Real Time LINUX and Telecommunications Applications

Over the last year, we have seen a growing interest in using Linux OS in real time communications applications. Originally, this was not a Real Time OS. In the second half of 2003 extensions were available to effect a more real time performance. With version 2.6, these extensions were integrated even more closely within the OS creating the best yet real time Linux. Several of our Trunk Management Software users have successfully based their systems on Linux. It's growing popularity can not be denied. It should be recognized that while it is “free” there are still significant support costs. Further, we are continuing to characterize actual operation in real time environments. We believe that great care is still required to ensure that your developments deliver the expected performance in real world applications where the unexpected happens.

NComm has added the Linux operating system as one of our standard Trunk Management Software (TMS) pre-ports. Receiving WAN source code already tailored to Linux can save your team 3 or more months of effort.

As we architected and executed our real time Linux port, we relied on our experience with other operating systems, the experience of our other users and the Linux community as well as just spending extensive time with the code. Along with software, we provide guidance on the the kinds of things being done in this environment and what additional things you will have to do to run our Linux port on your own custom hardware. To give you an idea of the important considerations, we offer notes from our effort to bring TMS up our our 8260 development platform.