From: Riley Williams (terhi.victor@logonet.com)
Date: Sat Jan 19 2002 - 20:07:32 EET
Hi Terry.
>> I'm no expert on HF as I'm not licensed for it, but there is one
>> claim in there that is just plain rubbish, and easy to prove as
>> such...
>>> ...both ends on HF must use the same firmware and hardware...
> How SCS have implemented IP/PACTOR isn't documented. It may well be
> something simple that could be reverse engineered, but until that is
> done using the SCS firmware is necessary.
Just to be finicky, I'll correct that slightly...
Until it's reverse engineered, using the same HARDWARE is necessary.
However, there is no guarantee that even with two examples of the same
hardware, you'll find the same FIRMWARE - one could easily be a later
revision than the other, even though they're from the same manufacturer.
> Demetre wasn't talking about the realms of technical possibility,
> obviously if the encapsulation protocol was documented it could be
> implemented in alternate firmware/hardware, he was talking about the
> pragmatic reality today.
I can understand your explanation, but have seen too many cases where
development was hindered by unwarranted assumptions that a particular
manufacturer's hardware is only compatible with other examples of that
particular type of hardware produced by the same manufacturer. As an
example of this, I will point out that the US telephone service once
propagated that very rumour about its modems, claiming that its modems
were the standard, and the US Government eventually succeeded in giving
them a well deserved rap over the knuckles for doing so.
For reference, that tactic is known as "The FUD Factor", and is widely
recognised as an effective way for a Market Leader to prevent the
general public from buying a superior product from a competitor...
Best wishes from Riley.
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