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From: tnixon@hayes.uucp (Toby Nixon)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: MNP.2 in Software
Message-ID: <1494@hayes.uucp>
Date: 7 Sep 90 04:23:25 GMT
References: <5_}%4H+@masalla.fulcrum.bt.co.uk>
Organization: Hayes Microcomputer Products, Norcross, GA
Lines: 35

In article <5_}%4H+@masalla.fulcrum.bt.co.uk>,
I.G.Batten@fulcrum.bt.co.uk (Ian G Batten) writes: 

> Suppose I wanted to implement MNP in software, rather than using a modem
> that provides it.  This is ``real work'', so there would be budgets
> available.  Who would need to be contacted to arrange any licensing?
> Where would I obtain the specification?  Does anyone sell a version?
> Has anyone done this already?

MNP Classes 1-4 are public, with no licensing required.  They are 
documented in CCITT Recommendation V.42 (Annex A).  You may also 
want to buy Microcom's documentation for $100 if you want a second 
reference (they're located in Norwood, MA).

MNP5 and higher layers are covered by patents and other licensing 
restrictions owned by Microcom.

I am aware of at least two companies who have already done MNP2/4/5 
in software: MagicSoft in Lombard, IL (MTE) and SoftKlone in 
Tallahassee, FL (Mirror III).  Also, I'm aware of a company in 
France doing an MNP 2/4/5 software implementation for Macintosh.
Also, Greg Pearson of Microcom, the "father" (original designer) of 
MNP, has posted on Compuserve a "sample" implementation of MNP2 in C 
(source code); it is in the IBM Communications Forum libraries.

	-- Toby

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