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From: backman@interlan.UUCP (Larry Backman)
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
Subject: Re: Redirector Wanted and Dos Tasking
Message-ID: <516@interlan.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 27-Nov-87 08:57:06 EST
Article-I.D.: interlan.516
Posted: Fri Nov 27 08:57:06 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 29-Nov-87 21:57:28 EST
References: <8711231334.aa19994@Louie.UDEL.EDU>
Reply-To: backman@interlan.UUCP (Larry Backman)
Organization: MICOM-Interlan, Boxborough, MA (1-800-LAN-TALK)
Lines: 46

In article <8711231334.aa19994@Louie.UDEL.EDU> BRACKENRIDGE@C.ISI.EDU (Billy) writes:
>Does anybody have any idea how to get a redirector? or a redirector
>specification?
>
>A redirector is part of MS-DOS (or perhaps MS-NET) that sits between
>the file system and the network. It looks at DOS file calls at the file
>handle level and calls either the disk driver or net driver as
>appropriate.

	I don't know about Microsoft or Locus, but the Novell redirector
	(net3.com) is a resident program that traps all sorts of things
	(INT 21 etc.).  It is based on something called Netware Core
	Protocol (NCP), a request/response protocol between workstation and
	server.  DOS requests, open a file, for instance are intercepted,
	and translated as needed into NCP before being xmitted to the
	server.  The NCP spec. is available from Novell for a price.  It
	may not be exactly what you are loking for, but you certainly
	can figue out how a rediector is implemented from it!


>IP/TCP protocols are too complicated to do on a PC or that MS-DOS
>can't do two things at once, but it isn't the only way to do things.
>Some of us have more limited goals that we have to supply to users
>who are used to the DOS they know and loathe.


	Right on!  I agree, DOS stinks, but 20 zillion users out
	there is a big target marketplace.  We could all agree that
	its too hard to do comms. under DOS, but meanwhile, since
	there's an incredible demand for various comms. rpoducts, some
	enterprising person will come along and build products irregardless.
	I know I'd rather be involved in building product for a superseller
	O.S. that has extreme limitations, than to sit on the sidelines
	watching someone else build those products.

	I've been playing DOS since 82, have built 3 separate comms
	product lines, async file xfer, SNA 3270/3770, and TCP gateway
	products.  Each was/ or is a good product, that works well
	within its environment despite the O.S.'s shortcomings.
	I've also built product under UNIX and VMS with tons of system
	calls, multi-tasking support, signals, virtual memory, etc.
	I hate to admit it, but ...sh..
	DOS is more fun!

					Larry Backman
					Micom - dio
DJeis