Network Types
Network Types:
There are a variety of network topologies and cabling options on the market. However, for the purposes of our games, only the AppleTalk, and Ethernet network types are supported. This section will detail the basic information required to set up a simple LAN - Local Area Network, using AppleTalk, or Ethernet.
AppleTalk:
This is a network type which supports both direct serial cabling, and twisted pair, phone net cabling. Apple introduced the AppleTalk network type to connect Macintosh computers. While it may be possible to incorporate other types of computers on an AppleTalk network, or bridge an AppleTalk network with another type of network, we only officially support unbridged Macintosh-to-Macintosh AppleTalk networks.
Direct Serial AppleTalk Networks:
A direct serial AppleTalk network uses an Apple printer cable to connect either the printer or modem port of one Macintosh to the printer or serial port of another Macintosh.
Twisted Pair or "Phone Net" AppleTalk Networks:
A twisted pair, or phone net AppleTalk network uses a converter box with a female Mini-Din 9 serial port connection on one end and two, female, RJ-11 (phone jack), connections on the other end. Multiple Macintosh computers, and printers can be connected with this type of cabling. The simplest topology for this type of cabling is a daisy chain topology. This involves connecting the Mini-Din 9 serial connection on each converter box to either the printer port or modem port on the backs of the Macintosh computers or printers you want to network. Then phone cable is used to connect the first converter box to the second, connect the second converter box to the third, etc. At the end of the chain, use a resistor, which is provided with the phone net converter boxes, to "terminate" the open RJ-11 connector.
Ethernet:
Ethernet networks have diverse cabling, and hardware options. However, we strongly recommend you use hardware and cabling which is terminated in RJ-45 connections. Due to the limited scope of this FAQ, we will only describe two simple Ethernet topologies, which utilize RJ-45 cabling.
Ethernet networks are composed of two essential components; NICs - Network Interface Cards, and Ethernet cable. The function of the NIC is to bridge the internal peripheral bus in your computer with a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector. The cables, of course, are used to connect one NIC to another.
Note: iMacs, and most modern Macintosh computers come with Ethernet cards (NICs) built in. Check the documentation that came with your computer if you are not sure whether or not your Macintosh has Ethernet pre-installed.
Macintosh Bus Type Considerations for NICs:
When purchasing a NIC, you, as a Macintosh user, should be aware that there are two types of peripheral busses used in Macintosh computers. The older peripheral bus type is called Nu-Bus, and it is used on old Power Macintosh computers, and the older Macintosh computers with 680x0 series processors in them. The modern peripheral bus type is called PCI - Peripheral Component Interface. If you have a fairly modern Power Macintosh computer, you most likely have a PCI bus in it. The documentation that came with your computer will have more information on the type of peripheral bus your computer uses. Be careful you do not purchase a NIC that uses the ISA bus, as those NICs are designed to use an older, PC only peripheral bus connection.
Note: Some Macintosh computers came with an Ethernet transceiver connection. If you have a computer with an Ethernet transceiver connection, you may use an external Ethernet transceiver in place of a NIC.
NIC Speed Standards:
Other than checking the NIC card to be sure it is compatible with the peripheral bus in your computer, you will also have to decide what speed you want your NIC to support. The most inexpensive NICs support what is called 10BaseT. This means the NIC will, theoretically, transmit and receive data at 10 Megabits per second. For a little more money, you can purchase a 10/100BaseT NIC, which will, theoretically, transmit and receive data at up to 100 Megabits per second. Some G4 systems come with built in Ethernet cards (NICs) that will transmit and receive data at up to 1000 Megabits per second (10/100/1000BaseT).
Note: Be sure you select a NIC that comes with driver software for the Mac OS. The boxes NICs are packaged in will display the Mac icon if they provide drivers for the Mac OS.
Crossover Cable Networks:
Once you have a NIC installed in each computer, you will have to connect the two NICs via a special type of Ethernet cable, called a Crossover type cable. This NIC to NIC and Crossover cable arrangement is the simplest type of Ethernet network.
Hub Networks:
If you have more than one computer you want to incorporate in an Ethernet network, you will need a NIC in each computer. You will also need a standard "Patch" type Ethernet cable for each NIC. Finally, you will need a special piece of Ethernet hardware, called a hub. Ethernet hubs come in different speeds, and sizes. The main considerations you should take into account when purchasing an Ethernet hub, are that the hub has enough ports to connect all your computers into it, and that the hub is rated at the same speed as the NICs in your computers (10BaseT, or 10/100 BaseT). Once you have a hub, and the NICs are all installed in your computers, use the patch cables to connect the NICs in each computer to the hub. This is known as a simple Star topology Ethernet network.
Note: You may run across a piece of hardware called an Ethernet Switch. This is essentially a hub with better internal connections between each port. Switches generally operate faster than hubs.
Solution ID: 21201Article URL:
