Multiple calls on a single phone number ("one-number access") are available
from your local telephone company. This is the same service many businesses
use for voice services.
Apple Remote Access MultiPort Server is a product from Apple that provides a flexible, scalable, and secure way to offer network access to large numbers of remote or mobile users. Used in conjunction with one or more Apple Remote Access Serial Cards, it allows a Macintosh computer or a Workgroup Server to support from 4 to 16 simultaneous dial-up connections.
On the client side users would have the Apple Remote Access Client for Macintosh software on their system to connect to a Apple Remote Access MultiPort server.
Another solution for allowing multiple dial up lines into an AppleShare network would be the use of network modems such as Shiva's NetModem. These modems are stand-alone AppleTalk devices that connect as a node. One NetModem would be required for each incoming line. Once connected, the computer dialing in would become a node on the network via the NetModem.
TeleFinder, by Spider Island Software, is a bulletin board program for the Macintosh that handles multiple callers. The program provides electronic mail (its own, not a gateway to other systems) and file transfers. It also sports a Macintosh interface: files and folders appear and behave much as they do in the Finder. And while Macintosh users have the benefit of a graphical interface, other computer users can have access using text commands.
TeleFinder handles as many phone lines as host Macintosh memory and processing power allow: a standard Macintosh II with 8 MB of RAM could handle six lines at 9600 baud or twenty or more phone lines at 2400 baud. Be aware that the Macintosh cannot efficiently manage multiple serial port activity. Ten or more callers on one Macintosh will definitely result in significant performance degradation.
Multiport serial cards are available from Creative Solutions and Applied Engineering.
For more information, search on "MultiPort", "Shiva", "TeleFinder", "Creative Solutions", or "Applied Engineering"
Article Change History:
11 May 1994 - Updated with MultiPort Server info and Shiva Netmodem.
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