http://www.ant.co.uk/ant/prod/datasheets/softw.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)
Ethernet Software
DS002 - Ethernet Software
Introduction
This datasheet is designed to give you some information about the networking
software available for use with your Ethernet network. It describes ways in
which you can organise your network to suit your needs, and the software
available and appropriate for different requirements. All the software which
can be built into the ROM in your Ethernet interfaces is described
separately.
Network design
The choice of network software is important for the way you will use your
network. Before choosing a product, consider what your requirements are both
now and in the future. Ask yourself the following questions:
How big is the network? Is it a single network, perhaps in a classroom? What
are the main tasks you intend to carry out with the network? Do you simply
want to share resources such as hard disks and printers? Or do you need to
connect your Acorn computers to other networks or to UNIX or other servers?
It is possible to combine several software options to provide the range of
features which you want.
Peer-to-peer networking
With peer-to-peer networking the Ethernet and its software are used simply
to connect the computers and peripherals such as printers. You can then use
the network to access files held on hard discs on each computer on the
network, and to send files to the printer.
Acorn Access is the only option for easy file sharing; users can manage
which files on their hard discs can and cannot be accessed by other users.
Each machine requires its own hard disc and up to 20 machines can be
connected to the network. Although there is little network management work,
users do have to know how to use the software and to use it in a disciplined
manner.
Client-server networking
Client-server networking offers a greater range of choices, from simple
central storage for files and applications to powerful software enabling you
to talk to a wide range of servers including UNIX and PC systems. All the
other software described here works as client-server software. A computer
with a hard disc is required as server, and there will be varying amounts of
setup and maintenance work depending on the exact software used.
Simple client-server options are a good choice for small networks where
teachers want to retain control and manage network activity. More complex
options permit powerful and flexible networking. Clients can of course
access more than one server or type of server as required, using
sophisticated software such as ANT OmniClient¨.
Acorn software
The Acorn Universal Networks (AUN) product range from Acorn Computers
encompasses a variety of styles of networking software which have been
designed to inter-operate. Among the software packages currently included in
the AUN range are:
- AUN Level 4 File Server
- Acorn Access
- Acorn TCP/IP Protocol Suite
Acorn AUN Level 4 File Server
The AUN Level 4 File Server is the primary 'client/server' disk and printer
sharing product offered within the AUN range. Level 4 allows up to about 20
users ('clients') to access a central hard disk (the 'server') and achieve
secure, reliable disk storage. The program can run on any Acorn 32-bit RISC
computer which is equipped with both a hard disk and an Ethernet interface;
the older Acorn Econet is also supported by this product.
Acorn Access
A different style of disk sharing is offered by the Acorn Access package,
jointly developed by ANT and Acorn. 'Peer-to-peer' disk sharing permits any
number of computers, with or without their own hard disks, to exchange files
between users directly without the need for a separate file server machine.
Acorn Access is normally provided pre-fitted in ROM to an Ethernet card, so
that adding another computer simply involves inserting the card in a vacant
slot. It is the simplest of all Ethernet software options to set up and
administer, and is most suited to small self-contained networks.
Acorn TCP/IP Protocol Suite
A third style of networking is facilitated by the Acorn TCP/IP Protocol
Suite: communications with file servers offering Sun MicroSystems NFS
service, often computers running the UNIX operating system or its
derivatives.
Typically such computers form the infrastructure of major computer network
installations in large companies, and in tertiary and higher educational
establishments. While this offers a powerful solution, it requires expertise
to set up and manage.
Third party software
In addition, a variety of third-party networking software is available,
which can also be operated on Acorn Ethernet networks, with varying degrees
of AUN compatibility.
These options offer a wider range of networking choices, and expand the
capabilities of your network installation:
- ANT OmniClient¨
- Oak/Network Solutions ClassROM/ClassShare
- AngelSoft AppFS
- Aleph One PC Cards Network Links
ANT OmniClient
ANT OmniClient, as the name suggests, provides a client interface to any
server to which your computer is connected. It currently supports all Acorn
AUN protocols, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT and LAN Manager,
Apple Macintosh and UNIX NFS. Other options are under development.
OmniClient provides a simple interface so that logging on to any server is
the same as connecting to a familiar AUN Acorn server. Servers are mounted
on the RISC OS icon bar just like hard discs and Acorn servers.
For further details, see ANT DataSheet OmniClient.
Oak/Network Solutions software
Oak/Network Solutions provides a range of software solutions for educational
networking. These include Oak ClassROM and ClassShare, and can be provided
in ROM for ease of use.
AngelSoft AppFS
AppFS is a dedicated application server, designed to speed the loading of
application software from a central application server.
Aleph One PC cards
As well as providing PC compatibility for your Acorn computer, Aleph One 486
PC cards can be used to bridge between the PC and Acorn worlds, letting you
log on via the PC card to Microsoft and Novell networks.
Connectivity
Some software, such as AUN, is Acorn-specific. Other software, including ANT
OmniClient¨ and Acorn TCP/IP Protocol Suite, lets you connect your computer
as a client to other servers.
This means that you can share files with PCs, Apple Macintosh and UNIX
computers, and access services from servers such as Novell Netware,
Microsoft WIndows NT Advanced Server, and other non-Acorn systems.
OmniClient¨ provides a wide range of connections. See the ANT datasheet
OmniClient for an up-to-date list of the options
available.
TCP/IP is needed to log on to UNIX systems. You can use it to access a wide
range of services provided by such systems.
E&OE. © Copyright ANT Limited, 1995. All rights reserved.
Last updated 27/09/95 NAS.