Ethernet Communications Server DECnet Router

This document serves as release notes for Version 1.1 of the DECnet Router Server software, designed to run on Digital's Ethernet Communications Server (DECSA). It outlines the server's capabilities, supporting Phase IV DECnet, Ethernet Communications, and DEUNA device controllers, with connections for up to 16 synchronous or 32 asynchronous point-to-point lines to Phase III or IV DECnet nodes.

Key sections include:

• Prerequisites: Details necessary hardware (M3100, M3101, M3102 line cards), network setup (Ethernet cable with RSX or VMS hosts running DECnet Phase IV), and specific shielded cables (BC17C, BC17D, BC17E, or BC22E) to prevent crosstalk on synchronous lines. It also notes that modems are generally required for point-to-point lines.
• General Product Notes: Specifies compatibility with VMS V3.6+ or RSX-11M/M-PLUS V4.1/2.1+ hosts, all running DECnet Phase IV. It advises installing all intended line cards at system loading for recognition and recommends consecutive card placement for optimal performance. Special attention is drawn to using 50-foot V.35 cables with BELL DDS 56K modems and ensuring DMR11 devices run in DMR mode. The server's maximum throughput is limited to 500,000 bits per second.
• Installation and Loading Notes: Provides basic instructions for loading the server, including enabling service on the loading host's UNA circuit and enabling logging for event visibility.
• Configuration Notes: Directs users to the "DECnet Router Software Installation Guide" for detailed installation and network design. It emphasizes customizing configuration files to match network requirements, ensuring they are readable by the PLUTO account, and correctly setting the "MAXIMUM BROADCAST ROUTERS" parameter to avoid network communication issues. Reinstallation will overwrite custom configuration files.
• Network Management Notes: Explains that the server handles only one network management connection at a time and details specific behaviors for loop node tests on LC circuits, requiring the return path to be via the LC circuit for success.
• Problem Solving Tool Notes: Discusses the remote console facility (RCF), specifying host software requirements (RSX-11M V4.1/M-PLUS V2.1 or VMS V3.6+) and noting an acknowledged issue where the router may crash when RCF microcode is loaded, a problem slated for future resolution.
• How to Report a Problem: Provides guidelines for submitting Software Performance Reports (SPRs), advising a one-problem-per-report approach and requesting comprehensive diagnostic information, including crash dump files, console output, host OS problem reports, and details on local connection types.