Serial Networks - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

9 Dec 1997

Very simply, I have a two year old wintel desktop, which does indeed have ISA
slots, and runs Win95. I tried to install an ARCNet card, and I couldn't
correctly configure all of the stuff (IRQ, RAM, DMA, etc.), though I had the
dip switch information. What I have is a half-length CMD card. Since I
couldn't configure it, I gave up. But, if anyone has any hints....

In a message dated 97-12-08 23:35:01 EST, you write:

<< Captain Napalm wrote:
...

 It was thus said that the Great Zeus334 once stated:
 >
 > I don't have access to network cards (except maybe ARCNet, which I
couldn't
...
  > run on my P*****), and I was wondering if there
is a way to have a transparent
...
  > null modem-based network. IE, could I connect two
computers with a null modem,
...
   and then
change to the other computer's drive by typing x: (or mount
 /dev/hdxxx, or whatever).
    Why can't you run ARCNet cards?  Linux has drivers for them (although
that
...
  is assuming the ARCNet card is for a ISA bus).

   It is possible to use a serial connection by running PPP as a transport,
 which supports IP (and thus you can use NFS to mount drives).

   -spc (I suppose since ARCNet is over 10 years, and TCP/IP is over 10
         years this counts 8-)  
 The first coax network I ever installed was Tandy ARCnet, Model IIs as
 server and workstations.  Unfortunately, those never had any way to hook
 up to network operating systems that the PC stuff dealt with, and there
 were never drivers for those boards for Tandy Xenix, though a shitload of
 R&D money got spent in Fort Worth trying to make it so.

 Since most non-laptop "P******" machines still have ISA slots, there's
 no reason an ARCnet card wouldn't work.  It's faster than serial PPP and
 more machines can connect conveniently.
 -- 
 Ward Griffiths >>