DECNET SPD.PDF

This document describes DECnet for OpenVMS VAX and Alpha, Version 6.2, a software product enabling OpenVMS systems to participate in DECnet computer networks.

Core Functionality:

• Allows OpenVMS VAX and Alpha systems to function as end nodes, while VAX systems can also be configured as routing nodes.
• Supports networks with up to 1,023 nodes per area and 63 areas per network, implemented in accordance with Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Phase IV.
• Facilitates communication with both Phase IV and DECnet/OSI nodes.

Key Capabilities:

• Task-to-Task Communication: Enables OpenVMS programs to exchange messages with other user programs transparently or non-transparently, across various network configurations.
• Network Resource Access: Supports file access (sequential, record-level operations, various methods) and proxy access for remote users via RMS.
• Command Language File Management: Most OpenVMS Digital Command Language (DCL) commands (e.g., COPY, DELETE, PRINT, SUBMIT/REMOTE) function over the network, including EXCHANGE/NETWORK for heterogeneous file transfers.
• Downline Loading & Upline Dumping: Allows for unattended downline loading of system and task images to remote nodes, and upline dumping of remote node memory images for fault isolation. These features are generally for Digital server products and not asynchronous lines.
• Network Command Terminal: The SET HOST command enables logical connections to remote nodes, providing full terminal access and utility usage.
• OpenVMS Utilities: Extends OpenVMS MAIL and PHONE utilities for network-wide communication.
• Cluster Alias: Supports accessing VMScluster nodes using a single alias address, requiring Full Function (VAX) or Extended Function (Alpha) licenses. DECnet/OSI can coexist but requires separate system disks/aliases.
• Network Management: The Network Control Program (NCP) provides tools for displaying statistics and error information, controlling network components, testing network operation, and logging events.
• Integrated Interfaces: Utilizes standard OpenVMS interfaces, allowing existing programs to operate in a network environment without modification.
• Communication Options: Interfaces with other network nodes using Ethernet and FDDI controllers.

VAX-Specific Routing Capabilities (Appendix A):

• Adaptive Routing: Allows routing nodes to dynamically choose optimal physical paths based on failures or line cost changes.
• Area Routing: Enables message routing between nodes in different network areas, supporting a hierarchical network structure.
• Equal Cost Path Splitting: VAX routing nodes can split packet loads across multiple equal-cost paths simultaneously to increase data throughput, provided intermediate and destination nodes also support this.
• End nodes, unlike routing nodes, do not route messages, consuming less processing power.

Requirements & Licensing:

• Requires OpenVMS Operating System Version 6.2 (Base Kit).
• Hardware requirements refer to the OpenVMS Operating System SPD.
• Licensed per CPU, with separate License Product Authorization Keys (PAKs) for End Node (VAX/Alpha), Full Function (VAX), and Extended Function (Alpha) capabilities. Full/Extended Function licenses are required for cluster alias support.
• Distribution is via TK50 streaming tape, 9-track magtape, or CD-ROM (VAX), and CD-ROM (Alpha).
• Digital recommends purchasing Installation Services for initial setup. Customers are responsible for ensuring hardware/software requirements and verifying connectivity to a designated node.