30 Apr
2002
30 Apr
'02
2:22 p.m.
Dick,
One thing that I've wondered is how one gets an
old MAC to talk on the
Ethernet when it's a mixed environment with Netware and Windows NT servers. I
know Netware has a provision for MAC namespace, but I've only seen one
ethernet-capable MAC, which leaves me wondering how folks who use MACs install
an ethernet interface.
What do you know about that?
For Localtalk Macs, you have a few choices.
1) Some models, like the SE/30, had internal slots in which an Ethernet interface
could be installed. These are, however, rare and somewhat pricey.
2) There are ethernet adapters available that hang off the SCSI port. These
are quite proprietary, and can be hard to find software for.
3) You can use a Mac running Localtalk Gateway software for a router. However,
that Mac must have a localtalk and ethernet interface.
4) You can buy standalone boxes like the Shiva Fastpath that handle routing
Localtalk to Ethertalk. These generally work rather well, and can be found
cheaply on Ebay. I use a Fastpath 5 for my Mac network, and it's not failed
me. Locating and configuring the software is the biggest hurdle; I've compiled
an archive of information at http://dbz.icequake.net/oldskool/fastpath/
.
--
Ryan Underwood, <nemesis at icequake.net>, icq=10317253