This article describes the Apple LocalTalk Bridge.

The Apple LocalTalk Bridge lets you extend the networking reach of your current Macintosh system, whether you are running an Ethernet network or a Token Ring only network. By effectively uniting two different networks, the Apple LocalTalk Bridge provides an inexpensive software solution that creates a single virtual network -- eliminating the need to install a router or repeatedly switch network connections.

The Apple LocalTalk Bridge is a control panel that bridges a LocalTalk network to another network selected from the Network control panel. This simple and effective solution lets you upgrade some, or all, of your Macintosh computers to a higher-speed network (for example, Ethernet or Token Ring) while maintaining the ability to print to LocalTalk-only LaserWriter printers or share files with PowerBook computers that lack high-speed network capabilities. Similarly, if you have an Ethernet or Token Ring only network, the LocalTalk Bridge provides a convenient way for your LocalTalk-only PowerBook computer or Newton MessagePad communications device to gain access to network services.

Designed with the end user in mind, the LocalTalk Bridge features dynamic, user-selectable access modes. When access is set to Private, the LocalTalk devices and services--such as LaserWriter printers and shared Macintosh volumes--are hidden from users on the Ethernet or Token Ring network, while LocalTalk-only devices retain full access to the services on both sides of the network. In contrast, when access is set to Public, all devices are visible from both sides of the network.

Used in conjunction with the Apple Ethernet 10T/5 Hub and the appropriate media adapters, network cards, or connectors, the Apple LocalTalk Bridge can provide a complete upgrade to an integrated Ethernet or Token Ring and LocalTalk network without the high degree of cost and complexity normally associated with bridging or routing different networks. So if you want to upgrade or simply extend the network access of your current system-but do not want to spend a lot of time and money in the process-the Apple LocalTalk Bridge is the answer.

Features

Ease of use

• Offers easy installation
• Configures simply; just run the installation program and restart the computer
• Eliminates the need to switch network connections whenever you want to print
• Eliminates the need to set network numbers

Flexibility

• Preserves your investment in LocalTalk printers and computers
• Makes it easy to upgrade your LocalTalk network to Ethernet or Token Ring
• Enables users to connect to and use LocalTalk-only devices on an Ethernet or Token Ring network such as:
  • Some LaserWriter printers
  • ImageWriter II and Color StyleWriter 2400 with their respective LocalTalk options installed
  • PowerBook notebook computers
  • Newton MessagePad communications devices
• Lets you access file servers, email, host-based systems, and databases on an Ethernet or Token Ring network while maintaining a seamless connection to your LocalTalk network
• Supports multiple LocalTalk devices, up to 32 per bridged twisted-pair segment, however 20 are recommended when the bridge is also being used as a workstation

Compatibility

• Works with all Macintosh computers running System 7 or later software that are equipped with a LocalTalk connection and one other network (Ethernet, Token Ring, or Infrared) connection
• Is compatible with Apple Internet Router 3.0.1 networks, Apple Remote Access, MacTCP, and the Apple IP Gateway

Security

• Features a "Private" mode that allows users to determine whether to allow non-LocalTalk users access to their LocalTalk segments

Convenience

• Offers dynamic On/Off capabilities that allow users to maintain separate networks without having to restart
• Makes it easy to create, expand, administer, and troubleshoot your network
• Provides affordable plug-and-play LocalTalk to Ethernet or Token Ring network connection

For more information on Apple LocalTalk Bridge visit the following articles:

The Tech Info Library Article 17367: " Apple LocalTalk Bridge: Specifications "
The Tech Info Library Article 20679: " LocalTalk and LaserWriter Bridge 2.1: Read Me "