The following documentation was prepared by Asante technical support.
What is NetDoubler?
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NetDoubler is simply software installed on Macintoshes to boost performance of large file transfers by up to a factor of five. It also accelerates 10Mbps networks. We will bundle NetDoubler for free with all Asant Fast 10/100 Fast Ethernet cards. NetDoubler will also be sold for $99 per client or server to owners of other networking cards or built-in Ethernet.
How many copies of NetDoubler do I need?
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One copy has to be purchased for each client Macintosh, as well as one copy for the AppleShare server. If you don't have a copy on one of your clients, that client will run only at normal speed on file transfers.
Those with NetDoubler on both ends of their file transfer will see dramatic acceleration. Bottom line, both your Macintosh and the Macintosh you are sharing files with must be running NetDoubler to see the acceleration.
Does this work with AppleShare servers or Personal File Sharing?
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Both. Personal File Sharing is the ability, with System 7 and later, to share your Mac's volume with any other client Mac on the network. NetDoubler works extremely well in this environment. AppleShare Server Software, on the other hand, typically runs on a
dedicated Macintosh WorkGroup Server.
This WorkGroup Server will also see accelerated networking by NetDoubler.
Unfortunately, current WorkGroup Servers do not run Open Transport. This temporary problem will be cured when Apple updates its operating system (see below for explanation). We are already testing beta versions of Apple's new Operating System software with AppleShare servers and NetDoubler.
What features make NetDoubler more attractive than similar software solutions?
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NetDoubler, unlike RunShare, supports both AppleTalk (ADSP) and TCP/IP. Furthermore, NetDoubler has no minimum file size requirements for acceleration to take place. NetDoubler costs half as much per user, operates at a higher efficiency (5x vs. 4x) and is easier to install than RunShare.
What about piracy?
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NetDoubler will automatically recognize, and operate with, Asant Fast 10/100 PCI and Asant Fast 10/100 NuBus cards. You may use one diskette to cover all your Macs with these cards. If you attempt to use it with another vendor's card, NetDoubler will ask
you for a serial number during installation.
Each purchase copy of NetDoubler will include a one-user serial number.
NetDoubler is also available in 5-and 20-pack quantities. If you use the same serial number on more than one Macintosh, NetDoubler will not operate.
Can I install NetDoubler on any Macintosh?
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Not yet. NetDoubler requires Open Transport (OT) version 1.0.8. Currently, OT only runs on Power Macintoshes with PCI buses,i.e. the 7200, 7500, 8500 and 9500. Apple is expected to release OT 1.1 and a Mac Operating System update that will work with all 68030 and 68040-based Macintoshes, as well as all other Power Macintoshes.
What version of Open Transport will I need?
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Use version 1.0.8 minimum, or the latest version of Open Transport supported by Apple.
Machines Affected: All