Servicing 8 (or so) people through modems simultaneously

[ONG ENG TENG]

>From article <1991Jan18.183933.3695 at cs.umn.edu>, by irani at tera.cs.umn.edu (Erach Irani):
> 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?
> Does Coherent UNIX (the $99 UNIX) and other UNIX's allow more than 4
> serial ports ?

Currently, there is a game called TRACON2, traffic controller game that
allows up to 16 Microsoft Flight Simulator 4.0-loaded PC's to hooked on.
It uses a Digi-board ($1800 for the buffered version, $1200 for non-buffered,
price approx. got direct from Digi-board maker).  

I just bought a multi-serial board that allows used as COM1 to COM8, 
but only 4 IRQ lines (2 to 5).  Actually, IRQ2 becomes IRQ9 in AT machine
(so I was told, by many).  I assumed we can make 4 lines worked 
together, since I have programs that use 2 lines effectively (anyone has 
any idea, please explain if 4 simultanous line is possible).

If you get any workable/cheaper multi-serial devices, please post or
let me know.

Thanks in advance.

E. Teng Ong (ong at d.cs.okstate.edu)