A Multi-Node BBS lets you have more than one user on-line at a time. Each node of the BBS can support one modem and telephone line.Additional node can also be run on AppleTalk or TCP/IP networks. The additional requirement for these nodes is the appropriate network software and hardware.
Multi-Node System Requirements
A multi-node system has greater system requirements than a single-node system. Listed below are the extra requirements for a multi-node system.
- For more than two modem lines, a NuBus, PCI or SCSI serial port expansion card.
- Additional phone line(s) with "busy call-forward," or in a "hunt group." These are services available from your phone company. Busy call-forward and hunt groups automatically route incoming calls to an open line.
- One modem for each phone line.
Serial Port Expansion Cards
Serial Port Expansion cards can supply 2, 4, or 6 additional serial ports per NuBus or PCI slot. Since they use NuBus, you will need a Macintosh II, or better, computer. PCI cards requires a PCI PowerMac Some cards include their own processor and memory, which improves performance significantly.The cards come with software that registers their ports with the "Communications Toolbox" (CTB). CTB is part of the Macintosh system software. After the card registers with CTB, TeleFinder can use it as easily as the built-in ports.
Add Nodes
Adding nodes to your BBS is a simple process. Follow these steps to add each new node.• Connect another modem to the Macintosh "Printer" port, or to a port in an expansion card.Create a new Node settings file for TeleFinder Server to hold the settings for your second node.
• Select the "New Node" command from TeleFinder's File menu. This opens the "Save As" dialog.
•Use the "Save As" dialog to save the file using any name you'd like. You might use "BBS Node 2."
TeleFinder will open a Node Status window using it's default settings.
Configure the new Node to use the connection method you wish to support.
If your second node will support dial-in access through your modem then you will configure using the "Modem" Connection Method. To setup this Node for a modem, repeat the steps in the "Setting Up Your BBS" section. For other connection methods please refer to the "Using Other Connection Methods" section of this chapter.
• Select the "Node Options" command from the Node menu. This opens the Node Options dialog.
• Enter a name in the BBS Node Name text box. Choose any name you wish up to thirty-one characters (including spaces).
• Enter a name in the Log File naming text box. If the Log File will be created each day the name must be less than 16 characters or less in length.
• Click in the "OK" button to save the new names.
Bring the new node on-line.
• Make sure that the other servers are open and ready.
• Select the "Start Node" command from the Node menu. TeleFinder Server then initializes the modem, and waits to answer calls.
The second node is now on-line and ready for callers. You can bring additional nodes on-line by repeating the steps above.