MacTCP Admin Guide Jan91

This document is the "PATHWORKS for Macintosh: MacTCP Administrator's Guide," published by Digital Equipment Corporation in January 1991.

Its primary purpose is to provide network administrators with instructions for installing and configuring MacTCP, which is Apple Computer's implementation of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite for Macintosh computers. MacTCP enables Macintosh systems to communicate within heterogeneous computing environments (e.g., with IBM, DEC, Sun, and Apollo computers) by supporting core network services such as electronic mail, remote login, file transfer, and remote printing.

The guide covers:

• Fundamental TCP/IP Concepts: An overview of the TCP/IP protocol family, including IP, TCP, UDP, ARP, RARP, RIP, ICMP, and BootP, and how they function.
• Network Environment: Details MacTCP's operation over Ethernet and LocalTalk networks, emphasizing its ability to co-exist with AppleTalk protocols. It also explains the necessity of a DDP-IP gateway for LocalTalk connectivity to TCP/IP networks.
• Addressing and Routing: Explains IP addressing conventions (Class A, B, C addresses, subnetwork addressing, subnet masks, and the Domain Name System), as well as routing concepts involving gateways and routing protocols.
• Configuration Procedures: Provides step-by-step instructions on using the MacTCP Control Panel and Administrator Dialog Box to configure various settings. This includes how to set IP addresses (manually, automatically via a server like BootP/RARP, or dynamically), configure gateway addresses, and enter Domain Name Server information. It also outlines different configuration scenarios based on the level of control given to the end-user and how to protect administrator settings.

The guide is intended for network administrators who are familiar with Macintosh operation and general networking, offering conceptual background for TCP/IP if needed. It also lists additional resources like Request for Comments (RFCs) and other books for further information.