Netware 5.1 Server with modem 1

[Guest_imported]

I currently have a Netware 5.1 Server. I also have a Win 98 workstation that uses an it's own internal modem to dial into a bank for payroll transactions. We are moving this Win 98 PC to a new location and the powers that be want to put this PC's internal modem into the Netware Server so that this Win 98 workstation along with others can dial into the bank for payroll transactions. Is this possible? How would the workstations access the internal modem on the Server? If this is possible I am recommending an external modem, in the event of a modem hang we can reset the modem instead of the Server. Any input, thoughts, and suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

[Cassaro]

DAS Master,

Although this is not what you are asking for it may be something to consider first.
I would contact your bank and see if they can take these transactions via Telnet, FTP or possibly the web. If it is possible then you just saved yourself having to buy hardware and software

Chuck

 

[Guest_imported]

I contacted our payroll person and she said that the bank is only setup to do modem transactions at a 1200 baud rate. I will contact the bank to verify that, now that we're in a new Millenium. Any other input on setting up this modem on our server for workstation access would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dynamode]

First, the LAST place to put a modem is on a server especially if you do not use a "smart" serial port board like those from Comtrol. Serial devices force the motherboard to issue hardware interrupts and even though Novell is not an interrupt driven OS/NOS the interrupts still need to be trapped. Also, on a parctical level we have seen this configuration bring a server to its knees inthe past. This might not be the case today with the faster CPUs nut do you want to chance it.

Second, and last Novell used to sell a product thet would allow you to "share" generic modems Called NetWare Connect this has been discontinued. There are 3rd party solutions like Comtrol (

http://www.comtrol.com).

You can contact me for further info.
Joshua Rothschild
j.rothschild@dynamode.com

 

[KenB]

I have a similar setup on my network for Credit Card clearing to a bank. I set up a small dedicated netware 3.12 server with a DIGI card and atached 4 modems, loaded the support nlm's for the DIGI and com ports etc. I purchased a software package from FUNK Software that provides RAS and Modem Pooling for Netware servers. The Client PC's run and add on software client that lets them see the modem pool and they can share them for dialing out. This has worked great for about 4-5 years. Unfortunately FUNK has recently stoped selling this product.
I'm looking at a Hardware replacement from Lynksys that is a Network Attached Serial device. It works over IP and seems to advertise it's services on the LAN. There are several other Companies who make similar devices. I think this is the way to go as I had a lot of setup problems with the software needed to do the same thing.

HTH
Ken

 

[MDonato]

DASMaster, actually I've had pretty good luck hanging modems off of Novell servers. To correcy DYNAMODE, yes Novell stopped selling NetWare Connect BY ITSELF, they now include it with NetWare 4.x and 5.x, so since you are posting this in a NetWare 5 forum, I'll assume you have 5.x. Simply attach your modem (preferably external and I like the USR Courier) to the com port of choice, and load niascfg (the routing and remote access config utility) It will walk you thru your setup. As for the client interface, it require WIN2NCS from novell (should be on you NetWare CD), but I recommend downloading from Novell's site to make sure you have the latest version. Other than that, it's pretty simple. Feel free to ask away if you have more questions.

-Mike
Michael A. Dontato MCNE, MCSE, CCA
mdonato@site-technologies.com

http://www.site-technologies.com