Networking Automated Teller Machines with Burroughs Poll Select (TC500)

Some years ago the banking industry revolutionised banking by introducing Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) Customers could now withdraw and deposit funds without being limited by the Banks hours of business. These ATM's were typically serially connected to the Banks pre-Ethernet network or in many cased not connected to a computer system at all!

When the banking Industry and the Ethernet revolution caught up with each other, Banks faced the dilemma of how to connect their legacy ATM machines into their Ethernet Networks. The obvious solution was to place a PC with every ATM, connect the ATM serially to the PC and use a network card on that PC to gain access to the Ethernet network. This solution was not ideal when taking the logistical and financial problems presented by placing a PC with every ATM into account.


The Multenet solution

Multenet offered the ideal solution to the problem by their development of the PocketPAD range of thin servers. PocketPADs enable the connection of any RS232 serial device, such as an ATM, with an IP network (Ethernet, GPRS). The PocketPAD is programmed with an IP address, Subnet Mask and Gateway Address compatible with the IP Network it is planned to use the device on. When the PocketPAD is running, it becomes "transparent" passing data to and from the serial device to the application.

The PocketPAD also contains a Web server. The PocketPAD can thus be remotely fully configured using any commercial Web Browser. Parameters such as Serial Port Configuration, Ethernet interface and DNS configuration can be easily changed from anywhere in the world.

A feature developed especially for the Banking Industry is the ability of the EtherPAD to connect Burroughs Poll Select (BPS) devices to an Ethernet network. BPS is a reliable protocol involving error checking and retransmission of bad data. Data transfer is always initiated by the PocketPAD, which either "polls" the terminal for data or "selects" the terminal when the PocketPAD has data to send.

The PocketPAD can be connected to ATMs at remote sites where it may not be economical to have a permanent network connection (e.g. via a PTSN/GSM/GPRS modem). In this way the ATM will only connect to the network when required to thus saving line and network costs. Remote maintenance and software upgrades may be done on remote ATMs without having to physically visit them.

Using a PocketPAD to connect a legacy ATM system to an Ethernet network, the life of the ATM is extended by many years with resultant cost savings. PocketPAD is an effective solution removing an expensive, high maintenance item and replacing it with an economical, efficient device.



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