Honeywell 8.7.1 User Manual

 

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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.

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.

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

PowerNet Twin Client is preset to match the default keyboard overlays and functionality of 
the Telnet client. No special configuration procedures are required.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.