Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!pilchuck!ssc!fyl
From: fyl@ssc.UUCP (Phil Hughes)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Implementing LAN using RS-232 Serial Ports
Summary: $25 network
Message-ID: <434@ssc.UUCP>
Date: 22 Oct 90 17:25:20 GMT
References: <1990Oct15.030111.28548@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov>
Organization: SSC, Inc., Seattle, WA
Lines: 38

In article <1990Oct15.030111.28548@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov>, tidedu@mars.lerc.nasa.gov (William T. Dedula) writes:

> I am currently evaluating low cost, easily implemented methods 
> of connecting 6 or 7 IBM PC-XT/AT's in a Local Area Network. 
> I am about to begin to develop educational/simulation software 
> which will operate independently on each PC but will have the 
> capability of communicating with the other PC's in the network.

> I have heard that it is possible to utilize RS-232 serial ports
> on each computer to implement the network. If anyone has heard
> of (Or done) this, I'd be interested in knowing the BEST, and 
> MOST EFFICIENT way this can be done.

For small networks (2 or 3 machines) a
really inexpensive solution that seems to work well is called the $25
Network.  I am not a DOS fan but bought it just to see if it works.  It
does.  For the $25 you get the software and license to run the complete
network.

I hooked up a Toshiba T1000 to a 386SX system to test it out.  Access to
the disk on the 386 from the Toshiba worked fine (as did the other way
around) and remote print is also supported.

Various utility routines come with the network.  The one that I use is a
program that fakes out Windows to think that there really is a printer on
LPT3 (which is really just a way to send data to UltraScript).  That
program alone was worth the $25.

The product is available from:
    Information Modes
    P.O. Drawer F
    Denton, TX 76202
    (817) 387-3339

I ordered mine by phone and it showed up about two days later.
-- 
Phil Hughes, SSC, Inc. P.O. Box 55549, Seattle, WA 98155  (206)FOR-UNIX
     uunet!pilchuck!ssc!fyl or attmail!ssc!fyl            (206)527-3385