2C Computing's Cstation
by Rick Smith (December 11, 2001)
While the trend of personal computing has flourished over twenty years, many corporate IT departments want to have all the corporate computing power completely under their control. This way, hardware can be locked for security, backed up centrally and powered by a single UPS system. Since PC users still want to work at their desks and in their offices, 2C Computing's Cstation models provide a powerful compromise solution for everyone involved.
The Cstation L1100 and C1100 allow a PC to be digitally "extended", up to a half mile away (over 800 meters), using fiber optic cable. Now the PC chassis can be physically relocated to a central secure environment, leaving peripherals unaffected. IT organizations can also use rack mount systems or CPU blades as computing platforms and use Cstations to deliver the "desktop" computing experience to the end-user. In addition to centrally located upgrading, maintenance, repair and replacement, other features of the 2C Computing Cstations are:
USB ports can be centrally controlled
PCI expansion slot at user's desk
undetectable emissions (no eavesdropping)
Since user peripherals easily plug into a Cstation, which is connected to the actual PC at over one Gigabit per second cabling, end users do not "feel" much of a difference. Their monitor, keyboard, mouse, PDA docking station, removable media devices, digital cameras and other peripheral devices, including multiple monitors and digital video interfaces work as if the PC were still connected to a desktop system. The ability to use a PC, with all of its familiar capabilities, ensures a smooth transition to the centralized Cstation environment.
The Cstation C1100 and L1100 both consist of two components:
C-Link PCI adapter installed in actual PC
Cstation module that resides at user's desk
Optional mounting brackets can mount Cstations vertically or horizontally under a desk or cabinet, completely out of sight. This technology transparently supports any operating system, including Linux, since it requires no device drivers or software.
Cstations run from $895 to $2500 per unit depending on type and cable configuration.
Here is an example of a Cstation C1000 that uses CAT 5 Ethernet cable for up to a 100-meter connection between the Cstation and the PC:
Cstation C1000
Copyright
© 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.
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