Pathworks Macintosh Intro to AppleTalk Network System Jan91

This document, "PATHWORKS for Macintosh: Introduction to the AppleTalk Network System," published by Digital Equipment Corporation in January 1991, is a technical manual aimed at VMS and DECnet administrators. Its primary purpose is to provide an overview of the basic concepts and terminology of the AppleTalk network system to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the AppleTalk for VMS component of the PATHWORKS for Macintosh software.

The document explains how PATHWORKS for Macintosh integrates Macintosh computers and AppleTalk networks with Digital's VMS systems and DECnet networks. Key aspects of this integration include:

• VMS as a Server: Enabling VMS systems to function as file and print servers for Macintosh users, compatible with AppleShare (via VAXshare).
• Network Interconnection: Using VMS systems as routers to connect AppleTalk networks over long distances, including "tunneling" AppleTalk packets through DECnet Wide Area Networks (WANs).
• Service Access: Allowing Macintosh users to access DECnet-based services through an AppleTalk/DECnet Transport Gateway, facilitating electronic mail (VMS Mail server), and providing MacX for X Window System applications.
• Terminal Services: Utilizing the Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol for Macintosh access to VAX terminal services.

The manual delves into fundamental AppleTalk network concepts, such as:

• Network Components: Defining terms like network, nodes (individual devices), clients, servers, and "internet" (a collection of connected networks).
• Addressing and Routing: Explaining AppleTalk zones (conceptual groupings), network and node addressing, packets, hops (distance between networks), routing tables, and the role of internet routers, including "seed routers."
• Cabling and Computers: Describing the physical cabling systems supported (EtherTalk, LocalTalk, TokenTalk) and the various computer types that can participate in an AppleTalk network (Macintosh, VAX, Apple II, and PCs).
• Protocol Architecture: Providing an overview of the layered AppleTalk protocol stack, detailing protocols such as the Link Access Protocols (EtherTalk, LocalTalk, TokenTalk), Address Resolution Protocol (AARP), Datagram Delivery Protocol (DDP), Routing Table Maintenance Protocol (RTMP), Name Binding Protocol (NBP), Zone Information Protocol (ZIP), AppleTalk Data Stream Protocol (ADSP), AppleTalk Transaction Protocol (ATP), Printer Access Protocol (PAP), and AppleTalk Filing Protocol (AFP). It emphasizes that PATHWORKS for Macintosh supports only AppleTalk Phase 2 and discusses upgrade strategies from Phase 1.

In summary, the document serves as a comprehensive introduction to AppleTalk networking, specifically tailored for administrators managing a mixed Digital and Apple computing environment with the PATHWORKS for Macintosh product.