DEC-RemoteTerminalNetworkProducts

This document describes Digital's Remote Terminal Network Products, designed to extend local area networks (LANs) to include remote sites. The primary goal is to allow users at distant locations (within a campus or over long distances) to seamlessly access distributed computer resources as if they were locally connected.

Digital offers a variety of solutions to link remote sites to a local network, accommodating different needs from single users to multiple users or even remote Ethernets. Connectivity options include phone lines (dial-up or leased), X.25 packet-switched networks, and microwave links.

The product offerings encompass:

• Modems: For basic remote terminal connections (e.g., SCHOLAR Plus, DF129).
• Multiplexers/Terminal Servers: To concentrate multiple remote terminals/printers over single lines for local CPU or LAN communication (e.g., DFM, MUXserver 100/DECmux II).
• Communications Controllers: To link Digital CPUs directly to remote users or connect MicroVAX systems to communication networks (e.g., DHB32 VAXBI, KMV1A).
• X.25 Packet Assembler/Disassemblers (PADs): For connecting devices through X.25 networks (e.g., DFX).
• High Availability Systems: To minimize downtime through backup configurations (e.g., MIRA).
• Microwave Bridges: To extend Ethernet LANs over line-of-sight distances at full speed (e.g., METROWAVE Bridge).

The solutions aim to provide flexible, efficient, and cost-effective communications, ensuring high availability and adaptability as networks expand.