Conference hydra::amiga_v1

3548.0. "Nodem: SCSI to Ethernet" by NAC::BRANNON (value added) Mon Mar 05 1990 18:36

    SCSI Ethernet!
    
    The US Digital Review dated March 5, 1990 (just arrived today)
    has an ad on page 14 from Adaptec introducing 
    NMODEM: The Anytime, Anywhere, Any Mac to Ethernet connection.
    
    The ad features a large yellow bannana with a female DB-25 connector
    on it and in large letters: Connect anything to DECnet.
    
    "INTRODUCING NODEM:
    THE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANY MAC TO ETHERNET CONNECTION.
    
    	Of course you have no bananas.  But as a company using Macintosh
    computers, you do need a fast, simple, single solution for joining them
    to your corporate DEC network.
    	That's where the Nodem LAN interface fits in.  Because unlike
    Ethernet cards, the Nodem sits outside the Mac and plugs into the SCSI
    port. Which means the same Nodem fits any Macintosh, from the Plus on
    up.  And your expansion slots remain free for other important
    functions.
    	From there, the Nodem plugs directly into your existing VAX via
    twisted-pair, or thick or thin Ethernet cables.  You're off and running
    at a sizzling 10 Mbps.  And the Nodem works transparently, while you
    share information and resources on the corporate VAX.
    	You'll connect with Nodem's low, competitive price (starting at
    $545), too.  So what are you waiting for...get a Nodem.  Get two.  Get
    a whole bunch.  Call 408/945-2518, ext. 105.  Or write to Adaptec, 691
    S. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035."
    
    Ad shows a gray narrow box standing vertically with 3 LEDs and a MAC
    SCSI cable comming out of the back somewhere.
    
    My comments: Cute idea - "Nodem" sounds like combining Network & Modem.
    Folks already know that a "Modem" is used for communications and its 
    a less scary term than an unknown called  "Ethernet".
    Also an interesting marketing move to show how easy it is to put your
    Mac on the net.  And seems to make more sense for computers with SCSI
    than the parallel port to ethernet adapter approach which is why I
    posted this here (remember those slotless A500 and A1000 owners...).
    
    regards,
    dennis

    
     
    

    So how hard would it be to hook this up to my A500 with DECNET
    running on it?????
    
    Shaun.
    

    The trend in the PC world is for the board vendor to supply a driver
    for their board that works on the network of your choice.
    
    dennis
    

    Re: .1
    
    You'll need a SCSI controller the "smarter" and "faster" the better.
    This should be no problem.
    
    The you'll need a driver for DECnet on the Amiga (TSSnet) that talks
    to the NModem on the SCSI controller.
    And this is where the trouble starts. You'll need the the complete
    Nmodem specs and "programmers guides", plus a willing programmer
    at Syndesis.
    
    <CB>

    re:.3
    
    Sounds like it's time for Commodore to create a network device
    driver interface spec.  That would make adding support for new
    devices a lot easier.
    
    -Dave

    Re: .4
    
    Guess what 2 of Dale Luck's sessions at the Paris DevCon were all
    about...
    All in good time...
    
    <CB>_not_breaching_NDA(just_checked)