Power Macintosh: Sharing Files Over Short Distances

You can use the built-in networking capabilities of your Power Macintosh computers to share files over short distances, such as in a neighborhood, but there are some limits to how far one can run network cabling. You can also use Apple's Remote Access (ARA) software to connect two Macintosh computers via modems.

There are three methods you can use to have your Macintosh computers communicate:

• LocalTalk - directly networking the two computers using LocalTalk via unshielded RJ-11 cabling (Not supported on Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) or later computers.)
• Ethernet - directly networking the two computers using Ethernet cabling
• ARA - using Apple Remote Access software to connect the two computers by modem.

You need to consider required network performance, distance between computers, difficulty in running cabling, and how much money you are willing to spend when choosing which method works best in your situation.

Additional Hardware Needed

LocalTalk

A LocalTalk RJ-11 Connector Kit for each computer.

Ethernet

There are several different Ethernet networking schemes, including 10-Base-T (twisted pair), 10-Base-2 (thin coax), and 10-Base-5 (thick coax). Each has their advantages and disadvantages, but thin coax allows the longest cable length and does not require an additional hardware hub or router making it a good choice for a low cost solution.

You can attach the transceiver directly to the built-in AAUI Ethernet port on your Power Macintosh computer. Later Power Macintosh computers came with a 10-BaseT port instead of the AAUI. In this case, you cannot use thin coax without an Ethernet card.

ARA

Apple Remote Access requires a modem in each computer. You also need one copy of Apple Remote Access Personal Server software for the host computer. The client computer can use the Remote Access control panel to dial into the server.

Cabling

LocalTalk

LocalTalk uses unshielded, RJ-11 cable. This type of cable is similar to regular phone cable. However, it would be best to purchase this cable from a computer cable shop as one continuous cable without any extending connectors.

However, because RJ-11 cable is usually unshielded against external interference, the two computers may have difficulty communicating over longer distances with one another due to outside interference, such as nearby broadcasting transmitters or high-voltage power lines.

The maximum limit on cable length using this method is approximately 1000 feet. The longer your cabling, the more likely you are to encounter interference.

Ethernet

Ethernet is considerably faster than LocalTalk. Thin coax Ethernet uses shielded coax cable, similar to cable used by most cable television. Be sure to use RG-58 Ethernet cabling, not the RG-62 used for most cable TV. RG-58 cable is less susceptible to interference. The overall cable length of this type of network is approximately 600 feet.

ARA

No additional cabling is necessary since you are using modems and existing phone lines.