Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!usc!apple!agate!ucbvax!hplabs!hpda!hpcupt1!hpisod2!jem
From: jem@hpisod2.HP.COM (Jim McCauley)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.comm
Subject: Re: SLIP?
Message-ID: <28880014@hpisod2.HP.COM>
Date: 30 Aug 90 21:03:23 GMT
References: <5395@mace.cc.purdue.edu>
Organization: Hewlett Packard, Cupertino
Lines: 31

In reply to the message from kdb@macaw.intercon.com,
gsnow@pro-freedom.cts.com (Gary Snow) wrote at 1:05 am Aug 30, 1990:

> What is SLIP, and yes I would also like to have some more information
> on this as well.

To the best of my understanding, SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol)
allows a computer that has only a serial connection (not a LAN drop)
to a machine connected to an internet (including #the# Internet) to
operate as a peer on the internet.

This means that a SLIP-connected computer has its own IP address and
can do anything any other Internet machine can, assuming that it has
the appropriate software.  A SLIP-connected personal computer can run
any TCP/IP-based application.  Of course, I wouldn't advise attempting
to NFS-mount a Unix directory to a Macintosh over a dirty 1200-baud
modem line...

SLIP for home computers will probably begin to come into its own when
the regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs) begin offering
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines for residential
connections.  These could allow TCP/IP communications from the home to
the Internet at rates as high as 128 kbit/sec.  But don't hold your
breath, especially if you're served by Pathetic Telesis...

Jim McCauley          jem@hpulpcu3.cup.hp.com       (408) 447-4993
Learning Products Engineer
Hewlett Packard Company, Open Systems Software Division
MS 48SO, 19447 Pruneridge Avenue, Cupertino CA  95014
Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, not my employer's.