LocalTalk-to-Ethernet bridge

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A LocalTalk-to-Ethernet Bridge is a network bridge that joins the physical layer of the AppleTalk networking used by previous generations of Apple Computer products to an Ethernet network. This was an important class of products in the late 1980s and early 1990s, before Ethernet support became universal on the Mac lineup.

Contents

Some LocalTalk-to-Ethernet Bridges only performed Appletalk bridging. Others were also able to bridge other protocols using ad-hoc standards. One example was the MacIP system that allowed LocalTalk-based Macs to send and receive TCP/IP (internet) packets using the bridges as a go-between.

Examples

Hardware devices:

Software in MacTCP era (<1995):

Software in Open Transport era (>1995):

Other Software

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References

  1. Ether Route II User Manual. Compatible Systems. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  2. RISC Router 3000E Installation Guide (PDF). Compatible Systems. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  3. "Webster Multiport/Lt Product Guide" (PDF). Vintage Technology Digital Archive. Webster Computer Corporation. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  4. Apple IP Gateway press release Archived 2008-10-13 at the Wayback Machine