Article ID: 41042
Article Last Modified on 11/21/2006
This article was previously published under Q41042
SUMMARY
AppleTalk Personal Network (from Apple Inc.) physically connects multiple Macintosh computers and Apple printers into a local area network (LAN).
The network is established by connecting cables through connector ports. Macintoshes and Apple printers come with built-in AppleTalk connector ports.
Printing is the only service that is built into the AppleTalk network.
Network services other than printing are provided by separate software packages. For example, AppleShare is a software server that runs on the AppleTalk network. A server such as AppleShare allows computers to run applications that reside on another machine, which is usually called the host. (QuickBASIC Version 1.00 or programs compiled in QuickBASIC are not designed for or tested for opening files or running remotely over the AppleShare server.)
Using the AppleTalk cable, you can link up to 32 devices with a maximum network length of 1000 feet. The bandwidth is narrow (230K per second). With Farallon's twisted-pair Phonenet, you can extend the network up to 1000 feet, and connect up to 100 nodes.
You can link PCs into the net by installing a network interface card (NIC) and running special network software on the PCs.
MORE INFORMATION
AppleTalk's layered model is similar to the International Standards Organization's OSI Reference Model.
More information about Ethernet connections and LAN networking can be found in the article "Appletalk: Much More Than a Macintosh/ Laserwriter LAN" by David Buerger, in the January 23, 1989, issue of InfoWorld Magazine on Page 15.
Apple Computer, Inc. is the best source for more information about its AppleTalk network.
Additional query words: MQuickB
Keywords: KB41042
