"LAN Times" Guide to Interoperability

Explains the terminology, goals, benefits and pitfalls of interconnections. Examples and case studies help the reader identify the best interconnectivity strategies for specific systems. Topics covered include bridgers and routers, gateways and connecting e-mail, hardware and operating systems.

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This text is dedicated to providing solutions for people who wish to connect different networks, applications, operating systems or hardware, or combinations of the above. Because there are so many possibilities, the approach aims to show general solutions and give specific solutions as examples. This guide describes what solutions can and cannot be implemented cost effectively, and explains problems that can arise with solutions. The author details bridges and routers and how they work, and discusses gateways and software solutions as well. Other topics covered include connecting disperate e-mail, network, hardware and operating systems.