DECnet-RSX Release Notes Sep85

This document is the "DECnet-RSX Release Notes," published in September 1985. It provides updated information, software and documentation error corrections, and installation/operation details that were not included in the main manual set for various DECnet software versions (DECnet-11M/S V4.2, DECnet-11M-PLUS V3.0, DECnet-Micro/RSX V1.0) running on compatible RSX operating systems (RSX-11M/S V4.2, RSX-11M-PLUS V3.0, Micro/RSX V3.0).

Key highlights include:

• New Features: Introduction of hierarchical (area) routing, heterogeneous command terminal (CTERM) support, non-routing node support for Micro/RSX (as end nodes), streamlined NETGEN procedures, and LAT (Local Area Transport) host support for terminal servers. Other additions include TK50 distribution, executive vectoring, and DCL support for utilities like NFT (Network File Transfer) and EVF (Event Logging File).
• Installation & Configuration (NETGEN): Detailed notes on prerequisites, device setup (CSR, vector addresses, line speeds), critical steps for swapping input disks, and post-NETGEN suggestions, including necessary modifications to the SYSPARAM.DAT file for Communications Executive (CEX) space.
• System & Utility Notes: Guidance on optimizing system pool usage, troubleshooting network resource problems by adjusting buffer allocations (using CFE commands), and powerfail recovery. It also covers various utility updates, such as NCP (Network Control Program) enhancements for managing down-line load parameters and cross-system command parsing.
• File Transfer: Extensive notes on cross-system file transfer capabilities and limitations when interacting with VAX/VMS V4.0, RSTS DECnet/E V2.0, RT-11 V2.0, IAS V3.0, and TOPS-20 systems, detailing differences in file formats, protection attributes, and unsupported features.
• Problem Reporting: Instructions for users on how to effectively report software (Software Problem Reports - SPRs) and documentation issues, specifying necessary information like system state, crash dumps, and utility traces (e.g., DAP traces for NFT and FAL).
• Other Utilities: Updates and notes on utilities like MCM (Module Control Manager), NCT (Network Control Task), RMT (Remote Terminal), NETACP, NTDEMO, and the LAT Control Program (LCP), including a comprehensive list of LCP error messages. It also mentions unsupported software like CEDUMP, provided for use by software specialists.