WebNet LAN Designer

This is a screenshot of the Java applet for LAN design. The Java applet is only supported by certain browsers, with properly set preferences. When the "router critic" fires in the applet it opens a web page with relevant information -- this is not currently supported by web browsers on the Mac, but only by Internet Explorer on Windows 95/NT. Click here to view this page with the Java applet active. Click here to view the information page that opens when the critic fires.

Use the construction area above to design your LAN. Press start to initiate the simulation of your LAN.

In the example LAN that is loaded, the simulation performs a number of functions:

* First, all computers are automatically connected to nearby cable.

* The Macs simulate sound and graphical events, happily displaying a diversity of colors and sounds.

* All workstations periodically fire an abstract critic. A message is displayed, "critic fired." In the case of Macs, the color flashes red and blue to draw the designer's attention to a possible design problem.

* A router critic checks the LAN wiring for joints in the cable that do not connect directly to a computer. If one is found, a router is proactively inserted in the design. The announcement, "router critic fired", is not too obtrusive, so it is periodically repeated as a gentle reminder. The firing of this critic should also bring up a guide to relevant information in the WebNet system.

this page last updated 03/05/99 by the WebNet webmaster