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To:	MRGATE::"ARISIA::EVERHART"
Subj:	Re: Passing LAT packets between networks

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Date: 25 Jul 89 18:24:19 GMT
From: uakari.primate.wisc.edu!indri!caesar!blake!oregon!dsmith@csd4.milw.wisc.edu  (Dale Smith)
Organization: University of Oregon
Subject: Re: Passing LAT packets between networks
Message-Id: <5773@oregon.uoregon.edu>
References: <100@pserv.UUCP>
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In article <100@pserv.UUCP>, stevem@pserv.UUCP (Steve Mestad) writes:

> We have some VMS machines using LAT and a Decserver to share a printer.
> Soon these users will need to make use of a system in another building on
> another network.  This other system will also need to share the same printer.
> Two methods of joining the networks have been discussed: a Cisco router
> which can't pass LAT packets, or a Bridge which can pass LAT but is a much
> less desirable connection method.  Other info:  The printer has a serial
> interface, all systems are running Decnet and Tcp/ip, LAT is used only for
> sharing the printer.
> 
> Question:
> What other methods are there of getting LAT packets between the two networks
> or is there another method of reliably sharing a printer under VMS without
> writing software (the main reasons LAT was chosen for printer sharing).

You make one false statement in the above analysis.  You claim that a
Cisco router can't pass LAT packets.  This is false.  Cisco has a
product called a Hybridge, which is a hybrid bridge-router.  It is
trivial to set up a Cisco router to route say TCP/IP, XNS, and DECnet,
but to bridge DEC LAT, DEC LAVC, Appletalk, and Novell IPX.  The
Hybridge is a software option for almost all current routers (you have
to have the MCI controller).

We've done this and it works just fine.  You get the best of both
worlds.  You get the isolation of a router, but the transparency of a
bridge on a protocol-by-protocol basis.

Dale Smith, Assistant Director of Network Services
University of Oregon		Internet: dsmith@oregon.uoregon.edu
Computing Center		BITNET: dsmith@oregon.bitnet
Eugene, OR  97403-1212		Voice: (503)686-4394