Focus On - Tech talk & tips

Bluetooth Overview   Bluetooth is a simple instant radio solution that allows different devices to talk to each other. This means that many of the operations you do now using cables or infrared can be replaced by Bluetooth.	802.11n Wireless Technology   The next generation wireless standard Draft N deliveres total performance and coverage, thereby surpassing all previous standards.
Ethernet - Part 1   During this short article we will cover hubs, network cards, patch leads, patch panels, routers and cabinets with a brief explanation of what they are and how they go together to make a structured network. We won't be covering network operating systems or software.	TCP/IP Configuration   TCP/IP is probably the most commonly used network protocol as it is the basis for the entire World Wide Web. Put simply, TCP/IP protocol uses a form of addressing that makes it easier for computers to identify each other and pass information from one place to another.
Ethernet - Part 2   For larger networks and where workstations are a distance apart, such as on another floor of the building, then using patch panels and wall ports connected by their own cabling is ideal.	TCP/IP Installation   This TCP/IP tutorial begins with the IP address. From the Configuration window list select the TCP/IP protocol that is attached to your Ethernet Adapter and click he 'Properties' button
Ethernet Switches   To keep costs down, break your network into smaller workgroups and connect the hubs together with a switch. This is like partitioning your open plan office to create a series of smaller sections which has a shared telephone.	UPS - an overview   At it's heart a UPS is, basically, a battery - albeit a very big and powerful one, but a battery nonetheless. In the case of a power failure then the UPS will take over and feed your electrical hardware - hence the name Uninterruptible Power Supply. The UPS will continue until either normal power is restored or the battery wears down.
Custom Cables   We specialise in making cables to exact specifications - fast. Whether it's for printers, networks, terminals, workstations or any one of hundreds of computer applications, we'll build the right cable for you in the quickest possible time. We can assemble and despatch cables in just a couple of days - in some cases we may even be able to build your cable the same day!	USB - adding a port   Before you start adding a USB port, please be aware you will have to delve into the innards of your system. If you've never done this before then don't worry, it's not a difficult task. Just take each step at a time making sure you handle all components with care and that there may be cables and other components that you need to be careful of.
Fiber Optics   Fiber Optics is a technology that allows communication using light instead of electricity. Its freedom from external interference and from the astringent speed and distance limitations of copper wire makes it ideal for some computer communications systems.	USB - an overview   USB has been designed to control a huge number of peripherals, in fact you can connect up to 127 devices to a single USB port on your computer. There are very few restrictions or limitations when it comes to using USB to connect peripherals, apart from the number of physical devices you can connect, cable length is one.
KVM Extension Technology   KVM Extension goes hand in hand with KVM Switching, allowing network Administrators to control all of the servers, connected to switches in the server room, from up to 200m away. Reducing the amount of time spent working in the often hostile environment of the clean room.	Using Linux - Part 1   Using Brainboxes PCI Serial Cards with Linux - Part 1 describes procedures for the installation of Brainboxes PCI serial devices under the Linux operating system. The document has been written for use with SuSE Linux 7.1 but should be applicable to all Linux distributions. The installation procedures are specific to PCI Dual RS232 but the concepts are applicable to all Brainboxes PCI serial devices when used in conjunction with Serial DIDS.
Audio and Video Glossary   Glossary of common AV terminology	Using Linux - Part 2   Using Brainboxes PCI Serial Cards with Linux - Part 2 describes procedures for the installation of Brainboxes PCI serial devices under the Linux operating system. The document has been written for use with SuSE Linux 7.1 but should be applicable to all Linux distributions. Topics covered include Configuring Serial Ports, Installing Parallel Ports Manually and Booting with Parallel Support.
KVM Switching Technology   KVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse, and a KVM Switch allows you to control two or more computers from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. KVM Switches are sometimes also known as PC Switches, Server Switches and CPU Switches.	Using Linux - Part 3   Using Brainboxes PCI Serial Cards with Linux - Part 1 describes procedures for the installation of Brainboxes PCI serial devices under the Linux operating system. The document has been written for use with SuSE Linux 7.1 but should be applicable to all Linux distributions. Topics covered include Patching the Kernel, Copying Kernel Sources, Parallel Port Patch, Serial Port Patch and Building the Kernel.
Network Installations   Specialising in the installation of structured cabling Cat5e and Cat6, Fibre, Voice and Wireless LANs. With an experienced and fully qualified team of project managers, site supervisors, and system engineers - all process from site surveys to final testing and certification are completed to recognised industry standards. Please call our Sales Teams 01753 691661. Netlink personnel have government security clearance.	Using Linux - Part 4   Using Brainboxes PCI Serial Cards with Linux - Part 1 describes procedures for the installation of Brainboxes PCI serial devices under the Linux operating system. The document has been written for use with SuSE Linux 7.1 but should be applicable to all Linux distributions. Topics covered include Configuring LILO and Multi-Function Driver.
SCSI - an overview   SCSI stands for Small Computer Systems Interface. Pronounced 'Scuzzy' it is a parallel Interface standard used by Apple Mac computers, PCs and many UNIX Systems for attaching peripheral devices to computers. SCSI provides for faster data transmission.	Wireless LAN - an overview   A wireless network is simply a network without a traditional cabling system. The data is transmitted and received over the air very much like your radio at home receives signals from a radio station. The data is transmitted in 2 ways; Infrared and Radio waves.
Serial Card Installation   Quick Installation Guide for Brainboxes Serial Cards covers installing Brainboxes PCI or PCMCIA Serial Cards in Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. It also covers installing Brainboxes ISA Serial Cards in Windows Me, Windows 98 and Windows 95 Installation of Brainboxes ISA, PCI and PCMCIA Serial products in Winows NT is also covered.	Green Ethernet   Green Ethernet, Green Networking and Green IT are all terms used to describe the new breed of energy efficient Switches. Because these Switches intelligently only ever use power when they need to, their components are more reliable, you save money and help the environment.
Serial Comms FAQs   Common FAQs on Serial RS232 & RS422/485 Communications lists some of the most frequently asked questions about Serial Cards & Protocols that Brainboxes receive. Want to find find out more about Autogating, FIFO Buffer, RTS/CTS and the difference between RS422 and RS485? Then read on.	Bluetooth FAQs   Common FAQs on Brainboxes Bluetooth Products lists some of the most frequently asked questions about Bluetooth Products that Brainboxes receive. Want to find find out more about the difference between BCSP and H4, maximum distances, Linux Bluetooth stacks and setting up a SCO link ? Then read on.
Serial Comms Guide   RS232 is the best-known industry standard providing asynchronous serial communication whilst RS422 allows one transmitter and up to 10 receivers with data transmission rates up to 10 Megabits per second for distances up to 40 feet and up to 100 Kilobits per second for distances up to 4,000 feet. RS485, based on the RS422 standard allows up to 32 driver/receivers pairs on a party line data bus.