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The article offers a preview of the "IHSE ScalableLine Pro 5K", a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) over Internet Protocol extender system, from IHSE.

The article focuses on pressure on manufacturers of switching systems due to rise of intelligent factories, smart cities and internet of things (IoT) to adapt instrument for application based on connectivity. Topics discussed include proliferation of electronic control units (ECUs) across electronic industries, views of John Brown, application engineer at measurement device manufacturer Tektronix, on acquisition of data and migration of switching systems to cableless interfaces.

The queuing theory aims at the possibility to calculate performance parameters, e. g. utilization limits or buffer lengths for network switches. Today's typical data signals fulfil the requirements very poorly, which are needed to arrive at sufficiently precise estimates. Accordingly, it can be observed that the quantitatively successful dimensioning rules of classical communication technology are only used to a very limited extent on packet-oriented transmission systems. As a result, queuing theory has recently lost importance in the network business. However, the situation is different for video and audio data streams using a high transmission rate, as needed for live IP productions. E. g. special features of the structure of the arrival stream typical for live IP, which are clearly different from those of normal data traffic, make it seem reasonable to deal with the corresponding dimensioning questions, applying the models of queuing theory. The considerations presented here take a qualitative look at the transmission of live IP signals via packet-oriented data networks from the perspective of queuing theory. They intend to improve the understanding of the essential characteristics of package flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-power transmit/receive (T/R) switches for use in multi-channel ice-penetrating imaging radars are capable of sustaining peak power levels exceeding 1000 W. They are based on a balanced topology and built using quadrature hybrids and actively biased PIN diodes. Insertion loss is lower than 1.3 dB from 100 to 350 MHz and lower than 1.6 dB from 150 to 600 MHz. Isolation in transmit mode is higher than 85 dB across both bands with turn-on and turn-off times shorter than 1300 ns and 200 ns, respectively. Both designs were successfully used in multichannel radars for measurements in the Arctic and Antarctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on thew use of two dimensional materials in electronic and telecommunication devices. It mentions the development of an electronic device known as the atomristor with the help of two-dimensional materials. Topics in the article include memristors that has similarity with memory cells and transistors, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and use of atomristor in telecommunications switches.

The article discusses different types of switching systems that are offered by several vendors for large switching applications. Topics covered include the suitability of PCI extensions for instrumentation (PXI) as a test system platform for small to medium amounts of switching, the modular architectures of many large switching systems that provide good configurability and maintainability, and non-modular switching systems from manufacturers such as Keysight Technologies and VTI Instruments.

The article offers information on the high and low performance relays of switching systems. Topics discussed include the insights of switching product manager Shaun Fuller of Pickering Interfaces regarding the Pickering Electronics Series 115 reed relays, the importance of adequate relay separation in the printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and the switching system design of the automatic test equipment (ATE).

The article offers information on how switching system industry overcame several constraints and developed switching system for test equipments and system integrator machines. Bloomy Control's compact UTS Functional Test Platform's matrix was flexible but did not have best configuration. The multiplexers were not a universal solution. They decided to provide both. Smaller switch arrays could be used both in matrix or multiplexer. It discusses how Pickering Interface Inc. developed their switch.

In this article, the author focuses on switching systems for automated test systems. He says that signal switching is responsible for the connection between the unit-under-test and all the stimulus and response instrumentation. He adds that a proper connection ensures that the system is repeatable and accurate. He relates the popularity of solid-state switching in test and measurement systems.

The article offers brief information on several products that are of interest to sound and video contractors including the Tempest2400 MasterBelt digital wireless intercom from Clear-Com, the HVS-390HS compact video switcher from For-A, and the Modero X series touchpanels from AMX.

The article previews the 8- and 12-port models of the SPARQ Series of signal integrity network analyzers from LeRoy Corp.

The article focuses on the switching systems in automated test equipment (ATE). The importance of switching is discussed including the advantages and disadvantages of solid-state switching. Several ATE switching examples are presented which include the semiconductor materials characterization, the hipot relay test, and the photovoltaic panel test. The significance of the control software to switching system implementation is explained along with its subtleties.

The article discusses data transport technologies concerning multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and provider backbone bridging transport engineering (PBB-TE). It describes the Internet Protocol (IP) switching capabilities of MPLS and details of local-area-network (LAN)-based bridging. It cites how both MPLS and PBB-TE can provide point-to-point tunnels necessary for services like pseudowire and virtual private networks (VPN). It is added that PBB-TE has been developed to resolve certain limitations from the previous standard PBB.

The article presents a comparison of two switching system platforms from Pickering Interfaces, the PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PCI) and the LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI).

The article offers information on switching in an automated test system. The common problems with the implementation of switching include misunderstanding the effects of the need of using great amounts of transmission lines and not making sure that the switch has adequate bandwidth. It cites some of the best practices developed by engineers to eliminate the problems. A star switch refers to a multithrow switch without the pole or common. The advantages of using a star switch are also cited.

The article focuses on the improvements made in the audio-visual presentation system of the Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It cites the modifications made in the switching system of the church. It mentions the reason of church officials for replacing the church's analog console with DiGiCo D5 console. It details the different phases of the project.

The article presents information on solid-state switching system in automated test. It describes electromechanical relays for testing products ranging from automotive engines to thermocouples. The features of solid-state switches and electromechanical relays are compared. The functions of metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) in an analog field-effect transistor switches are discussed. It notes that the switching time for solid-state relays is dependent on the time required to power the light emitting diode.

An interview with Antarctica's Information Technology (IT) Manager Henry Malmgren is presented. When asked about the role at the station, he refers to doing IT superstructure to satellites to the telephone systems, including hand-held radios. Malmgren believes that prioritizing information security is one of the greatest importance in his position. He comments on the interesting project that uses Iridium satellite network, which applied when broadband satellites were down.

The article explores the role of impedance matching and switch quality on achieving accurate and repeatable measurements with a radio frequency (RF)/microwave test system. It cites some of the causes of impedance mismatches in high-frequency test systems. It illustrates the use of voltage standing-wave ratio in measuring impedance matching and reflected power in RF systems. It also discusses some of the factors to consider when designing an RF switch system.

The article focuses on the move of virtual private networks in North America to boost market margins by delivering advanced services based on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) to customers. MPLS provides alternative to traditional connectivity such as frame relay and T-1 circuits. Virtual private networks allow individual site within the customer's network to connect with other sites without the multiple point-to-point connection.

The article focuses on high-performance frequency synthesizers that employ a novel single-loop architecture for fast switching speed with low phase noise and spurious content. It is said that the Panther 2500 series of synthesized signal generators have outstanding phase-noise performance and lightning-like witching speed.

Provides information on network switching technology used in industries. Advantages of network switches compared with hubs; Methods to increase the bandwidth of workstations or servers; Factors that can be attributed to network congestion. INSET: Where Ethernet switches make sense.

The article describes a test signal switching system which is based on the setup used by Bloomy Controls to perform an intermediate frequency rejection ratio measurement on an FM radio. Complete switch modules are specified by their isolation, return loss and insertion loss. Use of a vector network analyzer to characterize performance of modules or individual relays provides complete S-parameter information. In the radio test setup, the switch specification exceeded the maximum signal frequency. Switch specifications and bandwidth are critical for radio frequency applications.

The article offers information on the evaluation of switches suitable for use in data centers in the U.S. Alcatel SA submitted an OmniSwitch 9700, Black-Diamond 8800 was sent by Extreme Networks Inc., and 3Com Corp. submitted its 8810 Switch for evaluation. The evaluation focused on the usability, management, security and price of the switches. The entries for the evaluation are supported with routing strategies including Border Gateway Protocol, Routing Information Protocol and Open Shortest Path First. It was found out that 3Com supplied 113 enterprise management information base while Alcatel supplied 53 and Extreme Networks supplied 35. In addition, all of the entries passed the substantive simple network management protocol testing without errors. INSETS: DATA CENTER SWITCHES.;THE VENDOR LANDSCAPE..

Reports on the introduction of new reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADM) by the equipment vendors in the U.S. Launch of a wavelength-selective ROADM module by ECI Telecom Ltd. to its multi-service provisioning platform; Plans of Nortel Networks Corp. to include the technology in big optical networks; Popularity of wavelength-selective switches.

This article focuses on the Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). AT&T declared MPLS to be its strategic direction, and the provider has been busily adding services, PoPs and interprovider peering ever since. In fact, AT&T's advanced services were by far the most impressive and included multicasting, VoIP, IP video bridging, broadband Internet access, traffic encryption, good remote-access options, and a business portal offering visibility into the MPLS network and self-service, all available natively through the MPLS cloud. Some WAN managers mistakenly think of MPLS as a one-to-one replacement for frame, expecting a continued downward trend on prices. But it is found that enterprises won't automatically see lower recurring monthly prices with MPLS replacement networks. Rather, the additional services that MPLS can integrate into a single network, such as voice, video and Internet, provide the true ROI by making WAN management more efficient. INSETS: WAN SERVICES;RFI SCENARIO: TACDOH LOOKS TO STREAM ….

Examines the responses given by various telecommunication companies to a request for a proposal for an Ethernet system needed by a toy manufacturer in its expansion. Reasons for proposing a distribution layer of computer network switches; Integration of security features in the designs; Data on form factors preferred for the access, distribution and backbone switches. INSET: Executive Summary.

This article reports that the serial PCI Express will eventually replace its parallel cousin in almost every avenue. Initially, bridge chips will provide access to a PCI Express switch fabric, but the lay of the land will change as more processors and peripheral interfaces replace PCI interfaces with PCI Express. At this point, PCI Express is more interesting to embedded developers in general. PCI Express brings significant benefits yet raises new problems. PCI Express appears to a device or host processor as a memory interface identical to PCI and PCI-X. Internally it's a packet-switched system that encapsulates memory reads and writes into packets. Reads are translated into request packets with address and size information. The response to these packets is the data requested. Packets get routed through PCI Express switches. Data flows through the switch fabric without regard to the number of lanes joining each device. The initial connection from host to switch may be an x16 connection, while the endpoint has an x1 connection. In between, the switches may have an x4 connection. INSET: ADVANCED SWITCHING IT IS.

Focuses on the debate over the use of the next generation telecommunication switching systems in the U.S. Transition from circuits to packets; Controversy over the launch of consumer Internet telephony service by Qwest Communications Inc.; Concern over operational savings derived from packet switching.

Asserts that Ethernet, Multiprotocol Label Switching and Data over SONET (DoS), form the basis of major service offerings as of December 2003. Discussion on the use of DoS as foundation of Ethernet services; Companies which came out with their next-generation offerings based on Ethernet and SONET; Primary concerns for the network architecture. INSETS: Segmenting SONET;Resources.

Presents the results of tests conducted on 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches. Approach to switch testing used; Products included in the tests; Product capabilities and limitations. INSETS: Testing at Hawaii's ANCL;Stressing Our 10GbE Cores;Life After 10Gig: Superfast Times Four.

Focuses on the condition of the softswitch market in the U.S. Plan of Lucent Technologies to pull out from the softswitch market; Implications of the expected market consolidation for the industry; Effect of the economic downturn on the market. INSET: RURAL MARKETS: NEW SOFTSWITCH HAVEN.

Explores the issues involved in achieving consisting timing integrity for Serial Media Independent Interface-compliant design of high-density switching systems. Need for designers to control signal integrity with regard to input-output set-up-and-hold timing; Maintenance of robust delay and skew timing between the PHY and application-specific integrated circuit.

Evaluates four products called Web content switches, which are also known as URL switches or Layer 7 switches, to control Web site traffic. F5 Networks Big-IP Controller 3.1; Alteon WebSystems Alteon 184; Foundry Networks ServerIronXL with Internet IronWare 7.0; Intel NetStructure 7180 e-Commerce Director; Features; Price. INSETS: Web Content Switching;Web Content Switching.

Evaluates four Internet traffic management devices with advanced Web switching logic. F5 Networks Big-IP Controller 3.1; Alteon WebSystems Alteon 184; Foundry Networks ServerIronXL with Internet IronWare 7.0; Intel Corp. NetStructure 7180 e-Commerce Director; Features; Price. INSETS: Need a Content Switch? It's a Matter of Design;Web Content-Switching Features.

Focuses on the emergence of alternatives to the Class 5 switch of the telecommunication industry in the United States. Features and capabilities of the switch alternatives; Issues on scalability; Features of the Class 5 switch that have been replicated; Information on various products offered by telecommunication equipment companies.

Focuses on several issues and access products that must be considered by incumbent local exchange carriers (ILEC) to stay competitive. Upgrading of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology to support advanced applications; How to solve the distance constraints of DSL; Migration of switching systems to handle packet-based technologies; Integration of voice and data access platforms for corporate and residential customers. INSET: Software still rules.

Focuses on the potential performance gains that photonic switching could provide for telecommunications carriers. Carriers' drive to increase backbone capacity; Limitations of existing switches; Microelectromechanical systems; Developments in photonic switching technology.

Focuses on Internet telephony. Convergence of voice and data networks; Information on the development of `class-independent switching' used in unified messaging systems; Technical problems that hinder the convergence of networks; How the class-independent switching works.

Focuses on the status Internet Protocol (IP) services in the United States. What are the problems facing the service providers; Features of the DiffServ architecture and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) of the Internet Engineering Task Force; Details on the quality of service offered to multiservice networks.

Deals with softswitches, an equipment which uses software intelligence to integrate voice and multimedia services over existing asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or time division multiplexing (TDM) networks of the Internet. Key features; Requirements for Internet service providers in using softswitches; Details on its creation process.

The article offers brief information on the ProSAFE XS728T, a smart managed switch by networking company NetGear Inc.

Focuses on the competition in gigabit/terabit switch and router market in the United States. Prediction on the market; Discussion on the core of the network; Criteria in order for switch and router companies to survive the competition. INSET: When will terabit routers assume the role of circuit switches?.

Focuses on the Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology for public computer networks. Ability to support voice, video and mission-critical applications; Resemblance of data flow to circuit-switching; Label formats; Label distribution protocol; Traffic engineering; Deployment of MPLS. INSET: Seven reasons to leave circuit-switching behind..

Examines the potential of terabit and multigigabit routers and switches to deal with Internet bottlenecks. Issue of performance and reliability; Importance of the products' quality of service capabilities; Startups that have announced plans for terabit boxes; Routers' extra internal capacity; Different types of high-speed interfaces.

Reports on the test results for several switches that maps frame relay circuits to asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Names of the manufacturers and their products; Capabilities; Applications. INSET: Test methodology.

Focuses on the deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology. Goal of DSL to open up the bottleneck in most networks; Advantages of DSL; Types of DSL; High bit-rate DSL standards; Hurdles that DSL must overcome to become ubiquitous. INSETS: Covad carries on;The Gulftel story;A focus on applications.

Reports the development of the standard signaling system 6 and the subsequent signaling system 7 (SS7) network that was pivotal to the overall evolution of the public network and availability of advanced telephony services. Benefit offered by the ability to communicate with the SS7 on service providers; Infrastructure equipment needed by service provider to offer both voice and data services; Requirements carriers must meet to deliver traditional voice services and features.