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From: broehl@watserv1.waterloo.edu (Bernie Roehl)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Information Wanted on X.25
Message-ID: <telecom11.161.3@eecs.nwu.edu>
Date: 25 Feb 91 14:22:22 GMT
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Organization: University of Waterloo
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 161, Message 3 of 10


I'm considering setting up a multi-line BBS that's accessible over
Datapac (Canada's X.25 service, analagous to Tymenet or Telenet).  I'm
considering several options:

1. Buy a self-contained PAD with a number of serial lines, and hooking this
   up to a multi-port serial interface on the PC end.  Advantage: works
   off-the-shelf, no additional software to write (I'd be using a Fossil
   driver and an existing BBS).  Disadvantage: hardware cost and being
   limited by hardware to a small maximum number of sessions.

2. Buying an X.25 board and writing software to provide an int 14h type
   interface (do the board come with that kind of software?).  Advantage:
   again, relatively simple to implement, and eliminiates running a
   bunch of serial cables.  Disadvantage: cost.

3. Buying a synchronous serial card for the PC, and implementing X.25 in
   software.  Advantage: lowest cost.  Disadvantage: lots of work.
   Do X.25 libraries exist for the PC?

Any advice would be appreciated.  (I know, I know ... why X.25?
Because it's there.  I don't like the protocol particularly, but it is
in widespread use).
 

	Bernie Roehl, University of Waterloo Electrical Engineering Dept
	Mail: broehl@sunee.waterloo.edu OR broehl@sunee.UWaterloo.ca
	BangPath: {allegra,decvax,utzoo,clyde}!watmath!sunee!broehl
	Voice:  (519) 885-1211 x 2607 [work]