Ethernet connection problems

Question

I am trying to set up ethernet connections between my Beige G3, my son's G3 iBoook, and a NEC SilentWriter 95 printer (using a Farallon EtherMac adapter). Both Macs are using Jaguar version 10.2.8. Up until recently, I had a crossover cable between the Beige G3 and the printer adapter, and was able to print just fine. I am now trying to connect all three nodes using an ethernet switch. Neither Mac can find the printer at all, and things are hit-and-miss trying to get the Macs to see each other on the network. The Beige G3 can usually see the iBook in the Connect to Server dialog, but when I try to connect, I get a -36 error code (sometimes a -5000 error code). The cables test out fine, and the link lights for both ports are lit on the switch. I have tried several iterations of rebooting, power-cycling, and manual address setting--all for naught.
Any advice on what to check, or how to diagnose the root cause?
Thanks,
Pete

Answer 1

The 169.254.xxx.yyy addresses should work as long as the subnet mask it assigned is 255.255.0.0. The subnet mask has a 1-bit for every binary bit that should be looked at to decide whether two IP addresses are on the same subnet. To communicate, the Macs must appear to be on the same subnet. If it does not do this automatically, you will need to set manual IP addresses.
The EtherMac adapter is an AppleTalk device. It does not have an IP address. It uses the Ethernet cable to talk AppleTalk protocol, just as the other devices use the Ethernet cable to talk IP protocol. They do not disrupt each other, but cannot be directly translated back and forth. Your Macs are also talking AppleTalk protocol onto the Ethernet cable when they go to print.
If you can get file sharing working and stable, then you should try power off the EtherMac adapter and the Printer, power up the printer and wait a minute after the lights stop flashing, and then power up the Ethermac. Although this device is a little better than the AsanteTalk at re-acquiring devices that drop out, it occasionally has the same problem and must be powered up last.