tab@LBL-RTSG.ARPA (Theresa Breckon) (11/11/87)
I would like to know if anyone knows exactly what are the "enhanced gateway performance", "compatibility with the new Macs", and "additional programming capabilities" that are offered with the new FastPath Upgrade Kit. We do not use the KIP code distributed by Kinetics, we use Bill Croft and company`s version that works great with the CAP software. We have had no problem with new Macs (SEs, IIs) on our network. The only real performace problem we've encountered is actually a RAM problem, the single ethernet packet buffer. So, do you think we should shell out $50 bucks for our 4 KBoxs? -Theresa Breckon tab@lbl-rtsg.arpa
cck@cunixc.columbia.edu (Charlie C. Kim) (11/11/87)
First, one thing... Let's not confuse people by calling any other version except Bill Croft's version of software for the Kinetics box KIP (revisions 10/86, 2/87, 9/87). Previous versions of the Stanford code can probably be best referred to as the Seagate or UDP code... Kinetics offers their own DDP gateway or their combined DDP/UDP gateway software. In addition, I believe they have or will have EtherTalk combatible software (e.g. EtherTalk on EtherNet instead of lap (sorta - closer to ddp) on Ethernet). The upgrade, as I understand, basically consists of a new ROM and some ancillary documentation (which I'm not even sure relates especially to the new ROMs). From what I've seen the new ROM (I think the version they are updating are 3.0) has the following major points: o uses fewer buffers internally (at least 3.5 or so less) o fixes the old reset bug - you can now issue reset and restart from Prompt (I thought Prompt II was supposed to work around this probem but it doesn't see to have) These ROMs seem very solid and robust on both the Fastpath I's & II's. I believe they have other code and bug fixes added, but I could only guess at it. I'm not sure what you mean by a single ethernet buffer - all versions of the software (both Kinetics and Stanford) have been running for quite a while with multiple buffers in both receive and transmit. I agree input from enet is too slow.. I just wish the hardware/software was fast enough to keep up with 8-16 back-back packets from even a VAX8700. Hopefully, this can be fixed in software by speeding up the ethernet service routines... Charlie C. Kim User Services Columbia University
cck@CUNIXC.COLUMBIA.EDU (Charlie C. Kim) (11/12/87)
I was at home when I posted that and at work, looking over the upgrade info, I can clarify two items: o The new ROM are revision 3.00 o The EtherTalk gateway software is available. In addition, o A new progammers manual is available o Code to make your gateway dump from ethernet to the appletalk is in the upgrade. Also, the upgrade should be free to those within the 90 day warranty, but is unclear how you "request" it in that case. In any case, it seems to be worth $40 to get the new software and the new proms are worthwhile (and cheap at 5 dollars a pop). If you have a lot of boxes, I would call Kinetics about the possiblity of copying the PROMs yourself if you have the facilities. Charlie