DECnet-RSX Network Generation and Installation Guide Sep85

This document, the "DECnet-RSX Network Generation and Installation Guide" (Order No. AA-H225D-TC, September 1985), serves as a comprehensive manual for advanced users and Digital software specialists. Its primary purpose is to instruct on how to generate, install, and test DECnet-RSX software on properly configured RSX-11M (V4.2), RSX-11M-PLUS (V3.0), and RSX-11S (V4.2) systems. It also covers the installation and testing of the optional RSX-11 Packetnet System Interface (PSI) product, which enables X.25 and X.29 protocol access.

The manual outlines a multi-stage process:

1. Introduction & Planning (Chapters 1 & 2):

   • Preliminary Decisions: Guides the user through choosing the type of DECnet node (full-function, configurable end, or pregenned), selecting communication devices, and deciding on memory-resident libraries.
   • System Requirements: Details the minimum software and hardware configurations necessary for both the host system (where generation occurs) and the target system (where DECnet runs), including disk capacity and supported communication devices (UNIBUS, Q-BUS, Ethernet).
   • Network Configuration Guidelines: Provides rules for network addresses, buffer sizes, node naming, Ethernet configurations, and multi-area network design (Phase IV concepts like Level 1 and Level 2 routing nodes).
   • Component Selection: Helps identify and select optional DECnet and PSI components based on desired functionality.

2. System Preparation (Chapter 3):

   • SYSGEN (System Generation): Explains how to configure the RSX operating system environment to support DECnet, including partition layout, pool usage, and specific SYSGEN questions related to communications products, terminal support, and checkpointing.
   • PREGEN (Pre-NETGEN Procedure): Describes this preliminary step which converts distribution media (disk or magnetic tape) into a format directly usable by NETGEN, consolidating necessary files onto a working generation disk. It distinguishes between "Standard PREGEN" and "Small Dual-disk PREGEN" operations.

3. Network Generation (Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8):

   • NETGEN Procedure: This is the core interactive process where the user defines their specific DECnet-RSX configuration.
   • Operating Modes: Covers different ways to run NETGEN: Question and Answer (interactive), Dry Run (simulates generation, creates response file), Restore (uses saved responses), and Component (for adding/modifying specific parts without full regeneration).
   • Dialog Structure: Explains the organization of NETGEN into three main parts:
     • NET: Defines common components and the Communications Executive (CEX), including device driver modules (DDMs) and system lines.
     • DEC: Configures DECnet-specific elements like target/remote nodes, communication components (e.g., XPT, RCP, EPM), network management utilities (e.g., NCP, CFE, NICE), satellite support, file transfer utilities, and terminal/control utilities.
     • PSI: (For licensed users) Defines Packetnet System Interface characteristics, local DTEs, incoming call destinations, and specific PSI components (e.g., DLM, X29ACP).
   • Pregenned End Nodes: Provides a simplified NETGEN procedure for pre-configured RSX-11M-PLUS end nodes.

4. Installation & Testing (Chapters 9, 10 & 11):

   • Installation: Details the use of NETINS.CMD (Network Installation command file) to install and load the generated DECnet software. It also describes how to modify this file and use Virtual Monitor Routine (VMR) or Virtual Network Processor (VNP) commands for manual installation or system image loading.
   • Testing: Outlines crucial post-installation tests to verify proper network operation:
     • Local Node Software Testing: Checks the internal functionality of the node's software layers using NTEST.CMD.
     • Node Level Hardware Loopback Circuit Testing: Verifies the routing layer, device drivers, and communication hardware with loopback tests.
     • Remote Node Software Testing: Confirms the local node's ability to communicate with remote nodes across all network layers.
     • PSI Installation Testing: Includes specific procedures like using SCPXTS (X.25 test sender) to verify X.29 and Data Link Mapping (DLM) circuit functionality.
   • Error Handling: Provides guidance on diagnosing and resolving common installation and testing errors, including resource allocation failures, hardware issues, and password mismatches.

In essence, the document is a detailed, step-by-step technical manual for system administrators to build and maintain DECnet-RSX network nodes, covering everything from initial planning and system configuration to software generation, installation, and post-installation verification.