DECnet-RSX V4.5 Network Generation and Installation Guide Oct89

This "DECnet-RSX Network Generation and Installation Guide," published in October 1989, provides comprehensive instructions for advanced users and Digital software specialists on how to generate, install, and test DECnet-RSX software on RSX-11M, RSX-11M-PLUS, and RSX-11S operating systems.

The manual details a multi-phase process:

1. Preparation: Covers hardware/software requirements for both host and target systems, crucial decisions regarding disk capacity and memory partition layouts, and the use of the System Generation (SYSGEN) procedure to configure the RSX environment. It also describes the Preliminary Generation (PREGEN) procedure, which converts distribution media into a format usable by NETGEN.
2. Network Generation (NETGEN): Explains how to interact with the NETGEN procedure, including its various operating modes (Question and Answer, Dry Run, Restore, Component Mode) and the use of saved response files. The core of this phase involves detailed dialogs (NET, DEC, and PSI sections) to define target system characteristics, select optional DECnet components (such as communication devices, network management utilities, satellite support, file transfer utilities, and terminal/control utilities), and configure Packetnet System Interface (PSI) features for X.25 support.
3. Installation: Provides procedures for installing and loading the generated DECnet software using the NETINS.CMD command file or Virtual Monitor Routine (VMR) and Virtual Network Processor (VNP) commands, with guidance on modifying installation scripts for specific needs.
4. Testing: Outlines various test procedures to verify the functionality of the newly installed network, including local node software tests (using DTS/DTR and NFT/FAL utilities), node-level hardware loopback circuit tests, and remote node software tests. Dedicated sections address error handling and specific testing for PSI installations, including X.29 and Data Link Mapping.

The guide aims to enable users to tailor a DECnet-RSX node to their specific communication and system requirements, whether it's a full-function routing node, a configurable end node, or a pregenerated end node.