DECnet-11M-Plus V3.0 SPD 10.66.06 Aug85

This document describes DECnet-11M-PLUS, Version 3.0, a network software product for RSX-11M-PLUS systems.

Core Functionality:

• Enables RSX-11M-PLUS systems to operate as routing or non-routing (end) nodes within DECnet Phase IV (and compatible Phase III) computer networks.
• Supports network sizes up to 1023 nodes per area (Phase IV) across up to 63 network areas.
• Provides task-to-task communication, network file operations (transfer, access), and network command terminal support, all based on DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA) protocols.
• Supports various programming languages including MACRO-11, FORTRAN IV/77, COBOL-81, and BASIC-PLUS-2 for user programs.

Key Network Features:

• Connectivity: Communicates over synchronous/asynchronous lines, Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs), parallel interfaces, and X.25 Packet Switched Data Networks (requiring RSX-11 PSI/M-PLUS).
• Routing: Implements adaptive routing and supports Area Routing for hierarchical networks, allowing efficient message delivery. Full-function software enables routing nodes, while end nodes are less resource-intensive.
• Resource Access: Offers utilities for file transfer (including wildcards, command file submission/reception), remote file access via subroutine calls, and virtual terminal connections (CTERM for Phase IV, RMT for Phase III/IV, and RVT for VAX systems, though RVT is unsupported and will be removed).
• System Management: Facilitates down-line system and task loading for RSX-11S nodes (including checkpointing) and upline dumping for debugging. The Network Control Program (NCP) allows monitoring, control, and testing of network components.

Technical Specifications:

• Node performance is dependent on CPU type, memory, I/O characteristics, communication line types, buffer sizes, message traffic, and local applications.
• Maximum configurations specify limits on physical links (up to 16) and X.25 virtual circuits (up to 32, or 64 on some CPUs).
• Device Load Tables quantify CPU utilization for various UNIBUS and QBUS communication devices, with a load cost limit of 16.
• Minimum Hardware Requirements: Includes specific PDP-11 processors (e.g., 11/24, 11/44, 11/70, 11/23 PLUS), various communication devices, and additional memory (16-30KW depending on configuration, plus 3KW for Ethernet) and disk space (2200-5000 blocks).
• Prerequisite Software: Requires the RSX-11M-PLUS Operating System and optionally RSX-11 PSI/M-PLUS and specific language compilers.

Commercial Information:

• Comes with a 90-day warranty.
• Licensing is per CPU (Single-Use License), with a Migration Option available for existing DECnet-11M users.
• Distribution and Documentation Option provides the software and basic documentation.
• Software Revision Right-To-Copy Option allows copying updated software to multiple licensed CPUs.
• Installation services are available, with professional assistance recommended.
• DIGITAL offers annual Software Product Service Agreements (DECsupport, Basic, Self-Maintenance) and provides training and professional software services.