http://www.ant.co.uk/ant/prod/datasheets/pea.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)

Pocket Ethernet Adaptor

DS004 - Pocket Ethernet Adaptor

Introduction

If you're looking for the best in advanced networking for your Acorn RISC computers, ANT Ltd is sure to have the answers for you with the widest range of products on the market. We can help you to choose the right Ethernet interface for your requirement.

Our interfaces and software are used in hundreds of schools and businesses across the UK and other countries where Acorn RISC computers are sold, and are also manufactured on behalf of Acorn. The Pocket Ethernet Adapter allows you to connect to a network where there is no expansion slot or network slot available, for example with the A4 Portable or where all other slots have already been taken up by expansion cards.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is the standard which many schools and businesses are adopting for their networking requirements. It delivers 10 Megabits per second performance, around 40 times the speed of Acorn Econet. As an international standard it guarantees compatibility with other products.

International standards and protocols

Microsoft, Novell and Unix networking protocols can be run over the Ethernet network, giving you a range of options to set up the most suitable network for your needs. By using software such as ANT OmniClient you will be able to connect your computer to the widest possible range of servers, including both Acorn and non-Acorn protocols.

The Pocket Ethernet Adapter

The ANT Pocket Ethernet Adapter can be fitted to any Acorn RISC computer with a bi-directional parallel port. This includes the following models:

Risc PC range
A5000
A4 portable
A3020 and A4000

The Pocket Ethernet Adapter has a 10Base-2 (thin coax or Cheapernet) connector for attachment to the network.

Flexibility on the road

The Pocket Ethernet Adapter fits externally to your computer, without taking up any of the standard internal or external expansion or network interface ports. This makes it ideal for smaller computers where expansion space is at a premium, and the only Ethernet networking option for the Acorn A4 portable.

Combining the Pocket Ethernet Adapter with ANT OmniClient will give you the maximum flexibility when using your A4 Portable on the road.

Choosing your software

There are several software options for use with your ANT Ethernet interfaces. Which you choose depends on your requirements and any existing network installation you may wish to connect to. We can provide software for the following network protocols:

Acorn AUN Level 4 FileServer
Acorn Access
NFS (Acorn TCP/IP protocol suite)

In addition, ANT OmniClient provides a simple front end allowing easy connection to all servers. With the relevant protocol modules installed you can connect to all Acorn servers and to Microsoft, Unix and other servers. See the ANT DataSheet OmniClient for further details.

All the software used in the cards has been developed to incorporate the maximum possible compatibility with Acorn's own systems. All our cards include self-test software and utilities to help you ensure correct operation. See ANT DataSheet Ethernet Software.

Maximum compatibility

Our aim is to provide you with trouble-free and reliable networking and we do this by supporting standards where they exist, and working with Acorn to ensure compatibility with Acorn hardware and software. Many of our products are also sold by Acorn and have been quality tested by Acorn's own engineers.

We are one of the leading developers of networking software: ANT developed Access for Acorn and we continue to work closely with Acorn to improve the connectivity options for users of Acorn computers.

Designing your network

Good network design is vital to the success of Ethernet networks. Your networking dealer will be able to help you design the physical network to which your computers will connect, and ANT staff will also be able to provide guidance on this; fitting and testing instructions are provided with the card. Cards automatically test themselves each time the computer is booted, using built-in software.

All products are usually held in stock and most orders can be despatched within 48 hours of receipt. We offer a telephone support service during office hours, and can also answer queries and provide support by electronic mail. For further help with network design see the ANT DataSheet Ethernet wiring.

Installation and support

We recommend that you buy your ANT products through your networking dealer, who will be able to provide local technical support and assistance more easily. Large customers or those with their own support departments should contact ANT directly.

Special requirements

If you are not sure that your networking needs will be answered by our range of off-the-shelf products, please contact ANT Ltd directly. Our special products and consultancy division has helped many schools and colleges solve networking problems such as communicating between split sites or providing fast backbone links to connect networks together.