DECNET SPD.PDF

This document describes DECnet for OpenVMS VAX and Alpha, Version 7.0, a networking software released in December 1995. It enables OpenVMS systems to function as end nodes and, for VAX systems, as routing nodes within DECnet computer networks.

Key features and capabilities include:

• Network Architecture: Implemented based on Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Phase IV, allowing communication with Phase IV and DECnet/OSI nodes in networks with up to 1,023 nodes per area and 63 areas.
• Core Communications: Supports task-to-task communication, comprehensive file and record access to remote systems (including sequential, random, and block I/O), and proxy account access.
• Management & Utilities: Allows most OpenVMS Digital Command Language (DCL) commands (e.g., COPY, SUBMIT/REMOTE) to operate across the network, provides downline system/task loading and upline memory dumping, remote command terminal access (SET HOST), and network-enabled OpenVMS MAIL and PHONE utilities.
• VMScluster Support: Integrates with VMSclusters, allowing access to nodes via an alias node address (requires specific licenses: Full Function for VAX, Extended Function for Alpha).
• Network Management: Utilizes the Network Control Program (NCP) for configuring, monitoring, and testing network components.
• Routing (VAX Specific): OpenVMS VAX systems can act as routing nodes (requiring a "Full Function" license), supporting adaptive routing, area routing across different network areas, and Equal Cost Path Splitting for improved data throughput. Alpha systems operate as "End System" or "Extended Function" nodes.

DECnet for OpenVMS is licensed separately on a CPU-capacity basis via a Product Authorization Key (PAK) and requires OpenVMS Operating System Version 6.2 or 7.0. It is distributed via streaming tape or CD-ROM.