Date   : Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:34:21 +0100
From   : mfirth@... (Michael Firth)
Subject: Master ethernet upgrade

From: "Sprow" <info@...>
To: <bbc-micro@...>
Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:11 PM
Subject: [BBC-Micro] Master ethernet upgrade
> Hi,
> I am pleased to be able to announce the availability of a 10/100Mbps
> ethernet upgrade for the BBC Master series.
>
> The kit comprises a module (which replaces the Econet module if fitted), 
> ROM
> software, and user manual. With this, it is possible to share files with
> Windows XP machines acting as file servers - including preserving load and
> execution addresses.
>
> In future it could even be possible to connect to remote machines, such as
> via FTP.
>
> For more details see
> http://www.sprow.co.uk/bbc/masternet.htm
>
> Please note: for electrical reasons this upgrade can only be fitted to a
> Master or Master Compact,
> Sprow.
>
The question that springs to my mind first is whether a version could be 
produced that connected to the 1MHz bus instead, to allow either connection 
to a BBC B/B+, or for a Master to have both the Ethernet interface and an 
Econet module fitted, to allow some form of bridging?

I understand that the 1MHz bus is slower than the access available in the 
Econet slot (which I think runs at 2MHz), but for most files that BBCs are 
likely to need, I'm sure it would be fast enough (for example, it seems to 
be fine for an IDE interface).

Presumably even the Econet hosted version would not be able to keep up with 
a full rate 100Mbit/s transfer, as it only has 2MHz x 8 bits = 16Mbit/s 
bandwidth available to it?

As Rob has asked, are there plans to make any of the lower level access 
details available, to allow people to write their own networking 
applications for this card?

Thanks

Michael