DECnet for OpenVMS Guide to Networking

This document, "DECnet for OpenVMS Guide to Networking" (May 1993), serves as a comprehensive manual for users, advanced programmers, and system/network managers operating within a DECnet for OpenVMS environment (specifically for OpenVMS AXP Version 1.5 and VAX Version 6.0).

The guide is structured to provide:

1. Overview of DECnet Concepts: An introduction to DECnet, detailing its architecture (Digital Network Architecture - DNA layers), how systems communicate via nodes, lines, and circuits, the principles of adaptive routing, and different network sizes and areas. It describes various network configurations including Local Area Networks (Ethernet, FDDI), Wide Area Networks (DDCMP, X.25), and integrated networks.
2. Network Operations: Explains the functionalities available to users, such as general file operations (accessing, copying, printing, editing, deleting remote files), electronic mail (MAIL), and interactive communication (PHONE). For advanced users and programmers, it covers remote command procedures and task-to-task communication. It also outlines the responsibilities of system and network managers.
3. Getting Started: Provides practical, step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring a DECnet for OpenVMS node. This includes hardware setup, obtaining licenses (PAK), configuring node parameters (name, address, router/end node type) using tools like NETCONFIG.COM, establishing asynchronous connections (static and dynamic), and verifying successful network connectivity.
4. Network Management and Troubleshooting: Details how to monitor, test, and troubleshoot a DECnet network. It covers using Network Control Program (NCP) commands to display network status and counters, understanding DECnet's event logging facility, performing loopback tests, and diagnosing common software and hardware problems based on DNA layers and error messages.

The document aims to make network use transparent for users, enable programmers to develop networked applications, and equip managers with the necessary information and procedures to efficiently set up, secure, and maintain their DECnet for OpenVMS network.