I need code to interface two PC?s via the parallel port. I currently
have code to do this, but it may not be fast enough. I need the code
to transfer information at 9,600 bits per second continuously and
19,200 bits per second peak.

What I really need is code that can interface a Linux and Windows XP
based system, but if you can get code that can interface two windows
XP systems that will be fine too because we can just port the code to
Linux. Remember there are security restrictions on the use of the
parallel port in windows XP so win 95/98 code will not work. The code
may (but does not have to) make use of the interrupts on the PC for
example a interrupt is triggered when information is received then the
operating system calls a routine (made by us) handle the information.
This code should be free or under $30.

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Request for Question Clarification by mathtalk-ga on 05 Apr 2004 16:12 PDT

The transmission speeds you are talking about could be attained by a
serial port connection, and of course an Ethernet connection would be
sustantially faster.  Is there a reason you are interested in using a
parallel port?  The hardware support for bidirectional communication
on parallel ports is not always consistently provisioned.

regards, mathtalk-ga

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Clarification of Question by focusedny-ga on 05 Apr 2004 16:56 PDT

I am using a parallel port because that is what is available on both
systems. Ethernet isn?t an option.

If I decide to go with the serial I will post something on here. Thanks

If I can get 9,600 bits per second peak that should be fine also.

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Request for Question Clarification by mathtalk-ga on 05 Apr 2004 17:21 PDT

Is this to be a one way transmission, then?

-- mathtalk-ga

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Clarification of Question by focusedny-ga on 05 Apr 2004 19:07 PDT

It has to be bi-directional (both directions), but not at the same exact time.

A ppp connection over a (null modem) serial cable should work. Run a
pppd daemon on your Linux box, and treat it as a dialup connection on
your Windows box.
Rob.

I am posting this as a comment, because I have not tested it.  

PLIP (Parallel Line IP) will do what you want.  Freely available in
Linux.  The basic info is at:

http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/PLIP-1.html

The speeds range from 5kb.sec to 40kb.sec, depending on the hardware.

To set up a PLIP connection in Windows XP, just create a new network
connection with the wizard.  Full directions are here:

http://www.lpt.com/windowsnetworking/regusers/wxpdccin.htm

I do *not* know if this will acutally work, again, this is untested.

Search Strategy:

plip "windows xp"
://www.google.com/search?q=plip+%22windows+xp%22&btnG=Search&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

windows XP parallel network
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=windows+XP+parallel+network&spell=1

Thanks for the info, I dont have time to test it right now, Im working
on another part of my project. But when I do test it I will post my
results and pay the money.

Thanks,