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Introduction

Overview

PowerNet Twin Client is a software package that provides VT100, VT220, TNTV, TN3270 (Telnet 3270), and TN5250 (Telnet 5250) emulation on portable terminals. It includes an easy-to-use Windows program for configuring and downloading the software to the portable terminals.

Modes of Operation

PowerNet Twin Client operates in either of two modes: thick client or thin client.

•Thick client mode (also referred to as telnet client mode) provides a telnet connection directly to host computers and their applications.

•Thin client mode communicates directly with a PowerNet OpenAir or PowerNet AirLinc server, which in turn provides the connection to host computers and their applications.

The primary difference between the two modes is in processing load distribution. In thick mode, application protocol processing is performed on the terminal, while in thin mode processing takes place on an intermediate OpenAir or AirLinc server.

Another important difference is optimization. In thin mode, the OpenAir or AirLinc server introduces display optimization, data compression, and several other techniques that can dramatically reduce wireless network traffic. These optimizations are not possible in thick mode.

All user interface features, functions, and capabilities remain the same in both modes of operation.

Major Features

PowerNet Twin Client for Hand Held Products terminals offers the following benefits:

Benefit

Description

 

 

 

 

Simplicity

PowerNet Twin Client is preset to match the default keyboard overlays and functionality of

 

the Telnet client. No special configuration procedures are required.

 

 

Compatibility

Existing installations that have been customized can be easily converted to PowerNet by

 

importing the existing configuration file, and/or by using the alternate Hand Held

 

Products-style terminal configuration menu system.

 

 

Management

Administrators and integrators can monitor and modify the software revision and

 

configuration of each portable terminal from any Windows PC attached to the TCP/IP

 

network. Changes are downloaded to the terminals over the wireless LAN automatically.

 

 

Diagnostics

Because Twin Client is fully integrated with PowerNet Vision, the network management

 

tool, administrators and technicians can monitor terminal displays, keyboard activity, and

 

diagnostic logs on the Twin Client terminals in real time, from any Windows PC attached

 

to the TCP/IP network.

 

 

Formatting

The PowerNet Terminal Screen Formatter feature is built-in, allowing integrators to tailor

 

host application displays to suit the needs of the terminal operators without modifying the

 

applications.

 

 

Migration

Conversion to a PowerNet OpenAir or PowerNet AirLinc client-server environment is

 

automatic because the "thin" client is included in the Twin Client software already

 

downloaded to the terminal.

 

 

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