Q) What is Apple Remote Access and what does it do?
A) Apple Remote Access is a remote node technology (that is; allowing you to be a full peer on the network) which enables users to access all network resources, including file servers, electronic mail, calendars, applications, and network printers, from a remote location. Users of remote access include business travelers who need to check their electronic mail system back at the office or a person who telecommutes; working at home, yet needing to be "connected" back to the office.
Q) Is there a limit to the distance possible for a remote connection?
A) There is no physical limit. Users can call to and from anywhere in the world as long as they have access to a phone and a modem. The quality of the connection (that is: noise on the line) is the only factor that has an effect on the remote connection.
Q) Can Apple Remote Access products function over other connections such as ISDN or X.25?
A) Yes. The Apple Remote Access Client for Macintosh and MultiPort Server products have both been designed to accommodate a variety of connection options , including X.25 or ISDN services. Currently, Apple offers an Apple Remote Access MultiPort Server X.25 Extension which adds X.25 support to the Apple Remote Access MultiPort Sever and Client for Macintosh. Other connection options, such as ISDN, are expected to be offered by third-party developers.
Q) Why did Apple drop the "Talk" from the Apple Remote Access product name?
A) When AppleTalk Remote Access was first introduced in October 1991, it was intended for use with AppleTalk networks only. AppleTalk is Apple's local area network protocol suite that is built into every Macintosh computer and networked LaserWriter printer. Because we recognize the growing demand for remote access solutions that include computers from a variety of vendors, we plan to introduce cross-platform capability for Apple Remote Access in the future. Apple Remote Access will run on computer systems other than the Macintosh computer, and consequently, LAN protocol suites other than AppleTalk. Thus, we dropped "Talk" from the name to parallel our new direction for Apple Remote Access.