I'm hoping that I grokked your question correctly.

You can do TCP/IP over RS-232c between two systems
using an RS-232c null modem cable (available at
Radio Shack, Frys, PC Club) and either SLIP
or PPP.  SLIP is TCP/IP only; PPP can handle
multiple protocols (e.g., IPX/SPX).

If both RS-232c ports have high-speed UARTS
(IIRC, 16550), the RS-232c ports can talk to
each other at 115,200bps.

If you have more than two systems, and each
system has at least two RS-232c ports, you could
build a network by daisy-chaining systems
together and enabling IP forwarding on the
systems in the middle of the chain.

Cheap 10BaseT presents a LOT fewer headaches, though...


HTH,

D

* On Tue, May 08, 2001 at 05:14:36PM -0700, Trent Shipley wrote:
> Is it possible to run TCP/IP messaging over an RS-232 serial port?  If so
> what is involved?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Trent Shipley
> 
> Work:
> (602) 522-7502
> mailto:tshipley@symbio-tech.com
> http://www.symbio-tech.com