Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!rutgers!bdmrrr!davis
From: davis@bdmrrr.bdm.com (Arthur Davis x4675)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: Dial-in to TOPS?
Summary: Shiva software
Message-ID: <1088@bdmrrr.bdm.com>
Date: 27 Apr 89 02:33:29 GMT
References: <127200060@inmet> <7908@thorin.cs.unc.edu> <7911@thorin.cs.unc.edu>
Organization: BDM Corp., McLean, Virginia
Lines: 37


I have a Shiva NetModem 2400 at work and it has worked like a charm for
me.  The only software required is provided by Shiva for use with the
Apple System Software Installer.  For the network side, there is a
NetModem installation which allows the local net to share the modem for
outgoing calls and to answer the phone for incoming calls.  This is
accessed as a Control Panel device.  A Mac with this CDEV must be up
and running for remote calls to be active and the incoming call setting
must be marked for unattended phone answering.  The Shiva seems to be a
good Hayes clone by the way.  Some standard comm packages (such as
SmartCom) don't seem to care for the modem being accessed through the
printer port over AppleTalk though.  We use ZTerm and VersaTerm and they
work fine.

For remote dial-in, there is another Installer routine.  TOPS is not
necessary, but works fine.  I can imagine how boring it would be to
have a remote dial-in without some form of file service though.  My Mac
at home has TOPS and the NetModem dial-in installed.  To use the remote
hookup, AppleTalk needs to be turned on first and then TOPS activated.
Dial-in is accomplished through the use of a Control Panel device called
Network which the Shiva Installation puts in place.  Very straightforward.
You can set up the connect sequence to have a password or not as you
wish (set up on the local net side).  2400 baud seems a bit slow for
manipulating things on the familiar dektop, but it works fine.  If faster
modems appeal to you, try the NetSerial device from Shiva instead of the
NetModem.  You'll need to buy an appropriate 9600 modem, but the NetSerial
device is cheaper than the 2400 NetModem.  I think we paid around $425 for
the NetModem.

By the way, this setup may well work with AppleShare.  Can't prove it by
me though as I am not an AppleShare user.  Similar products do exist to
provide the Shiva remote service.  Farallon's rServer is one I have heard
of, but I don't have any experience with it.  You might try checking out
a recent copy of MacGUIDE for info and possible reviews.

Arthur Davis
davis@bdmrrr.bdm.com