General
There have been several different software standards (protocols) to achieve computers communicating, NetBIOS, NetBEUI, TCP/IP, IPX/SX, DLC, NetBEUI over TCP/IP and NetBIOS over TCP/IP, as well as different types of cabling AUI (10Base-5), BNC (10Base-2) and UTP (10Base-T). A comprehensive Networking Tutorial has been wrtten by Lantronix
Local Area Network (LAN) Commercial Software
Current products are Spartacom (Lantastic) and Novell (Netware). No longer supported but available are MicroSoft Network Client 3.0, MicroSoft LanManager, NeOS, IBM LAN Client (IBM Token Ring NIC's), InvisibleLan, Personal Netware and Netware Client (OpenDOS and DR DOS additional component), LotLan (PTS DOS 2000 additional component), OTEXLan, NSLan and DEC (Digital) Pathworks.
Miscellaneous Networking
Waterloo TCP only requires Packet Driver Software and a Configuration File to achieve TCP/IP Networking and is compatible with Arachne and Lynx Web Browsers, NeOS and a variety of networking software. Packet drivers are usually associated with Network Interface Cards, but are also available for Parallel and Serial Ports.
The PDIPX shim can be used in conjunction with Packet Driver Software for multi-player IPX network gaming, this negates the requirement for a Novell Netware Network .
MS/PC-DOS Interlink works in a peer to peer Client/Server configuration over either a Parallel (LapLink) or Serial Null-Modem Cable, the Server redirects the floppy and hard drive and a printer if attached to the Client PC.
LapLinkV implements 'peer to peer' file sharing via either a Parallel (LapLink) or Serial Null-Modem Cable, but also has the capability to transfer files over an established Novell Local Area Network and remotely via a dialup modem connection.
Richmond System's NetOP software implements 'peer to peer' file sharing via a Dial-up modem, ISDN modem or an IPX/NetBIOS enabled LAN.
Infrared is useful over short distances and if the Transceiver can be assigned a Comm Port setting in BIOS a Serial Port Packet Driver can be used in conjunction with Waterloo TCP Software. Please note that IBM Thinkpad 3xx, 5xx, 6xx and 7xx series Laptops with an Infrared Port have available emulated ethernet drivers compatible with Novel Netware (ODI), Lantastic (MSLanman) and MS Network Client 3 (NDIS).
File Maven, FastLynx, LapLink and Parcp Software use either Parallel (LapLink) or Serial Null-Modem Cables for peer to peer file sharing.
Wireless (WiFi) Connection
The NetGear WET54G, WLI-TX4-G54HP and DLink DWL-G810 are Ethernet to Wireless self powered adapters which can be installed on any PC with an ethernet port?
Proxim/Agere Packet and ODI drivers for the PC Card, Embedded Card, Integrated Card, PCI Card and Mini-PCI Card are available for download, these products were also sold under various brand names.
Electrical Mains Socket Networking
Solwise have a range of products which uses the standard home/office 3pin plug electrical ring main as a wired network.
HTML/FTP LAN File Transfer
EZNOS web server has both HTTP and FTP capability. A web page with links and/or FTP access permissions to the shared files on the webserver will be accessible by Arachne, DosLynx and Minuet (beta 1.8) web browsers.
RAS Remote Access
LapLinkV is a current product and is more than just a Remote Access Server. Microsofts LanManager 2.1 RAS add-on and Invisible Software's InvisibleLan LAN Remote add-on, though both obsolete are free to download. Alternatively Symantecs PCAnywhere version 5 or earlier, though obsolete is a full standalone product.
Remote Control Software
Richmond System's NetOP software can be used via Dial-up modem, ISDN modem or over an IPX/NetBIOS enabled LAN, whilst Invisible Software's Invisible Control is compatible with a NetBIOS LAN.