THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY to connect traveling Mac users to the office's AppleTalk network. The new QuickStream/3 server, from Sonic Systems (800-535-0725 or 408-736-1900; sales@sonicsys.com), is the company's first entry into the remote-access market and supports AppleTalk networks via PPP (Point to Point Protocol) connectivity rather than ARA (Apple Remote Access). As with ARA, PPP connections allow users to mount shared volumes and use other network resources remotely, just as they could if they were connected to the LAN via Ethernet or LocalTalk.
The QuickStream/3's three serial ports support major modem brands, and each can communicate at speeds up to 115.2 kbps. The server, which sells for a very low $999, includes 10BASE-T and 10BASE-2 (thin) Ethernet ports.
The QuickStream/3 supports TCP/IP and AppleTalk. Windows or UNIX users can use any PPP client to connect to a QuickStream/3 server on a TCP/IP network. The server does not support IPX or other PC LAN protocols, however.
Like many ARA servers, the QuickStream/3 includes Mac management software. It also supports CHAP and PAP authentication, common security schemes in TCP/IP environments.
Sonic wrote its own PPP client, SonicPPP for the QuickStream/3, and an unlimited license is included with each server. SonicPPP works with other PPP servers, such as those run by Internet providers.
