From: belkin@teecs.UUCP (Hershel Belkin)
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 1991 02:41:42 GMT
Subject: Performance of LAN server vs. mux's?
Message-ID: <29280002@teecs.UUCP>
Organization: Litton Systems, Toronto ONT
Path: utzoo!censor!teecs!belkin
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp

I have two questions, both concerning the use of a TCP/IP terminal
server and a LAN card as a means of attaching terminals to a 9000/800-series
machine (825 or 835):

1. I am unclear whether or not the Arpa/Berkeley Services software is
   required for this purpose.  The LAN will not be used for any other
   purpose at this time.  Is the software that comes with the LAN (36967A)
   sufficient for simple terminal connections?  (The server I plan to
   use is a VISTA -- HP's is simply too costly!)

2. Can someone give me some idea of how this configuration compares to
   normal HP MUX (6-port) connections, in terms of performance?  The
   situation calls for about 30 new terminals (and we have room for
   5 new MUX cards, but that would exhaust our slots).  Is the TCP/IP
   overhead significant in terms of CPU cycles?  I/O bandwidth?
   I prefer this solution since it is cheaper, and allows for further
   expansion of ports, and also leaves us with some empty slots for
   HP-IB cards, etc...  but will I pay a performance price?

Any input will be greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance.
+-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
| Hershel Belkin               hp9000/825(HP-UX)| UUCP: teecs!belkin      |
| Test Equipment Engineering Computing Services |Phone: 416 249-1231 x2647|
| Litton Systems Canada Limited       (Toronto) |  FAX: 416 246-5233      |
+-----------------------------------------------+-------------------------+