Networks Communications Communications Options Minireference Manual Volume 6 Ethernet Devices (Part 2)

This document is "Volume 6, Part 2" of the "Communications Options Minireference Manual" by Digital Equipment Corporation, published between 1981 and 1988, focusing specifically on Ethernet Devices. It serves as a detailed reference guide for the installation, configuration, cabling, diagnostics, and maintenance of various Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Ethernet networking components.

The manual covers the following key Ethernet devices:

1. DEFTR (Broadband Ethernet Frequency Translator): A device used with DECOM transceivers to create Ethernet channels in single-cable broadband networks by translating and transposing frequencies. It details attenuator settings, installation procedures, cable length restrictions (up to 1900m to transceivers), and troubleshooting (often using the Network Interconnect Exerciser - NIE).

2. DELNI (Local Network Interconnect): A standalone device for interconnecting Ethernet-compatible stations. It supports single-tier (up to 8 stations), two-tier (up to 64 stations), and connected configurations. It operates in "LOCAL" or "GLOBAL" modes and provides installation, cabling guidelines (including cable types like BNE3x-xx and BNE4x-xx), and troubleshooting tips (emphasizing H4000-Tx tester and cable integrity).

3. DELUA (Ethernet UNIBUS Adaptor): A data communications controller that connects UNIBUS-based processors to Ethernet networks. It covers device placement, installation procedures, cabling, and various diagnostics (self-test, LED indicators, functional diagnostics like EVDYB for VAX and CZUAD for PDP-11, and NIE).

4. DEMPR (Multiport Repeater): A ThinWire repeater connecting up to eight ThinWire coaxial cable segments (up to 185m each) with up to 29 stations per segment. It can function as a standalone hub or connect to a standard Ethernet "backbone." Key aspects include configuration limitations (e.g., the "two repeater rule"), ThinWire cabling differences (BNC connectors, DESTA station adapters), installation, and self-tests.

5. DEMWA (Ethernet Microwave Adapter): A hardware device providing a communication link between a LAN Bridge 100 and full-duplex microwave equipment, making the microwave link appear as a normal LAN. It details its specific configurations within a METROWAVE bridge system and its installation and troubleshooting flowcharts.

6. DEPCA (Personal Computer Bus Adapter): Allows IBM PC, PC/XT, and PC/AT computers to connect to ThinWire Ethernet Personal Computing System Architecture (PCSA). It includes extensive information on jumper settings, system requirements (power supply, BIOS ROM), installation flow, cabling, and diagnostics (self-tests with error codes, and service diagnostics for LANCE tests).

7. DEQNA (Q-BUS Data Communications Controller): An LSI-11 Q-Bus controller for Ethernet LANs. Features include 10 Mbps data rates, heartbeat/collision detection, DMA, and quick-verify diagnostics. The document details hardware and software components, bus latency constraints, jumper settings, LED indications for diagnostics (Citizenship Test - CQ, Field Functional Test - ZQNA, DEC/X11 Exerciser - XQNA), and troubleshooting.

8. DESNC (Ethernet Security Network Controller): An encryption device for secure Ethernet operations, encrypting and decrypting data. It defines its two main uses (primary KDC controller or encrypt/decrypt data), modes of operation (Control, Operational, Bypass, Standby), specific configuration considerations (e.g., node limits, radial cabling), power requirements, installation, and detailed LED indicators and VAX KDC commands for management and troubleshooting.

9. DESPR (Single-Port Repeater): A ThinWire single-port repeater that connects one ThinWire coaxial cable segment to a standard Ethernet backbone. The manual notes it is largely identical to the DEMPR but with a single ThinWire port, often directing the user to the DEMPR section for detailed procedures.

10. DESTA (Station Adapter): Provides a physical and electrical interface between a ThinWire Ethernet coaxial cable and other Ethernet devices. It attaches via a BNC TEE connector and includes a switch for heartbeat. The document outlines ThinWire cabling guidelines, FCC grounding requirements, power specifications, installation, and notes that diagnostics typically rely on the connected controller's self-tests and external tools like NIE.

Overall, the document is a comprehensive technical guide for field engineers and IT professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Digital Equipment Corporation's range of early Ethernet networking hardware.