Introduction

AppleTalk is the original networking scheme for Macs from the original 128K and supported in some manner up until MacOS 10.5. It is a different low-level networking protocol from the TCP/IP we all know and love today, and is more akin to NetBEUI or IPX on the PC side of things.

The original Macs only had support for AppleTalk connecting over the printer port (serial port). Connecting this way is referred to as “LocalTalk”.

Later, support for Ethernet was also added, this is referred to as “EtherTalk”. As Wi-Fi is an Ethernet-related technology, AppleTalk can also be used over Wi-Fi.

At one point, TokenRing was added (TokenTalk).

It also had official Apple ports to the Lisa, Apple IIgs, IBM PC as well as support in Windows NT, Novell NetWare, and others.


Further Reading
• AppleTalk Network Hardware for the hardware (both original and new) needed to connect together Macs via AppleTalk
• Stuff you can connect to AppleTalk
• Services you can run over AppleTalk