TOPIC ---------------------------------------------
A customer with an existing 3COM network wants to connect an Apple IIGS
system and have access to the 3COM server. Is this possible?
DISCUSSION ---------------------------------------------
To connect an Apple IIGS to a file server, the file server must be an
AppleTalk Filing Protocol (AFP) file server. 3COM's file server is not an
AFP file server. Their file server can coexist with AFP file servers but
does not function as an AFP device.
The reason the server must use the AFP for the Apple IIGS is because
software must be installed into the AppleShare File Server Admin
application before the Apple IIGS recognizes the server. Because the 3COM
file server uses its own network filing protocols, the Apple IIGS will not
recognize the 3COM server.
The Apple IIGS can be attached to a LocalTalk network that is connected to
the 3COM server, but it will not be able to access the 3COM server. If
there are LaserWriters on the LocalTalk network, the Apple IIGS can print to
them.
Until 3COM's file server is seen as an AFP server by the AppleTalk, a way to
provide file service from 3COM to the Apple IIGS seems unlikely.