DECnet-11M-PLUS, Version 4.0

DECnet-11M-PLUS (version 4.0) is a Phase IV network product designed to enable suitably configured RSX-11M-PLUS systems to function as either routing or nonrouting (end) nodes within DECnet computer networks. It is compatible with supported Phase III and Phase IV DIGITAL products.

The software supports networks with up to 1023 nodes (Phase IV) or 255 nodes (Phase III/IV) and offers core functionalities such as task-to-task communication, network file operations, remote command terminal support, and resource sharing, all built upon DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA) protocols. It communicates over various media, including synchronous and asynchronous lines, Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs), parallel interfaces, and X.25 Packet Switched Data Networks (when integrated with RSX-11 P.S.I./M-PLUS). User programs written in MACRO-11, FORTRAN IV/77, COBOL-81, and BASIC-PLUS-2 are supported.

Key features include adaptive routing, which allows messages to be forwarded across the network even without direct physical links, and optional path splitting for utilizing multiple communication paths. Area Routing supports hierarchical network structures with up to 63 distinct areas. The system provides a range of utilities, including file transfer capabilities (supporting ASCII, FCS, and RMS files, remote command execution, and scheduled operations), remote file access via explicit subroutine calls, and Network Command Terminal protocols (CTERM and LAT) for virtual terminal connections. It also facilitates down-line system/task loading and up-line dumping for RSX-11S nodes and uses the Network Control Program (NCP) for comprehensive network management, including statistics, component control, and event logging.

Configuration and performance considerations are detailed, outlining support for various communication devices (e.g., DDCMP, Ethernet, X.25) and their impact on CPU utilization across different PDP-11 processor types. Direct Line Access (DLX) allows direct control of communication lines.

Minimum hardware requirements include an RSX-11M-PLUS system (v4.0 or higher) with specific memory (22-36KW plus 6KW for Ethernet) and disk space allocations, along with compatible communication interface devices. Optional hardware like additional lines, KG11-A, and KMC11-A are also listed. Licensing options (single-use, migration, right-to-copy) and installation services are provided, with various order numbers for full function and end node configurations.