A PC on a PC board: another networking method

Abstract

A network method is described which utilizes PC compatible processors, complete with memory and I/O, mounted on PC boards. This method incorporates the advantages of using serial connections to terminals without the disadvantages of multitasking a single microprocessor. A 5-user network utilizing 286-based microprocessor with serial terminals is installed. A 386-based server is used with a bus expansion box for the user boards. Two serial printers and one parallel printer are available as network resources. One terminal, with one additional serial printer and buffer, is serviced by a pair of modems over a leased telephone line to a location two miles away. The features of the operating system are described, including online messages between users, commanding and viewing other users' terminals, disk sharing, and print queuing. The capabilities and limitations of the networking method are described and compared with a more conventional Ethernet network utilizing the Novell Netware operating system.<>