DECnet-Micro/RSX, Version 4.0

DECnet-Micro/RSX is a Phase IV network product designed to enable a suitably configured Micro/RSX system to function as a non-routing (end) node within a DECnet computer network. It supports communication with Phase III and Phase IV products supplied by DIGITAL and can handle a single communication line.

Key functionalities include:

• Task-to-Task Communication: Allows user programs written in MACRO-11, FORTRAN-77, BASIC-PLUS-2, and COBOL-81 to exchange messages with other network programs, with optional access control.
• Network Resource Access: Provides utilities for transferring sequential ASCII files between DECnet nodes, submitting/receiving remote command files, queuing file operations, and generating directory listings.
• File Access: Supports explicit subroutine calls for READ, WRITE, OPEN, CLOSE, and DELETE operations on sequential and random access files on local or remote DECnet systems, including RMS file organizations.
• Network Command Terminal: Offers CTERM (Terminal Services Architecture Command Terminal protocol) for virtual connections to remote Phase IV DECnet systems and LAT (Local Area Transport) for LAN terminal server access, including printer services.
• System and Task Loading/Dumping: Facilitates down-line system loading and task loading for RSX-11S nodes from Micro/RSX file systems, and up-line memory dumping to aid in debugging.
• Network Management: Utilizes the Network Control Program (NCP) to display statistics, control network components, test operations, and log events locally or remotely.
• Communications: Supports DIGITAL Data Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP) for reliable full/half-duplex transmission over serial lines and utilizes Ethernet for data link transmission. Direct Line Access (DLX) is also available for bypassing higher-level protocols.
• Configuration and Performance: Node performance depends on various factors including CPU type, memory, communication line characteristics, message traffic, and the specific communication interfaces used, which vary in CPU utilization and maximum line speeds.

Minimum hardware requirements include a PDP-11/23 PLUS or MicroPDP-11 central processor, specific communication devices (e.g., DMV11, DEQNA), 24KW of additional memory (plus 4KW for Ethernet), and 4200 blocks of disk space. The software requires the Micro/RSX Operating System Base Kit (Version 4.0 or later), with optional support for various programming languages. Standard software licensing options, installation services, and support plans are available.