[aprssig] Why KISS?

[J. Lance Cotton]

Larry Cerney wrote:
> I haven't been able to see the rational for doing that when the TNC's I have
> used have a great deal of "smarts" built in.  The one major drawback I see
> with using KISS mode is that when the computer stops working, thanks
> Microsoft, the total functionality of the node goes with it.
...
> So, my question is why KISS?  What advantages does it offer over the
> "smarts" inherent in the TNC's themselves?

It doesn't offer any advantage if all you wish to do is be a digipeater 
or "normal" node.

The advantage comes when you use an application with more smarts that 
that which is built in. Digi-Ned is a digipeater application that can be 
ultimately customized with nearly unlimited rules. You cannot do that 
with just the TNC.  TCP/IP access (and other 8-bit modes) simply cannot 
work with the TNC in convers mode.

Obviously the tradeoff for this expanded functionality is that something 
external to the TNC is required. But this makes sense. KISS="Keep It 
Simple, Stupid". It does turn the TNC from a mini-device into just a 
peripheral -- just like every other computer peripheral out there.

-- 
J. Lance Cotton, KJ5O
joe at lightningflash.net
http://map.findu.com/kj5o-12
Three Step Plan: 1. Take over the world. 2. Get a lot of cookies. 3. Eat 
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