The CommuniGate Server checks if the FreePPP software is installed on the server machine, and if that software is selected to be used for TCP/IP connections.
If your Server computer is using FreePPP for TCP/IP connectivity, the CommuniGate Server can serve only AppleTalk-based client applications, such as the CommuniGator or Claris Emailer in the AppleTalk mode.
If you want to server TCP/IP-based client applications (such as Eudora®), please read the Serving POP and IMAP Clients document.
Note: Do not use the MacPPP software, use the FreePPP software.
Note: FreePPP software is not very stable, on older machines the old 1.0.5 version if proved to be much more stable than FreePPP 2.5.x. and FreePPP 2.6.x
Note: If you use OpenTransport, update to OT/PPP - it's a much more reliable solution.
CommuniGate Server - the Modules folder
- Since the FreePPP software does not work properly when a link is initiated from a background-only application (such as the CommuniGate Server), the special TCP Agent applet is used. Check that the TCP Agent file is placed into the Modules folder inside the CommuniGate Folder.
FreePPP - ConfigPPP
- Select the Disconnect if idle for 1 minute. The CommuniGate Server cannot close PPP connections itself: some other Internet applications can be running on the server at the same time and employing the same link. Setting this option makes FreePPP disconnect when there is no activity, and a 1 minute time-out is enough for regular SMTP (in the "foreign mail server" mode) and POP activities.
- The Show Alerts during connect and disconnect option should NOT be selected. Usually the CommuniGate Server runs unattendantly, and any alert box can stop the entire server - until the alert box is dismissed manually. Since some alert boxes can appear in any case, we recommend to install a utility (like the free Okey-Dokey software) that dismisses any dialog box in 1 minute.
CommuniGate Server - TCP Schedule
- Since the FreePPP software may crash the system if the serial port is used with another application, select the Check If Serial Port is Busy option in the CommuniGate TCP Schedule dialog box. You should not select this option if the Server computer has the Serial Port Arbitrator extension or the OpenTransport Serial Arbitrator module installed (check the Extensions folder).
The TCP/IP control panel
- If you use the OpenTransport, open the TCP/IP control panel, set the Advanced mode, and click the Options button. Check that the Load only when needed option is NOT selected.
To check the FreePPP software on the CommuniGate Server computer:
- Select the Allow applications to open connection option in the FreePPP settings.
- Double-click the TCP Agent applet in the Modules folder.
Make sure that the TCP Agent applet forces the FreePPP software to dial out and to connect to the Internet.