Cost-Effective Wireless Solution

Compare an SNA/SDLC traditional wired solution to a MDS TransIt™ wireless network alternative. GE MDS is a world leader in wireless data networking solutions with applications in the SCADA, telemetry, telecommunications, and on-line transaction processing markets.

The topology for both systems connects several remote terminals and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). In a typical SNA/SDLC configuration, an SDLC line from the Front End Processor (FEP) is extended to several remote locations using Digital Sharing Devices (DSDs) and modems with private lines. The function of the DSD is to split the Physical Units (PUs) that come from one line into several lines. The TransIt NM-200 Master Station includes, among others, the functions of the DSD. In addition, the TransIt NM-200 Master Station allows PUs to be distributed without any restrictions to the remote stations. For example, the NM-200 performs the function of a PU Multiplexer. The TransIt configuration also reduces the number of network components, thus improving network performance. Overall, TransIt provides a cost-effective solution that requires less hardware, improves performance, and substantially lowers operating cost.

MDS TransIt provides a Network Management System (NMS) to effectively control and monitor each component on the TransIt network. It provides a complete profile of the system, fault management, system configuration, performance statistics, and system security in a graphic Windows ® interface.

TransIt Wireless Network Advantages:

• Reduced cost-of-ownership, no ongoing private line cost
• Business-rated reliability, ISO 9001-certified
• TransIt's architecture supports redundancy
• Ease of integration -TransIt is compatible with standard protocols and offers the most comprehensive suite of protocols
• Rapid deployment -enhances revenue potential
• Excellent flexibility to incorporate both licensed and license-free (spread spectrum) radios in one integrated system
• Efficiency -TransIt operates on a single frequency, allowing you to double the number of networks running on existing frequency pairs, or cut in half the expense to acquire frequency pairs
• TransIt offers a complete family of radio platforms (licensed, 200 MHz -960 MHz and license-free, 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz)
• Low-cost "last mile" implementation to provide customer service
• TransIt offers excellent flexibility to migrate from one protocol to another (change from SDLC to IP) without incurring hardware cost

This application note is also available in PDF format.