DECnet-11M, Version 4.3

DECnet-11M, Version 4.3, is a software product designed to enable suitably configured RSX-11M systems to function as routing or non-routing (end) nodes in DECnet computer networks. It supports Phase IV networks (up to 1023 nodes per area) and is compatible with Phase III products.

Key features include:

• Network Communications: Provides task-to-task communications, network file operations, command terminal support, and resource sharing using DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA) protocols. It communicates over synchronous/asynchronous lines, Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs), parallel interfaces, and X.25 circuits (requiring the RSX-11 Packetnet System Interface).
• Routing Capabilities: Supports both Adaptive Routing (standard for Phase IV) and Area Routing (up to 63 areas, 1023 nodes per area), allowing messages to be forwarded across the network. End nodes consume fewer resources than routing nodes as they do not forward messages for others.
• File Management: Offers utilities for transferring sequential ASCII files, including support for wildcards, directory listings, and submitting/receiving/executing command files on remote nodes. It supports FCS and RMS file types and allows remote access to files via explicit subroutine calls (READ, WRITE, OPEN, CLOSE, DELETE) for both local and remote systems.
• System Management: Features include a Network Command Terminal (CTERM) for virtual connections to remote systems, Down-Line System Loading and Up-Line Dumping for RSX-11S nodes, and Down-Line Task Loading to manage programs on diskless systems.
• Network Control Program (NCP): A central utility for network management, providing statistical/error information, controlling network components, testing operations, and logging events.
• Communication Protocols: Primarily uses DIGITAL Data Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP) for error detection/correction and link management over serial lines, and integrates with Ethernet and X.25 Packet Switched Data Networks.
• Hardware and Performance: Supports various UNIBUS and Q-BUS communication devices, with load cost tables provided for different CPU types (e.g., PDP-11/24, 11/70, 11/23-PLUS) to aid in configuration. Node performance is influenced by factors like CPU, memory, traffic, and buffer sizes.
• Minimum Requirements: Specifies additional memory (e.g., 20KW for an end node) and disk space (e.g., 4200 blocks) depending on node type and optional components like P.S.I./M or Ethernet.
• Software and Licensing: Requires RSX-11M and supports several programming languages. Licensing options include Single-Use, Distribution and Documentation, Software Revision Right-To-Copy, and Documentation-Only, along with various installation and support services.