DS003 - Ethernet Interfaces

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 needs.

Our interfaces and software are in daily use in hundreds of schools and businesses across the UK and other countries and are also manufactured on behalf of Acorn.

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. Microsoft, Novell and Unix networking protocols can be run over the Ethernet wiring, giving you a range of options to set up the most suitable network for your needs.

There are three different options for connecting your ANT interface to your network, 10Base-5 (AUI), 10Base-2 (thin coax) and 10Base-T (twisted pair). Cards can be supplied off-the-shelf in several combinations of interface, giving you flexibility in managing your network. For further information on designing your network, see the ANT DataSheets Introduction to Ethernet Networking and Ethernet Wiring.

Risc PC NICs

The most recent addition to the ANT range of interfaces is the Risc PC network interface card (NIC). This provides an Ethernet interface with the same wide choice of wiring type and built-in software, but specially designed to fit the network slot of your Risc PC rather than to use a DEBI backplane expansion slot.

Standard connection options for Risc PC NICs include 10Base-2 and 10Base-T.

16-bit interfaces

You can click on the above image for a hi-resolution GIF (28Kb) or use this link for a very hi-resolution JPEG (129Kb).

ANT 16-bit Ethernet interfaces are simply fitted to the expansion card Podule or DEBI backplane of your Acorn RISC computer.

ANT's 16-bit Ethernet interfaces are the ideal solution for most classroom and business networking requirements. They exploit the maximum possible performance from the following Acorn computers:

Risc PC range
A5000
A300 and A400 series
A3020 and A4000
A3000
R100 and R200 series UNIX

Standard connection options for 8-bit cards include 10Base-2, 10Base-5 and 10Base-T.

8-bit interfaces

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ANT 8-bit interfaces are designed to bring the power of Ethernet networking to an even wider range of Acorn computers. They provide access to Ethernet for the following models:

A3020
A4000
A3000

Standard connection options for 8-bit cards include 10Base-2 and 10Base-T.

Choosing 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)

All the software used in the cards has been developed to incorporate the maximum possible compatibility with AcornŐs own systems. All our cards include self-test software and utilities to help you ensure correct operation; you can choose the software built into your card's ROM. See ANT DataSheet Ethernet Software.

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.

Network design

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. ANT can also supply additional networking products such as hubs and routers.

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.

Cards are easily installed in computers and full fitting and testing instructions are provided. Cards automatically test themselves each time the computer is booted, using built-in software. All products are 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.

Custom products

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.