Apple Open Transport 1.1.1 Enhances Mac OS Networking Performance and
Reliability
CUPERTINO, Calif.–Oct. 25, 1996–Apple Computer, Inc., today announced the
availability of Apple Open Transport 1.1.1, an enhanced version of Apple’s
standards-based networking and communications system for Macintosh and Mac
OS-compatible computers.
Significance
Open Transport 1.1.1 is an update for Mac OS-based systems currently
running Open Transport 1.1, and is a recommended upgrade for all Open Transport
users. In addition to bug fixes that increase overall compatibility,
performance and stability, the update provides significant performance
enhancements for Mac OS-based Internet and intranet servers and includes
support for the new Open Transport/PPP implementation.
Additional Mac OS Systems Supported
Open Transport 1.0 began shipping in 1995 as a standard feature of Apple’s
new PCI-based Power Macintosh systems. Open Transport 1.1 added support for
most 68030, 68040, and additional PowerPC-based systems, and was included in
System 7.5.3. Open Transport 1.1.1 adds support for the additional
PowerPC-based Mac OS systems, including 5200, 5300, 6200, 6300-series Performa,
and Power Macintosh computers, which were not supported by Open Transport 1.1.
The latest PowerPC-based Performa systems, including the popular Performa 6400,
utilize PCI-bus and support both Open Transport 1.1, and Open Transport 1.1.1.
Improvements and Bug Fixes
Open Transport 1.1.1 includes a series of enhancements to its TCP/IP
implementation that improves the performance and reliability of Mac OS-based
Internet and intranet servers, including:
–Resolved a bug where busy web servers sometimes accepted no new inbound
connections for about 30 seconds at periodic intervals;
–Optimized rate at which connections can be accepted and closed, increasing
overall server capacity;
–Enhanced ability of developers to designate additional memory for Open
Transport on dedicated server machines, thereby allowing better system tuning
for server use;
–Enhanced the Domain Name Resolver code to better handle tens of thousands
lookups done by busy web and Internet mail servers;
–Negated a cause of regular crashes on busy servers when large numbers of
lookups were performed.
The update also includes improvements of interest to users of Mac OS-based
client systems, including:
–Reduced or removed cases where Open Transport could cause memory
fragmentation;
–Improved compatibility with the PowerBook sleep feature reducing the
occurrence of freezes when waking from sleep and reducing the occurrence of
being switched to LocalTalk when changing docks and waking from sleep;
–Enhanced compatibility with Apple Remote Access (ARA), reducing the
occurrence of situations where some network devices could not be seen or used
even though they were connected;
–Enhanced Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) that in most cases
reduces the time to get a server assigned address at system startup. It also
fixed a bug that could cause a loss of TCP/IP network access if the configured
DHCP lease time exceeded 24 days;
–Provided a utility to reduce the occurrence of Alert messages when using
AppleTalk from a home network connected via an ISDN bridge.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) Support
Open Transport 1.1.1 includes support for Open Transport/PPP, which is
currently undergoing a public beta seed on the Internet and will be released
later this year. OT/PPP is the first PPP implementation for the Mac OS to take
full advantage of the standards-based Open Transport STREAMS architecture. By
utilizing STREAMS, Open Transport/PPP offers an extensible foundation for
enhancements and is prepared for the transition to a modern OS foundation. Open
Transport/PPP is also the first PPP to offer the performance and stability of
native code on PowerPC-based Mac OS systems.
System Requirements, Pricing, and Availability
Open Transport is required on Mac OS-based computers that include PCI-bus,
and is optional on 68030, 68040, and PowerPC-based systems that do not use
PCI-bus.
The Open Transport 1.1.1 upgrade is available to users with access to the
Internet, America Online or CompuServe at no charge beyond any connect charges.
Open Transport 1.1.1 can be downloaded from the Networking-Communications area
of Apple’s Software Updates Archives (see http://www.info.apple.com/swupdates/
for a list of Apple’s Software Updates sites). Open Transport 1.1.1 can also be
found on Apple sites on America Online (keyword-applecomputer), CompuServe
(shortcut-GO APLSUP). Starting Oct. 28, 1996, customers in the United States
can order the Open Transport 1.1.1 Update on CD for U.S. $13 by calling
1-800-293-6617, offer number 1407. The fulfillment program is scheduled to run
through Jan. 31, 1997.
Open Transport 1.1.1 is an update for Mac OS-based systems currently
running Open Transport 1.1. Customers of all previous System 7.5 family
releases can update free of charge to 7.5.3 and Open Transport 1.1 using System
7.5, Update 2.0, which is also available in the Apple’s Software Updates
Archives. Open Transport 1.1 is also available as a retail package, Apple part
number M4252Z/A, which allows installation on System 7.1, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2.
Apple Computer, Inc., an information industry innovator, creates powerful
solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals,
software, on-line services and personal digital assistants. Based in
Cupertino, Calif., Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and
markets products, technologies and services for the business, education,
consumer, scientific, engineering and government markets in more than 140
countries.
Customer Information Contact:
If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product and would like to have
product information faxed to you, please call 1-800-462-4396 in the U.S. or
1-800-263-3394 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or would like to
locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call 1-800-538-9696.
Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local Apple representatives for
information.
Apple’s home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com/
Apple’s Open Transport home page on the World Wide Web:
http://devworld.apple.com/dev/opentransport/
Apple, Mac OS, Power Macintosh, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a trademark of IBM used under license. All
other brand names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
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