Re: MAC Networking

Bruce Carter (bcarter@mentor.idbsu.edu)
Tue, 6 Feb 1996 23:58:19 EST

At 12:20 PM 2/6/96, Carol L. Tilly wrote:
>I will purchasing a small # of Macs (5-8) to use for Internet access and
>hypermedia projects. It looks like I'll be able to put in a 56K line to
>provide the 'net access, so my question is this:
>
>Do I have to have a dedicated Mac server and ethernet network to support
>the 56K line? I know that theoretically LocalTalk can support TCP/IP,
>but is it feasible. I'm trying to do the most that I can with limited $.
>I would appreciate any input or advice.

You don't need a dedicated server, nor do you need an ethernet network. In
fact, with 8 Macs all netsurfing at LocalTalk speeds (230KBps) at the same
time you'll swamp the 56K line anyway, so buying ethernet wouldn't be
getting you any benefit. What you WILL need is an IP gateway, either
hardware or software. Apple sells an IP Gateway software product, or you
could get something like a GatorBox or FastPath. A GatorStar hub would be
an even better choice, since you wouldn't have to worry about daisy-chain
hassles.

--
Bruce Carter, Instructional Software Designer     (208)385-1851@voice
Boise State University, Boise, ID  83725          (208)385-1856@fax
http://mentor.idbsu.edu/BruceCarter/home.html     bcarter@mentor.idbsu.edu