Introduction to Apple Talk

AppleTalk is a defunct networking and communications protocol developed by Apple Computer Inc. From AppleTalk's introduction in 1984 to its move to unsupported status in 2009, it provided an inexpensive and user-friendly method of networking computers, file servers and peripherals such as postscript printers. In Mac OS X 10.6, Bonjour, an auto-configuring implementation of TCP/IP protocol, replaced this technology.

Basics

An AppleTalk network can support up to 32 nodes and a maximum cable length of 1,000 feet. In this case, a node includes computers, routers and any peripherals connected to the network. By default, AppleTalk networks connected by built-in RS-422 serial ports. With the release of Mac OS X 10.0, the AppleTalk file transfer protocol became known as Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) and became increasingly reliant on TCP/IP protocols.

Connections

Computers and peripherals connected via RS-422 could be easily daisy chained so long as they did not exceed the node or cable-length maximums. Alternatively, AppleTalk networks could be created via standard telephone cabling, Ethernet, and Token Ring. AppleTalk networks operating via telephone cabling had to use a product called PhoneNet, developed by Netopia, and operated almost identically to an RS-422 AppleTalk network. Ethernet and Token Ring networks became possible by the introduction of separate port drivers---EtherTalk and TokenTalk, respectively.

Use

On Macintosh computers running systems prior to Mac OS X 10.0, the Chooser served as the primary tool in creating and managing AppleTalk networks. Once connected, file servers and printers mounted on the user's desktop. Following the switch to Mac OS X 10.0, AFP file servers became accessible via the Network window and the Connect To Server command, which offers integrated access to AFP, FTP, TCP/IP, and SMB servers via the Finder.

Interoperability

From its inception, AppleTalk has been able to create networks that function with other operating systems, including DOS, Microsoft Windows and UNIX. Microsoft officially supported AppleTalk in Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT and Windows 2003. For maximum interoperability with Windows, third-party software such as GroupLogic's ExtremeZ-IP (www.grouplogic.com/products/extremeZ-IP/) is a good choice. Unix and Linux computers communicate with AppleTalk networks via an open-source package called Netatalk (netatalk.sourceforge.net/).

Considerations

Workarounds exist for Mac OS X 10.6 users who still require AppleTalk printers, such as some LaserWriter models. IP-based protocol is a common offering among network printers, so it is the best place to start. Visit the particular printer manufacturer's website to get details on configuring the machine for IP-protocol. If the printer offers only AppleTalk, it must be connected to an AppleTalk printer server (a machine running Windows or Mac OS X 10.5 or earlier).

References

• Inside AppleTalk - Sidhu, Gursharan; Rick Andrews and Alan Oppenheimer (1990). Inside AppleTalk, Second Edition. Reading, Mass.: Addison Wesley. p. 1-1ff. ISBN 0-201-55021-0
• AppleTalk Printing in Mac OS X 10.6

Resources

• Netatalk
• GroupLogic