Microtest Inc.

David C Bolles

Eric J Gotfredson

Robert W Ellis

Alfred Robert Wilkinson

A computer network (10) includes workstations (12), file servers (14), a cabling system (16), and removable media servers (24). Removable media drives (26) couple to the removable media servers (24), and removable media 30 are removably loaded into the drives (26). The file servers (14) may reside in restricted access areas (22), but no such requirement is placed on the removable media servers (24) or their associated drives (26). A workstation 12 originates a request (64) for removable media data (68). The request (64) is redirected (60) from the workstation (12) through the network (10) to a file server (14). A network operating system (NOS) (84) running on the file server (14) passes the request (64) to a removable media redirector (100), which redirects the request (64) back through the network (10) to a removable media server (24). The removable media server (24) obtains the requested data (68) and routes these data back to the requesting file server (14). The file server (14) then passes the requested data (68) back through the NOS (84), where they are again routed through the network (10), this time to the requesting workstation (12). A database (104) is maintained at the file server (14) for use in managing the use of removable media (30) on the network (10).

Computer network with reliable and efficient removable media services

A cable tester, which is adapted to be used by persons not expertly skilled in the technical characteristics of local area networks (LANs), is disclosed. The tester incorporates a time domain reflectometer which starts a counter upon the generation of an incident signal pulse and utilizes a comparator which compares signals present on a cable under test to a controllable amplitude to halt the timer. The tester exhibits an output impedance which is greater than the impedance of a cable being tested. The tester additionally measures instantaneous amplitude levels of signals present on the cable being tested, resistance, continuity, noise levels, and data activity on a network of which the cable is a part. In addition, the tester includes a display and a sound generally device. Software programming compensates for impedance mismatches with the cable and data present on an active network being tested. In addition, software programming processes test and measurement results for visual presentation on the display and for audible presentation on the sound generating device. The visual presentations incorporate graphical representations of test and measurement data. Furthermore, the tester supplies audible signals which can be used with the aid of a tracter device to locate the cable being tested.

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Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

David C Bolles