Re: [LI] PLIP

[Raj Mathur <raju@xxxxxxx>]

Hmm, PLIP stands for Parallel Line IP, and is a method of connecting 2
computers together using the parallel ports.  I'm not really an
expert, but from what I've read I gather:

- It gives decent speeds (38-40KB/s), which is not bad.

- It probably needs a kernel recompile.  The PLIP mini-HOWTO has the
details.

- It can't hook up more that two computers, unless you're willing to
go to a lot of trouble.

- It needs a special bidirectional printer cable (the Laplink cable
which I mentioned).

- It uses 4 bits... the data is sent to the status lines on the remote 
side.  There's also an 8-bit version, which the author of the
mini-HOWTO is aware of but doesn't know how to use, so I didn't try it 
either.  Unfortunately, from what I can gather the 4-bit and 8-bit
versions use different cables.

- It's a CPU hog (from my own experience).

The cable should be available in Nehru Place (no, I /don't/ know which
shop!) or give Amit Kalra a shout... making cables is not his primary
business, so he may or may not be willing to accomodate you.  I know
some dark secrets about him because of which I can armtwist him :-)

Hope this helps...

-- Raju

>>>>> "Jeffrey" == Jeffrey Yep <jyep@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

    Jeffrey> ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Saturday, October 09,
    Jeffrey> 1999 9:02 PM
    >> For those of you who don't know me, I am the Original Mr Cheap
    >> Won't Spring Rs. 1000 For An Ethernet Hub chap.

    Jeffrey> Now I don't feel left out! hehe ;-) Atleast someone is
    Jeffrey> like me.

    >> I decided to try PLIP, the Parallel Line IP module.  I had to
    >> bug Amit Kalra for 4 days to get the appropriate cable (you
    >> need a special parallel cable, sometimes known as a LapLink
    >> Cable) to run IP over the parallel ports.

    Jeffrey> I still didn't get this PLIP thingy. Raj could you
    Jeffrey> explain in detail because then eve I could do the same
    Jeffrey> instead of buying a hub.

    >> So now I have two computers at home which can be easily
    >> networked at the cost of Rs. 100 (for the cable... though I
    >> haven't paid Amit yet :-) .  I get throughputs of about 38-40
    >> KB/s on this link, and can easily use one of the boxes as a
    >> gateway to the net and masq the other computer through it.

    Jeffrey> Now this is what interests me i.e. only Rs.100/- and
    Jeffrey> 38-40 KB/s not bad at all!

    Jeffrey> Jeff


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