IBM PC Network

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of IBM PC Network, exploring its origins, evolution and relevance in today's society. From his first appearances to his impact on everyday life, IBM PC Network has captured the attention of millions of individuals around the world. Through a deep and detailed analysis, we will examine the different aspects that make it so incredibly interesting and worth exploring. From its possible implications in the future to its meaning in the present, IBM PC Network has left an indelible mark on history, and it is essential to understand its importance today. Join us on this exciting tour of IBM PC Network and discover everything there is to know about this irresistible phenomenon.

The IBM PC Network was IBM PC's first LAN system.[1][2] It consisted of network cards, cables, and a small device driver known as NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System). It used a data rate of 2 Mbit/s and carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection.

NetBIOS was developed by Sytek Inc as an API for software communication over this IBM PC Network LAN technology; with Sytek networking protocols being used for communication over the wire. IBM's later Token Ring network emulated the NetBIOS application programming interface, and it lived on in many later systems.

Broadband

The original broadband version in 1984 communicated over 75 Ω cable television compatible co-axial cable with each card connecting via a single F connector.[1] Separate transmit and receive frequencies were used. Cards could be ordered that used different frequencies so multiple cards could transmit simultaneously, at 2 Mbit/s each.[3] A Sytek head-end device was required to translate from each card's transmit frequency to the destination card's receive frequency. Frequency-division multiplexing allowed the cable to be shared with other voice, video, and data traffic.

Baseband

Later, in 1987 a much cheaper baseband version, also running at 2 Mbit/s connected computers in daisy-chain style using twisted-pair cables with 6P2C modular telephone connectors.[4] Interface cards had two 6P2C sockets for connecting to left and right neighbor nodes. The unused sockets at the ends of the network segment had to be fitted with a terminator on one end of the chain and a wrap plug on the other. A hybrid star topology was possible using a hub.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "IBM PC Network Interconnects IBM Personal Computers" (Announcement letter). IBM. 1984-08-14.
  2. ^ "IBM PC Network Program Available" (Announcement letter). IBM. 1985-04-02.
  3. ^ "IBM PC Network Adapter II/A-Frequency 2 And IBM PC Network Adapter II/A-Frequency 3" (Announcement letter). IBM. 1984-08-14.
  4. ^ Arst, Philip L. (22 June 1987). "Resolution Problems". Network World. Vol. 4, no. 25. p. 26.
  5. ^ "PC Network".


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