Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!ucsd!ucbvax!RELAY.NSWC.NAVY.MIL!snorthc
From: snorthc@RELAY.NSWC.NAVY.MIL
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
Subject: Re:  Need help with networking personal computers
Message-ID: <8911280514.ac18758@Obelix.TWG.COM>
Date: 28 Nov 89 12:58:55 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: The Internet
Lines: 60


> Some of the constraints that we are working under are:

> 1.  We must have compatibility with our existing TCP/IP network with the full
> suite of protocols available on all computers.  This includes telnet, FTP, and
> SMTP.

These protocols are available from a number of sources:
Phil Karn ka9q is "freely available";
FTP SW and Wollongong are highly rated commercial offerings.
I would think the idea of using SMTP on PCs through very carefully.


> 2.  To keep cost down, we do not want to buy ethernet boards for all the pcs
> and McIntoshes, though we may be able to buy some boards if many of these
> computers can go through one computer for net access.  Most of the network
> links for the small computers will therefore have to be done through serial
> ports.

Well, the MACs could all share a kinetics fastpasth or gator box or
some such if they are appletalked togeather.

I would recommend you scrounge around an come up with the bucks for
cards and thinnet.  You should be able to get equipped for ~$400.00
per node for card.  If you are badly strapped give me a call and I
will approach management here about POSSIBLY setting you up with
some of our older cards.  There are constraints implied here, why do
you think we aren't using them?

> 3.  The proposed solution must initially be able to support connection of at
> least 50 personal conputers with an expansion potential for 200 connections.

In my opinion this is a server issue, not a client problem i.e. do you
have a machine that can provide services for 50 - 200 PC/MACs.

> It looks like SLIP might be useful, although it seems as though you still need
> TCP/IP software on the small computers.  Informed comment (i.e. experience) is
> preferred, but I will take any help that I can get. 

Per SLIP, good luck.

As a last "informed comment"  You might want to broaden your horizons
a bit, your problem domain might also include:
	- disk sharing (nfs);
	- graphics (X Windows);
	- some or another RPC religion.
It would be a shame to go to a lot of effort and settle on a solution
that precludes these capabilities.

Feel free to call (703) 663-7745 or write for further info.  I don't
really do PCs anymore, but I still keep one on my desk.  I have
been where you are now and wish you the best.  Some of my good
buddies from my Defense Mapping Agency days are at the topo labs.

> John R. Benton  		Internet: john@etl.army.mil

	Stephen Northcutt (snorthc@relay.nswc.navy.mil)

Fireworks: it was like bright colored crayons on paper, but it was
in the sky.  Hunter Northcutt, JUL 4 89, 4 yrs old.