sysnet@cc.nu.oz (David Morrison - Network Manager) (05/30/89)
We have a small LocalTalk network with half a dozen Macs and a LaserWriter. We would like to be able to communicate with VAX/VMS and Unix hosts as file servers and also to login to them. There are three LocalTalk/Ethernet bridges available that I know of: Kinetics FastPath, Cayman GatorBox and Webster Multigate. All can apparently encapsulate AppleTalk packets and transmit them over Ethernet, and also speak TCP/IP. However, I have not been able to find a direct comparison of them, so I do not know what extra features each offers. Apple has recently announced that the next Mac operating system would include support for DEC's LAT protocol. Does this require an EtherTalk card, or will it work over LocalTalk via an Ethernet bridge? I would appreciate information, explanations, experiences and opinions about these or any other such bridges. In particular, I am interested in the range of software supported by each. I would hate