Servicing 8 (or so) people through modems simultaneously

[Albatross]

In <1991Jan18.183933.3695 at cs.umn.edu> irani at tera.cs.umn.edu (Erach Irani) writes:
>A friend of mine wants to have a program that allows 8 or so people 
>(over modems) to communicate with each other in a game.

>Any programs to do so?  Can an IBM-PC compatible (XT/AT/386) do this
>considering that there are only 4 serial ports?  Any manufacture
>information on multiplexors appreciated although I've heard they use
>their own (expensive) modems?  Is it absolutely impossible to use an
>IBM-PC?

In 1984 I ran a business which handled 16 modems at 300 baud using an
IBM PC XT.  It ran the QNX operating system and employed a Control Systems,
Inc., Hostess Board to handle the modems.  I suspect that modern machines
moving at five to ten times rate of the old PCXT could do much better quite
easily.
-- 
Bob Alberti  Micro and Wkstn Networks Ctr, U of MN   // aka: Albatross| Unitar-
Internet:    alberti at boombox.micro.UMN.EDU        \\//  The Mars Hotel| ian/
Disclaimer:  My employer does not mean what I say. //   (612) 690-4142| Univer-
Ingredients: 30% header, 30% quote, 10% content, 30% cutesy signature.| salist!