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Technology Background Paper
Source:TEG NF
Executive summary
WARNING:
Toshiba considers the information in
this paper correct to the best of its
knowledge at the time of printing.
Toshiba assumes no liability for errors
omissions or discrepancies, nor for any
damages incurred based upon use of
the information contained herein.
The Complete Guide to Mobile Connectivity
The full technology background paper on the subject of mobile
connectivity is a relatively detailed survey divided into three parts.
These cover: the technologies available for expansion and connectivity;
the hardware options that mobile computer users can choose from
in order to get connected; the range of systems used in networking
and long-distance data transfers now and in the near future.
The following paragraphs sum up the information and reasoning
included in the full paper. Before anybody writes about this
subject we strongly recommend that they read all or at least the
appropriate parts of the full paper. Only there will they find the
requisite amount of detail to convince and persuade prospective
users or buyers.
Introduction
This looks at the development of computers and how it
relates to the central question of accessing information.
Today's growth in connectivity is the latest manifestation of
the desire to get information flowing.
1. The technology of expansion - the nuts and bolts of connectivity
ISA The current Industry Standard Architecture came from IBM
in the mid eighties. It's data throughput is limited and now
looking a little old. It is the basis of 90% of PC expansion
today including the highly successful PCMCIA format.
MCA Micro Channel Architecture was IBM's expensive answer to
the need to improve ISA. Relatively unsuccessful, even
IBM's mobile PCs use ISA today.
EISA Extended Industry Standard Architecture was designed by
a group of PC manufacturers as a response to IBM's MCA.
Despite improvements over ISA it has never really caught
on. Nowadays only used in desktops.
PCI Peripherals Component Interconnect is the latest new bus
standard. Designed by Intel with general industry-wide
support it is very fast and looks set to replace ISA in the next
year or so. There is even a PCMCIA version for mobile PCs.
The section includes a table comparing all bus standards.
VESA The Video Electronics Standards Association was
instrumental in bringing agreed standards to video output
and boosted the idea of local buses through the widely
used VL-bus standard which is now competing with PCI.
SCSI Small Computer Standard Interface, a left over from the
workstation world that is now finding growing popularity
as an expansion bus system for PC external devices. It is
starting to appear in mobile PCs principally for CD-ROM
usage. A list of SCSI devices is included.
Proprietary standards
Many companies used these for expansion in the past,
especially in mobile PCs. They now limit choice so should
be avoided in current PC purchases.
2. Hardware choices: using the right connectivity option
PCMCIA The Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association began by seeking an agreed standard for
memory expansion. With PCMCIA 2.0 it brought many I/O
devices within its range. It's credit-card-sized expansion
modules are now the main method of expansion in mobile
PCs for everything from flash cards to modems, sound cards,
SCSI expansion and even mini hard disks.
PCMCIA 3.0
Is a further development of this handy format to match
today's advanced 32-bit processors. It is PCI-oriented for
speed but still ISA compatible.
Toshiba and PCMCIA
reviews Toshiba's involvement with PCMCIA and looks at
Toshiba's implementation of this standard listing PCs & slots.
Using PCMCIA cards
describes the various types of card now available in the
different formats and explains the advantages of PCs with
two separate as opposed to two stacked slots. It describes
the usefulness of a full Type III slots and looks at the use of
Type III in the future. A table listing current and possible
future PCMCIA cards is included.
S&CS The Socket and Card Services section looks at the important
role the this software plays in controlling and monitoring
PC card usage. It explains the advantages S&CS bring using
examples of hot-plugging and hot-swapping.
Plug and Play
The name Microsoft, Intel and others gave to a new con-
cept designed to make PC expansion in all forms easier to
do and user friendly. It will cover older forms of expansion
(see above) as well as the new PCI and PCMCIA methods.
Docking stations
are desktop units into which mobile PCs can be slotted to
gain access to larger expansion options. This section
explains their usefulness for mobile PC users and analyses
"intelligent" systems. PCI and Plug and Play will make such
units more important and flexible in the future.
Port replicators
The differences between port replicators and docking
stations and possible future developments.
3. Ways of keeping in touch - types of networks
Office networking
looks at the hardware choices for mobile PCs in office
networks, in particular two growing technologies:
Infra-red networks allow cableless network connections as
long as the
computer stays in the same room. The work of the Infra-red
Development Association (IRDA) is described as well as
future development options;
Radio networking
is the only option which allows computers to roam within
companies. Growth may be linked to the success of local
radio telephony in businesses. A Dataquest forecast for the
development of this type of technology is included.
Long distance data
reviews the growth in the exchange of data over
telephone lines using modem technology. It mentions ISDN
and then looks at the latest trends in modems including the
development of the latest V.32 standard, the inclusion of
fax functionality and the possible future development of
soft modems. The various V standards for modem transfer
rates are listed with their speeds.
Radio systems
offer full mobility benefits. Only with radio contact is the
flow of information truly free from both ends. But radio
options for data are complicated.
Paging systems
considers their less successful relevance to data exchange.
Analogue radio systems
considers the current state of radio technology for data
transfers and its problems. The Toshiba T1850 models/DeTeMobil
Modacom net first full system is described.
Digital transfers
looks at the possibilities that GSM will bring for long-
distance digital radio networks in the future. It considers
current radio developments such as the German D1
network with a PC card. It then looks at future options
when sound becomes standard in PCs and when the
hardware for radio data transfers can be miniaturised
enough to fit inside a notebook.
Nigel Fusedale, Toshiba