DECNET-11M Phase II Brochure Sep78

DECnet-11M, Phase II, is a communication product designed for DIGITAL's PDP-11 systems running the RSX-11M (Version 3.1) operating system, providing comprehensive networking capabilities. It's built on a common architecture that allows flexible interconnection between various DECnet systems, regardless of the underlying communication link type (parallel, serial asynchronous, or synchronous).

Key functionalities of DECnet-11M include:

1. Task-to-Task Communication: Enables FORTRAN and MACRO-11 programs to exchange messages, transfer data, and remotely initiate or terminate programs across adjacent or same-node systems.
2. File Transfer and Remote File Access: Supports transferring sequential ASCII files and compatible formats between nodes, submitting/receiving system command files, and reading/writing to remote files (though it does not support network file spooling, wildcards, or directory listings).
3. Down-line System and Program Loading: Allows diskless DECnet-11S nodes to load their operating system and programs from remote RSX-11M systems, simplifying network operation.
4. Network Management Utilities: Includes tools (like the Network Control Program - NCP, and Terminal Communication Utility - TLK) to monitor network activity, control components, perform diagnostics, and facilitate operator communication.

DECnet-11M supports various network topologies, including hierarchical, distributed computing, and resource-sharing networks. It operates as an Ancillary Control Processor (ACP) under RSX-11M, using the DIGITAL Data Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP) for reliable point-to-point communication. Minimum hardware requirements include 11K words of additional memory and compatible communication devices.