Terminal Emulation and Batch Processing

Mainframe systems process applications and data on the server, while the mobile computer is simply a display and capture device, often referred to as a 'dumb terminal.' The mobile computer emulates the standard terminal used on these systems (typically VT100/VT200 or TN5250), communicating with the mainframe over a wireless network. The mobile computer displays output from the application and sends data to the application using the scanner and keypad. Function keys often are programmed to simplify the user's tasks.

A mobile computer emulating VT100/VT200 or TN5250 must have emulation software to make the mobile computer operate like a dumb terminal, including adjusting the output to the screen to fit on the mobile computer's display. The mobile computer must also have an adequately sized display to show necessary information, and enough keypad keys to ease the work required for data entry. CipherLab's MIRROR emulation software (for the CipherLab operating system) and Wavelink® emulation software (for the Windows® operating system) are both contained in CipherLab's Power Suite developer software tools for CipherLab mobile computers.

CipherLab provides a full alphanumeric keypad option for the 8300, 8500 and 9400, which are ideal for a TN 5250 terminal emulation application.

With batch processing, data is scanned and captured in the mobile device throughout the work shift and then uploaded to the database server when the handheld is placed in the cradle. Data access is not real-time.

With CipherLab products, during a batch upload to the server, the communication from the handheld to the cradle is through infrared (IR). From the cradle to the computer, communications can be via Ethernet or USB, depending on the model and cradle.