Sounds a lot like a box I've been threatening to build for a while.
On the Ethernet side, I'd not worry about specific 10bT and ThickNet
segments. Instead, I'd run a single 10b2 (ThinNet) segment and get a 10bT
hub with a BNC uplink. This also had the advantage of saving you a slot in
the box. Don't worry about ThickNet, just pick up a couple of spare 10bT or
10b2 tranceivers for the odd box with an AUI port.
Since you've got LocalTalk running to the box, then I'd also run MacGate
which would let you run MacIP (IP over LocalTalk).
As for other fun topologies, you already mentioned TokenRing. My personal
choice would be to also add HomePNA (Ethernet over phonelines). The 1MB
HomePNA 1.0 cards (the only ones supported by Linux)are very cheap these
days. I picked up a pair from Computer Geeks (
http://www.compgeeks.com) for
something like $12. Now if I could just find a cheap Ethernet/HomePNA bridge
for the Nubus Mac in the spare bedroom...
<<<John>>>
-----Original Message-----
Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 12:50:01 -0500
From: Tarsi <tarsi_at_binhost.com>
Subject: ArcNet and the Pursuit of Multiple Topologies
Dear all,
I've decided that one of my goals is to run every networking topology
possible in my house, regardless if I actually NEED to run them or not. :)
My plan is to place 1 linux box running a card from each topology in it and
use that to bridge all (or almost all) topologies.
I currently have running 10bT ethernet, 10b2 ethernet, Localtalk over
PhoneNET and the beginnings of Arcnet.
In light of such, I have a series of questions:
1) Who knows some stuff about ArcNet? I've gotten 4 cards (8-bit ISA) and
a
16-port active hub. I've read somewhere that cards are either hubbable or
not. Any other info on that?
2) Anyone have any (I think it is) 93ohm coax arcnet patch cables that they
want to get rid of?
3) Anyone got good resources on ThickNET? (10b5 I think it is?) I know it
was run back in the day, and I know some precursory things about it (the
funky vampire taps, etc.) Anyone have either resources or hardware on this
topology that they'd like to share/sell/etc? :)
4) Any other interesting topologies I should try? I have plans to do:
Arcnet, FDDI, Token ring, Localtalk, 10b2, 10b5, 10bT, 10bTX, 10bFiber, and
(eventually) 802.11b wireless.
Received on Wed Oct 10 2001 - 13:58:51 BST