Legacy Document

Inside Macintosh: Networking /

Chapter 1 - Introduction to AppleTalk / About Networking on the Macintosh

AppleTalk Phase 2

The current version of AppleTalk, which was introduced in 1989, is AppleTalk Phase 2. Based on the original version of AppleTalk, it was designed to enhance performance over large networks through the following improvements:

• The routing protocols that specify how messages are passed between networks were enhanced to promote improved network traffic and better router selection.
• Extended addressing, which allows a range of network numbers to be assigned to a single network, was implemented for networks other than LocalTalk.
• Support of multiple zones for extended networks was added. An extended network can have an associated list of zone names. A single extended network can be associated with more than one zone name, or a single zone name can be associated with more than one extended network. Two nodes on the same extended network can belong to different zones.

Note

The Phase 2 versions of the AppleTalk drivers are included as part of system software version 7.0 and later. They can be installed on any Macintosh computer other than the Macintosh 128K, Macintosh 512K, Macintosh 512K enhanced, and Macintosh XL computers. If you want to provide AppleTalk Phase 2 drivers with your product, you must obtain a license from Apple Software Licensing.

Historical note

AppleTalk Phase 1, the original AppleTalk protocol architecture, was designed to support small local workgroups. AppleTalk Phase 1 supported the LocalTalk Link-Access Protocol (LLAP), which was originally called the AppleTalk Link-Access Protocol (ALAP). With the addition of the EtherTalk Link-Access Protocol (ELAP) and other link-
access protocols, ALAP was renamed to indicate the specific data link that it supports.