TITLE
    Apple Token Ring 4/16 NB Card: Hardware Q & A
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		9422
1/17/92
2/4/92
TOPIC



    1) How do I set the transmission speed on the card?

    2) Why would I want more memory on the card?

    3) Can I buy my own memory chips and install them myself?

    4) Why would I care about IBM technology?

    5) Does the card require special cabling?

DISCUSSION


    1) The speed setting is software selectable. In fact, the card ships with
    a Token Ring Control Panel Device (CDEV) that allows you to set the
    speed setting, the locally-administered address, and timer settings for
    Response, Acknowledge, and Inactivity. All of these settings can be
    password protected so users can't change them inadvertently. The
    settings are saved in a .PREFS file.

    2) You might need more memory depending on what applications you want to
    run on the card.

    With the standard configuration of 512K, you can run either TokenTalk
    2.4 (for connection to AppleTalk services such as AppleShare file
    servers or LaserWriter printers) or the SNA*ps 1.1 gateway. In this
    configuration, SNA*ps can support 8 or fewer 3270 sessions or 4-6 APPC
    sessions, depending on SNA frame size.

    With 1MB of memory on the card, you can support both TokenTalk 2.4 and
    SNA*ps 1.1. The number of SNA*ps sessions you can support will vary
    depending on several factors, including the frame size you are using
    and the number of 3270 vs APPC sessions. As a rule of thumb, 32 3270
    sessions or 16 APPC sessions with TokenTalk 2.4 should fit with 1MB of
    RAM.

    With 2.5MB of memory on the card, you will be able to support
    TokenTalk 2.4 and SNA*ps 1.1 with up to 64 sessions.

    3) Yes. The memory is socketed, and specifications for the memory chips
    are included in the manual.

    4) Because the card is built with IBM technology, it's 100% compatible
    with IBM Token Ring cards. You can mix and match Macintosh and PS/2
    computers on a Token Ring without worrying about compatibility. In
    addition, Token Ring products from other vendors are generally tested
    for compatibility with IBM Token Ring cards, so the same level of
    interoperability is afforded Apple's card.

    5) No. The card has a standard DB-9 connector for attaching to IBM
    Type 1 cabling. In addition, media filters are available from third
    parties so that the card can be used to connect to IBM Type 3
    (unshielded twisted pair) cabling. Because the ring interface is made
    by IBM, the card will operate within the same cabling guidelines as
    IBM's own products.



Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: Cards
Sub Category: Networking Cards
Keywords:

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