sr6371@sdcc15.UUCP (yip) (12/19/87)
Does anyone know how to set the appletalk address for a mac to a specific number? thanks, David Yip sr6371@sdcc15.ucsd.edu stuff@crash.cts.com
phil@apple.UUCP (Phil Ronzone) (12/21/87)
In article <404@sdcc15.UUCP> sr6371@sdcc15.UUCP (yip) writes: >Does anyone know how to set the appletalk address for a mac to a specific >number? > >thanks, > >David Yip A1 - You can't have the node address stay at the same number, not without patching code. A2 - And you shouldn't, because dynamic node addressing is assumed with AppleTalk. Q1 - Why would you want to? (Curiosity only compels ...)
sr6371@sdcc15.UUCP (yip) (12/22/87)
I need to do this because one of my ethernet programs won't use the address I give it, but instead builds one from my appletalk address. This has a bad side effect that if someone else has that internet address it causes problems. I thought the numbers were randomly assigned, but everytime I run this program, or any other program that shows what the numbers are, the appletalk address is always the same.
rmh@apple.UUCP (Rick Holzgrafe) (12/22/87)
(Last time I opened my big mouth, I rammed my foot down it -- twice. Nothing daunted, here I am to try again... :-) In article <404@sdcc15.UUCP> sr6371@sdcc15.UUCP (yip) writes: >Does anyone know how to set the appletalk address for a mac to a specific >number? Alas, you can't. There are no permanent addresses in AppleTalk; addresses are assigned dynamically whenever the Mac comes on-line on the net. You use NBP (Name Binding Protocol) to assign an arbitrary (and presumably unique) name-and-type pair to a node-and-socket, and other folks wishing to talk to you can use the well-known name-and-type to learn the address. Addresses frequently remain "relatively constant": that is, the address the Mac chooses is likely not to change if your net is stable. This can create an illusion of permanence. There is a way to take advantage of it: use NBPLookup the first time to learn the address of the destination, then remember both the name and the address for future use. There is an NBP operation called NBPConfirm (IM II-301) which allows you to check that the address is still good, with greater efficiency than a look-up. If it's still good, fine; if not, do the look-up again. I hope a flame war doesn't start over networking strategies :-). The dynamic nature of AppleTalk addresses is to allow the "plug-and-play" feature: no configuration needed, just plug that little cable in the back of your Mac and boot it, and you're on the net. The Mac does the rest. For more info, see "Inside AppleTalk". I don't know where you can get it (I got mine from my Area Associate) but you might try your local technical bookstore, or APDA. Hope this helps. ========================================================================== Rick Holzgrafe | {sun,voder,nsc,mtxinu,dual}!apple!rmh Communications Software Engineer | AppleLink HOLZGRAFE1 (I don't look often) Apple Computer, Inc. | "All opinions expressed are mine, and do 20525 Mariani Ave. MS: 27-Y | not necessarily represent those of my Cupertino, CA 95014 | employer, Apple Computer Inc."