nsadmin@midacs.UUCP (Linn Hower) (08/16/85)
Does anyone have information about the availability of TCP/IP on 3-COM Ethernet hardware? 3-COM passed on to me a rumor that MIT has an operating implementation with a small net of IBM PC's. Our user community here at EG&G, Idaho has expressed an interest in communicating with a net of larger machines, but protocol differences prevent this at present. Facts Anyone??? -- Paul Tremblay Phone: 208-526-6119 ...!ucbvax!ucdavis!midacs!isew02!paul
jbn@wdl1.UUCP (08/27/85)
MIT has a package. See below. Spartacus Corp. sells a
"commercialized" version of the MIT package, and Network Research
sells a different package of their own. Wollongong has just come
out with a package. All support the 3COM Ethernet board, plus various
other devices.
Brief Summary:
MIT:
Supports 3COM Ethernet, some other devices; TELNET,
TFTP, time and name servers. User side only; requires
a more powerful host. Easy to use, install, and
configure. Menu-based configuration. Useful network
monitoring program. Print spooler for Imagen laser
printers. Appears to work OK if you like
TFTP. $12.(object) $55 (source).
Recompilation requires a VAX and some other MIT cross
development software.
Spartacus:
Like MIT, but offers IBM 3270 emulation, Spartacus
sells a unit for connecting Ethernets to IBM mainframes;
the PC software is useful if you have that box.
Not tested here.
Network Research:
Supports 3COM Ethernet, some other devices; TELNET,
real FTP, subroutine library for applications developers
(allows TCP access). Application development possible on
PC using Lattice C. Nice network monitoring program.
(allows selective eavesdropping, recording to disk, etc.)
Server version available, but very limited in server mode.
XNS version available. Difficult to install. Miserable
documentation. Installation requires guru. Many errors
and omissions in manual. Complex system administration
requring editing of multiple text files with obscure formats.
$750 or so.
Wollongong:
Not tested here; expensive.
MIT ordering information:
Both the binary command files and
the source language tape are now distributed by the M.I.T.
Microcomputer Center, at the cost of reproduction. That cost is $12.
for a floppy disk with the binary files and a user's manual, and $55.
for a tape containing the source and the programmer's manual. One
can obtain copies of either by sending a check or purchase order to:
M.I.T. Microcomputer Center
Room 11-209
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Telephone (617) 253-6325
Network Research ordering information:
call 213-394-7200
$750 each, quantity 1, discounts available.
Wollongong ordering information:
call 415-962-7100
John Nagle