<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I have a bunch of cards that have the coaxial cable connectors, a hub with
> same and a bunch of coaxial cables with ends, also cable ends,
t-splitters,
> etc.
I have the sneaking suspicion you've found a cache of old ARCnet stuff. It's
been a long time since I've used it, but that's the only combination I can
think of that would use a hub with *mutliple* BNC connectors running coax
out to workstations.
A few hints:
- Tiara and SMC were very big ARCnet manufacturers. If they're the
manufacturer, there's a good chance it may be ARCnet.
- ARCnet uses a thicker guage cable than Ethernet. Compare the cable to RG58
(thin-Ethernet). I believe it's 75 or 90 ohm stuff, so check the cable
jacket for any info.
- Some ARCnet configurations let you use multiple devices on coax off of an
active hub. In this case, there will be a terminator at the end of the chain
off the end tee connector. Check the impedance on that if possible. Again,
50 ohms indicates Ethernet, otherwise it may be ARCnet.
- Each ARCnet board is identified by an 8 bit identifier, usually set with
dip switches somewhere on the card. If you're lucky, the switch is
accessible from the rear without removing the cover. Otherwise, MAKE SURE
each is unique. I once spent a miserable weekend at a school opening dozens
of boxes to find the conflicts after one install team used the wrong
polarity to determine node id's.
There were some other early products that I may not be aware of, but if it
IS ARCnet, it can be put into use. It was great stuff, extremely forgiving
in terms of cabling rules. I recall the speed being 2.5Mbps using token bus.
Drivers for DOS should be available aplenty, and most ARCnet boards can use
common drivers.
Look for manufacturer and model numbers, FCC ids etc. and post 'em if you
got 'em! Some of the old Novell manuals were a great source of info on
jumper settings and such.
- Bob
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