 25 cm

Weight: 5.1 lbs / 2.3 kg

e-TwinSt@r Series

Where xx represents the number of Twinax devices
supported: 08, 16, 28, 56 or 12 (for 112)

Additional Options

8-port Twinax connector brick

4-port RAS: Remote Access Server for e-Twin@x
Controller – Provides additional 4 ports
(pre-requisite: 4602)

SECURIT-e Server: Secure access to
AS/400 over the Internet (includes 2 port RAS)

TwinMail: e-Mail Support for Dumb Terminals

Dial Backup Communications Option
(pre-requisite: 4602)

North America

BOSaNOVA, Inc.
2021 W. Rose Garden Lane

Phoenix, AZ 85027
Tel: [phone] 516-0029
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

www.e-twinaxcontroller.com

AS/400 photograph courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use

not permitted. The IBM Business Partner emblem is a trademark of International Business Machines

Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. All other trademarks are the property

of their respective owners. © 2002 BOScom. All specifications are subject to change.

MK0050.04.03

RJ45 Connection Option (8 outputs)

RJ45 Connection Option (16 outputs)

European Headquarters

BOS House Meridian East
Meridian Business Park
Leicestershire LE19 1WZ
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Corporate Headquarters

Teradion Industrial Park
D.N. Misgav, 20179
Israel
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
[email protected]