LanSmart, D-Link cards & XENIX

[Nirad Sharma]

 We have a network of IBM PS/2 Model 30 286's (AT-bus) with 'D-Link'
network cards installed running 'LanSmart' network software. Is it possible
to connect this network (which works fine in its own right) to an IBM PS/2
Model 80 running SCO XENIX 2.3.2 ?  Our local suppliers of the LanSmart system
are extremely unknowledgeable !!

Additional information / requirements :

	The D-Link network cards are supposedly binary compatible with Novell
	  Nu-1000 network cards. We would like to retain out investment in the
	  cards that we already have.

	We need to retain 1 PC as a server as it holds a QMS JetScript card
	  which provides PostScript capabilities for an HP LaserJet II. We
	  would like to retain this PC as a fully functional PC (LanSmart offers
	  this functionality). This PC need only act as a printer server if the
	  solution that someone can offer me provides NFS-like functionality.

	NFS-like functionality is required so that PCs on the network can
	  access files on the XENIX host.

I have heard of a system by the name of CocoNet which fits my requirements
Equipment

	10 x IBM PS/2 Model 30 286s (AT-bus) equipped with D-Link network cards
	IBM PS/2 Model 80, SCO XENIX 2.3.2PS, 8 Megs RAM, 260 M HD (100 free)
		(no network card has yet been purchased)

exactly (I think) except I am unsure if :

		1.  Drviers fo D-Link or NU-100 cards exist; and
		2.  Whether printer sharing on a PC requires its dedication

D-Link systems in the USA have also informed me that a product from STP
software called PC-TCP provides this kind of functionality (including NFS)
in conjunction with XENIX TCP & NFS. PC-TCP has drivers for D-Link cards and
runs in conjunction with LanSmart. My only problem with this is that I have
hardly read rave reviews for XENIX-TCP & NFS. Does anyone have this working
RELIABLY ?

Also, what is XENIX-NET ? Will this help me ?

Any replies would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou


Nirad Sharma  (exnirad at brolga.cc.uq.oz.au)
Continuing Education Unit
The University of Queensland
AUSTRALIA