● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
TailTalk: A new async user-space AppleTalk stack built with Rust and Tokio
Key points
- TailTalk is a user-space AppleTalk stack written in Rust and Tokio.
- It supports EtherTalk and LocalTalk for vintage Apple device communication.
- Features include AFP server, printer sharing, and Stuff-It archive import.
- Operates without Netatalk or kernel driver dependencies.
Introduction to TailTalk
TailTalk is a newly developed, user-space AppleTalk stack implemented in Rust and Tokio. It provides a toolkit for building AppleTalk implementations on Linux, macOS, and Windows systems. The project aims to facilitate communication with vintage Apple devices via EtherTalk or LocalTalk networks.
Key Features and Capabilities
The stack operates without dependencies on Netatalk or kernel drivers, requiring only a raw socket or TashTalk compatible device. It supports a complete AppleTalk stack, allowing multiple instances to run concurrently on the same machine. Current functionalities include an AFP server compatible with most Macs featuring a LocalTalk port, importing Stuff-It archives and floppy disk images, and preserving resource forks.
TailTalk also enables sharing LocalTalk-capable printers (LaserWriters, ImageWriters, StyleWriters) to modern networks as AirPrint/IPP printers, and conversely, sharing modern printers with classic Macs.
Protocol Support and Architecture
The project includes packet parsers and asynchronous APIs for major AppleTalk protocols such as AARP, DDP, NBP, ATP, PAP, ASP, AFP, and AppleTalk Data Stream Protocol. The AARP/DDP underlay can run in-process or as a shared daemon, `tailtalkd`, which manages interfaces, DDP sockets, addressing, and routing rules for multiple clients via a protobuf protocol over Unix or UDP sockets.
Project Status and Future Development
TailTalk is currently a work-in-progress prototype, with ongoing development. It presently functions in a routerless setup, and efforts are underway to enable graceful integration into networks with routers. The design emphasizes a "zero config" approach, aiming for ease of use similar to the original AppleTalk experience.
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Primary sources
GitHub cmc_internal/api GitHub github/collect GitHub FeralFirmware/TailTalk GitHub _private/browser GitHub get-started/accessibility GitHub open-source/sponsorsReporting from
TailTalk is a new user-space AppleTalk stack developed in Rust and Tokio, enabling modern operating systems to communicate with vintage Apple devices over EtherTalk or LocalTalk networks. This project allows file transfers, printing, and async software development for classic Macs without relying on Netatalk or kernel drivers.