irani@tera.cs.umn.edu (Erach Irani) (01/19/91)
A friend of mine wants to have a program that allows 8 or so people (over modems) to communicate with each other in a game. Any programs to do so? Can an IBM-PC compatible (XT/AT/386) do this considering that there are only 4 serial ports? Any manufacture information on multiplexors appreciated although I've heard they use their own (expensive) modems? Is it absolutely impossible to use an IBM-PC? Does Coherent UNIX (the $99 UNIX) and other UNIX's allow more than 4 serial ports ? Thanks, erach (irani@cs.umn.edu) -- Phone : (Home) (612) 378-2336 Work : (612) 627-4850 InterNet : irani@cs.umn.edu UUCP: uunet!umn-cs!irani Postal Address: Erach A.Irani; 1717, Rollins Ave.; Minneapolis, MN 55414.
ong@d.cs.okstate.edu (ONG ENG TENG) (01/19/91)
From article <1991Jan18.183933.3695@cs.umn.edu>, by irani@tera.cs.umn.edu (Erach Irani): > A friend of mine wants to have a program that allows 8 or so people > (over modems) to communicate with each other in a game. > > Any programs to do so? Can an IBM-PC compatible (XT/AT/386) do this > considering that there are only 4 serial ports? Any manufacture > information on multiplexors appreciated although I've heard they use > their own (expensive) modems? Is it absolutely impossible to use an > IBM-PC? > Does Coherent UNIX (the $99 UNIX) and other UNIX's allow more than 4 > serial ports ? Currently, there is a game called TRACON2, traffic controller game that allows up to 16 Microsoft Flight Simulator 4.0-loaded PC's to hooked on. It uses a Digi-board ($1800 for the buffered version, $1200 for non-buffered, price approx. got direct from Digi-board maker). I just bought a multi-serial board that allows used as COM1 to COM8, but only 4 IRQ lines (2 to 5). Actually, IRQ2 becomes IRQ9 in AT machine (so I was told, by many). I assumed we can make 4 lines worked together, since I have programs that use 2 lines effectively (anyone has any idea, please explain if 4 simultanous line is possible). If you get any workable/cheaper multi-serial devices, please post or let me know. Thanks in advance. E. Teng Ong (ong@d.cs.okstate.edu)
alberti@cs.umn.edu (Albatross) (01/19/91)
In <1991Jan18.183933.3695@cs.umn.edu> irani@tera.cs.umn.edu (Erach Irani) writes: >A friend of mine wants to have a program that allows 8 or so people >(over modems) to communicate with each other in a game. >Any programs to do so? Can an IBM-PC compatible (XT/AT/386) do this >considering that there are only 4 serial ports? Any manufacture >information on multiplexors appreciated although I've heard they use >their own (expensive) modems? Is it absolutely impossible to use an >IBM-PC? In 1984 I ran a business which handled 16 modems at 300 baud using an IBM PC XT. It ran the QNX operating system and employed a Control Systems, Inc., Hostess Board to handle the modems. I suspect that modern machines moving at five to ten times rate of the old PCXT could do much better quite easily. -- Bob Alberti Micro and Wkstn Networks Ctr, U of MN // aka: Albatross| Unitar- Internet: alberti@boombox.micro.UMN.EDU \\// The Mars Hotel| ian/ Disclaimer: My employer does not mean what I say. // (612) 690-4142| Univer- Ingredients: 30% header, 30% quote, 10% content, 30% cutesy signature.| salist!