A: MacX25 is Apple's implementation of the X.25 wide area networking standard. X.25 is an internationally supported standard for wide-area networking, such as in enterprise-wide networks. The standard is defined by the International Telegraph and Telephone Committee (CCITT).
Q: What is a MacX25 server?
A: MacX25 server software allows one Macintosh on an AppleTalk network to serve as a gateway to an X.25 packet network for all the other Macintoshes on the AppleTalk network. Macintosh clients running MacX25 client software, called MacPAD, are cpnnected to the MacX25 server over an AppleTalk network.
Q: Why would I need to upgrade to MacX25 version 1.2?
A: MacX25 v.1.2 is the most current version of MacX25
Only the version 1.2 supports the Apple Internet Router and allows you to do AppleTalk tunnelling through X.25 networks. Only the version 1.2 works with OSI Connection for Macintosh v.1.1 and MacX.400 v.1.1.
Q: Who should upgrade to MacX25 version 1.2?
A: All users of previous versions of MacX25 should upgrade to version 1.2.
Q: I have an earlier version of MacX25, how do I get version 1.2?
A: If you bought your product via APDA in the US or Canada, you will automatically receive an upgrade via mail. You can also call APDA at 1-800-282-2732. A MacX25 updater is also available. It will automatically patch your MacX25 v.1.1 into MacX25 v.1.2.
Q: Must I have a Serial NB Card to run MacX25?
A: Yes, an Apple Serial NB Card is necessary to run the server. MacX25 supports several Serial NB cards per Macintosh. Each card is associated to a particular MacX25 server. But users who wish to use the X25 services do not need to have a Serial NB Card on each of their Macintoshes. Only the MacX25 gateway requires a card and is connected to the X.25 switch or X.25 network.
Q: Which cable and port should I use with that card?
A: Use the RS-232 (also called hydra cable) cable for speeds up to 19.2 Kbps. Use the V.35 cable for higher speeds up to 256 Kbps.
Note: only port 1A of the RS-232 cable is used by MacX25. The other ports are not active.
Q: Which kit should I buy?
A: - If you are a user, buy the MacX25 server software kit (order No. M0711Z/D). This kit contains the MacX25 server as well as MacPAD. In the US, you can get by calling Apple Direct at 1-(800)-795-1000.
- If you wish to do development work for customer applications, buy the MacX25 Developer's Kit (M0788Z/D) .
This kit contains all the software and hardware you need to do development work on MacX25.
Software - MacX25 Server Software, MacX25 Programming Library and programmer's guide
Hardware - Serial NB Card and RS-232-C cable
Q: Can I license MacX25?
A: The Programming Library can be licensed. By licensing the Library you get the right to distribute MacX25 Library code linked into your application.
An internal use and a commercial use licenses are available. Contact ESD Software Licensing at (408) 974-2320 or AppleLink ESD.LICENSE for details.
Q: What is the price of MacX25?
A: - MacX25 server (M0711Z/D) is priced at $800.
The MacX25 Developer's kit (B0314Z/D) is priced at $2,200.
Q: What is the minimum system configuration?
A: For the Server, a Mac II class system with 4 Mb of memory and an internal hard disk is required. For the client, a Mac Plus and above with 2Mb of memory for System 6 and 4Mb of memory for System 7 and a hard disk is required. System version 6.0.7, 7.0 and 7.1 are supported on both the MacX25 server and the MacX25 client (MacPAD).
You need the appropriate LocalTalk, EtherTalk or TokenTalk hardware and software if X.25 services are to be distributed to separate Macintosh workstations.
Q: What applications can be used with MacX25 v.1.2?
A: Common uses of X.25 are terminal access to remote hosts and access to remote host services, such as database services. Terminal programs which use the Communications Toolbox (eg: MacTerminal 3.0, Versaterm) can use MacPAD. Other applications such as transaction processing applications may be developed using MacX25 Programming Library.
MacX.400 v.1.0 and v.1.1 can be used with MacX25 v.1.2.
OSI Connection for Macintosh v.1.0 and v.1.1 can be used with MacX25 v.1.2.
The Apple Internet Router works with MacX25 v.1.2.
AppleTalk Remote Access will support MacX25 at some point.
Q: Why is Apple not offering a terminal emulation product with MacX25?
A: MacX25 is an enabling technology: a network integration tool and developer platform. MacPAD is a connection tool for the Macintosh Communications Toolbox. Any terminal emulation program which uses the Toolbox (like MacTerminal) will be able to use MacPAD and MacX25 to access a remote host. We expect third parties to offer special purpose terminal emulators that operate with the Macintosh Communications Toolbox.
Q: Can you link two AppleTalk networks together with MacX25?
A: Yes, with the Apple Internet Router and the MacX25 Router Extension.
No certification is required for Transpac (France), Datapac (Canada), Austpac (Australia), DN-1 (Holland).
Q: What's the maximum speed of the access line?
A: 256 Kbps.
Q: How many virtual Circuits are supported?
A: 64VCs
Q: Which CCITT recommendations are supported?
A: CCITT Recommendation X.25 (1980 and 1984); X.3, X.28 and X.29.
Q: What physical data links are supported?
A: X.21bis (RS-232-C cable) and V.35.
Q: What's the number of MacX25 servers you can set up on a single Macintosh?
A: As many as the number of Serial NB cards in the Macintosh. A Serial NB card is required in order for a Macintosh to act as a server to an X.25 network. A single Macintosh can be a server for as many X.25 networks as it has NuBus slots to house Serial NB cards.
Q: Does MacPAD support incoming calls?
A: No. While the MacX25 server supports incoming calls, MacPAD does not. This feature is considered for a future release though.
Q: Does MacX25 v.1.2 support X.21, X.32 dial up access, or QLLC for connection to IBM networks?
A: All of these features are under investigation. If enough market demand for them materializes, we may include them in subsequent versions.