pcossenb@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Paul C. Ossenbruggen) (01/14/90)
Since we are speculating on what will occur with Apple products for the 90's
I thought I would join in and say what I thought would be great for LocalTalk.
I think that Apple should skip directly to fiberoptics for the next version of
the LocalTalk networking hardware. It should definitely take advantage of the
speed of the medium not like Dupont's (I think they have fiberoptic hardware
that runs at current LocalTalk speeds). It will require an interface card for
all current machines (the Plus would have to be expanded by third-parties).
Eventually the networking hardware would be built into the new computers.
This product would not replace the current LocalTalk. Current LocalTalk
is adequate for many installations that do not use the network as a file
server.
The advantages are:
* Ultra high speed (this is a biggie).
* Noise immunity
* Data security
* Greater distances between computers.
* Cost will eventually be low.
* Diskless workstations. (would require remote boot roms on the interface
card). This would reduce the cost per machine. I know that many
universities would like this feature. To be realistic, however, most
machines would have to have at least one floppy drive.
* Centralized application storage. I know this is available on AppleShare
now but it is not recommended unless you use Ethernet.
* Would not have the overhead of encapsulating AppleTalk packets in
Ethernet.
* More bonuses that I did not think of.
The disadvantages are:
* Would require a card. The serial ports could not keep up with the
transfer rate. New machines would have the hardware built in, however.
* Current installations desiring the advantages of the New LocalTalk
would have to be rewired.
* Printers would have to be upgraded or buffers would need to installed
that would convert to Classic LocalTalk.
* Initial expense would be high until fiberoptics become cheaper.
* It may be more difficult to connect fiberoptic cables than wires. This
will probably be reduced as the technology becomes mainstream.
* It would be yet another networking standard.
* More problems that I did not think of.
We Apple users demand the best technology available and the current LocalTalk
is a far cry for that when using it for Appleshare. Ethernet is good but we
can do better and hopefully less expensively eventually. (Although twisted
pair Ethernet may be a step in the right direction for high speed networking).
Comments?
- Paul