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Best TCP/IP Stack

FTP's OnNet Stacks Up As TCP/IP Winner

Although there are now plenty of TCP/IP stacks for PC platforms, it is not yet a commodity market. There are still a few hurdles to transcend--stack architecture, for instance. While it was a long time coming, we finally have a mature networking stack running fully as a VxD--FTP's OnNet. It is clearly Well-Connected.
VxD technology is very important for a networking stack, for unlike DLL technology, it is not subject to interruption by other misbehaving DLLs or Windows applications. This is very important, because we have found that it is always the critical application, like a TCP/IP-based ODBC driver that does a blocking call, that stops a properly cooperative Windows DLL dead in its tracks.
FTP Software's OnNet is the kind of product you would expect from a company so actively involved in the IETF standards processes. OnNet includes all of the latest IP technologies like Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and multicast support. The very good TCP/IP applications that come with the stack are an added bonus.
Our runners-up were NetManage's Chameleon and Microsoft's TCP/IP stack. NetManage led the way to real Windows TCP/IP stacks. Its DLL-based stack set the original pace for others to follow. Its interesting choice of icon symbols helps soften the fear of the unknown for the TCP/IP newcomer, and its applications are solid, with very few holes.
Microsoft's TCP/IP stack deserves a special note. It doesn't have huge name recognition, because it's free for Windows for Workgroup users, and available from CompuServe or on the Internet v ia ftp at ftp.microsoft.com. While it is a stack only, with no applications, since it supports the WinSock specification, there are plenty of wonderful public domain applications to make it a strong offering for the Windows crowd. You can't go wrong with a free WinSock stack.

PC/TCP OnNet for DOS/Windows, $450, FTP Software, 2 High St., N. Andover, MA 01845. (508) 685-4000; fax (508) 794-4488.

Runners-Up
TCP/IP Stack for Windows for Workgroups, Microsoft Corp.,
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052. (206) 882-8080; (800) 426-9400; fax (206) 93-MSFAX.

Chameleon, NetManage, 10725 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. (408) 973-7171; fax (408) 257-6405.