The MacOS based SoftRouter will function as a MacIP server, allowing TCP/IP information to be used on Apple systems that do not directly support it.

MacIP is a method where TCP/IP information is enclosed in AppleTalk packets for transmission over AppleTalk only networks, such as Localtalk, or through AppleTalk based services, such as the Apple Internet Router or Apple Remote Access.

When SoftRouter Plus is acting as a MacIP Server, AppleTalk information is sent to SoftRouter Plus, which removes the AppleTalk encapsulation, and then routes the resulting TCP/IP information to the desired destination, allowing access to the Internet or to information which would be otherwise unobtainable.

This example shows SoftRouter Plus routing between a Localtalk network using MacIP (TCP/IP within Appletalk packets) and standard TCP/IP packets on an Ethernet network. Macs on the Localtalk network can access the web server as if they were connected directly to the Ethernet network.

This example shows SoftRouter Plus giving Internet access to Localtalk networked Macintoshes, and also to an Ethernet network.

Note that running SoftRouter Plus on older Macintoshes using modems or ISDN devices that connect via the modem port may limit performance on Localtalk networks. Modem ports on some older or lower performance Macintosh models do not work well with speeds above 9,600 bps. Modem port speed limitations can be resolved by using a separate serial card such as the NuBus "Hurdler" card from Creative Solutions or the PCI "Smart Serial 6" card from Keyspan. Using LocalTalk can adversely affect modem port performance. This is because LocalTalk is driven by the same chip as the modem port. Any LocalTalk activity interferes with reception of incoming data via the modem port. A separate serial card also alleviates this restriction. Please note that high performance Macintosh models do not usually have the above restrictions.

For further specific information on any of the features of SoftRouter Plus, choose a section below or return to the SoftRouter Plus main information page, and choose a subject there.