MacX25: Introduction
First introduced on June 12, 1989 at the MacIS Conference in New York City, MacX25 is a network integration tool and a developer tool. On the network integration tool side, there are two components: MacX25 Server and MacPAD. The MacX25 Server runs on an Apple Serial NB card in a Macintosh II family. MacPAD is a connection tool that resides in the Communication Toolbox environment. The developer tool is the MacX25 Programming Library. It is the development interface that allows developers to create applications that access a packet switched network as the transmission facility. Macintosh Programmer's Workshop (MPW) Version 3.0 with MPW C is required.
The MacX25 Server behaves as a gateway that is physically connected to the packet switched network via a dial-up modem or leased line. The connection interface to the packet switched network is located on the Serial NB card (62-pin connector). There are two connection interfaces available: RS-232C and V.35. The RS-232C interface supports speeds up to 19.2 Kbps and the V.35 supports speeds up to 64Kbps.
MacX25 Server runs in background under Multifinder. The maximum number of active servers per Macintosh II is five. Other system requirements include System Software Version 6.0.3 (or later), 2 MB of RAM and the appropriate Appletalk LAN cable connector.
The server has a MacX25 Admin program (similar to the Appleshare Admin program) and should be maintained by a network administrator or by a Network Control Center (NCC). This program provides the following services:
* Logs the activities of the server
* Provides password protection
* Creates and modifies servers
* Creates and modifies user databases
* Selects and modifies X.25 parameter files
* Builds and maintains a Master Address Book
MacPAD
MacPAD enables an asynchronous terminal, such as a Macintosh Plus or SE, to interact with a host system. MacPAD packetizes characters transmitted to the server/network and de-packetizes characters received from the server/network.
MacPAD communicates with the server over the Appletalk LAN, whether that be Localtalk, Ethertalk, or Tokentalk. This allows users with a terminal application that uses the Communication Toolbox to place a call to any subscribed service on the packet switched network.
System requirements include a Macintosh Plus, Macintosh SE, Macintosh SE/30, or Macintosh II family with System Software Version 6.0.3 or later and the appropriate Appletalk LAN cable connector. A terminal service application that uses the Macintosh Communication Toolbox is also required.
MacX25 Programming Library
MacX25 Programming Library is a C routine toolkit that allow users to connect and disconnect from the server, and to query server status and circuit information. A packet-level interface that uses control blocks is provided for developers who require maximum control. A higher level logical packet interface performs data translation and formatting services, creates X.25 packets, and relieves the programmer of some lower-level tasks.
Some examples of applications that can be developed include electronic mail systems, sales order systems, inventory control and processing, database inquiries and retreivals, and credit card verification.
System requirements include a Macintosh Plus, Macintosh SE, Macintosh SE/30, or Macintosh II family with System Software Version 6.0.3 or later and the appropriate Appletalk LAN cable connectors.
Additional MacX25 References
1.) MacX25 Administrator's Guide, Engineering Part No. 030-2204
2.) MacX25 User's Guide, Engineering Part No.
3.) MacX25 Programming Guide, Engineering Part No.
4.) MacX25 Data Sheet, Order No. M0247LL/A
5.) Product Orientation for Salespeople, Order No. P1039LL/A
6.) The X.25 Admin Program External Reference Specification
7.) MacPAD External Reference Specification
8.) The X.25 Interface Library External Reference Specification