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AE-3431U-TC

December 1998

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Document:	DECnet-11M Software Product Description
Order Number:	AE-3431U-TC
Revision:	0
Pages:	8
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp11/rsx11m_s/SPD/AE-3431U-TC_DECnet-11M_V4.8_SPD_10.75.18_Dec98.pdf

OCR Text

COMPAQ

Software
Product
Description
PRODUCT NAME:

DECnet-11 M, Version 4.8

DESCRIPTION

DECnet-11 M is a product of Mentec, Inc. and is licensed under Compaq Computer Corporation's Standard Terms and Conditions.
DECnet-11 M allows a suitably configured RSX-11 M
system to participate as a routing or nonrouting (end)
node in DECnet computer networks. DECnet-11 M is
a Phase IV network product and is warranted for use
only with supported Phase III and Phase IV products
supplied by Compaq Computer Corporation.

SPD 10.75.18

to the DECnet-11 M user because some DECnet-11 M
features are not supported by all DECnet products.
Some supplied optional features require hardware configurations larger than the minimum supported systems.
The DECnet products and functions available to users
on mixed networks can be determined by comparison
of the SPDs for the component products.
Adaptive Routing

DECnet Phase IV networks can contain up to 1,023
nodes per network area given proper planning. Phase III
nodes participating in Phase IIIIIV networks are limited
to the Phase III routing capability of 255 nodes. Phase
II nodes are not supported.

Adaptive routing is the mechanism by which one or more
nodes in a network can route or forward messages between another pair of nodes in the same network. This
routing capability will forward such messages even if
no direct physical link exists between the pair of nodes
apart from the sequence of physical links that includes
the routing node(s).

DECnet-11M offers task-to-task communications, utilities for network file operations, homogeneous network command terminal support, and network resourcesharing capabilities using the Digital Network Architecture (DNA) protocols. DECnet-11 M communicates
with adjacent nodes over synchronous and asynchronous communication lines, Ethernet Local Area
Networks (LANs), and parallel interfaces. Access to
DECnet-11 M is supported for RSX-11 M user programs
written in MACRO-11, FORTRAN-77, BASIC-PLUS-2,
and PDP-11C.

A DECnet-11M node must function as a routing node
whenever multiple lines are used simultaneously by that
node. DECnet-11 M end nodes provide all the capabilities of DECnet-11M routing nodes except that end
nodes cannot route messages on behalf of other nodes
in the network. Since end nodes do not route messages,
they do not need to store or update routing databases.
Consequently, end nodes use less system resource and
generate less network traffic than routing nodes.

The functions available to an RSX-11 M user depend,
in part, on the configuration of the rest of the network.
Each DECnet product offers its own level of functionality
and its own set of features to the user. Networks consisting entirely of DECnet-11M nodes can have the full
functionality described in this Software Product Description (SPD). Networks that mix DECnet-11 M nodes with
other DECnet products can limit the functions available

For this same reason, end node operation consumes
less processing power than routing node operation. The
Full Function DECnet-11 M software must be installed
on a node in order for that node to operate as a routing node. For a node to operate as an end node, either the Full Function or the End Node DECnet-11 M
software must be installed on that node. Full Function
DECnet-11 M software allows a node to be set up as
either a routing node or as an end node.

December 1998
AE-3431 U-TC

SPO 10.75.18

OECnet-11M, Version 4.8

is now supported by verifying the transfer via a cyclic
redundancy check (DAPCRC).

Although two adjacent routing nodes can be connected
by more than a single physical link, messages will be
sent over only one of the links. All other lines will serve
as "hot standbys," such that the least cost path available between two nodes is the one that will be used for
message traffic. A line cost parameter set by the system
manager determines the line over which all messages
will be sent from node to adjacent node.

The DECnet-11 M file transfer utilities support file transfers for both FCS and RMS files where formats are compatible between the DECnet nodes.
Additional facilities allow system command files to be
submitted to a remote node where the list of commands
is in a format acceptable to the node responsible for the
execution. DECnet-11 M also allows RSX-11 M command files to be received from other systems and executed.

In addition to adaptive routing, which all DECnet Phase
IV implementations use, DECnet-11 M supports Area
Routing. Area Routing is a method by which DECnet
can send and route messages between the nodes in the
same or different areas of the network. If the network
manager chooses to separate the network into areas, up
to 63 (Area 1 through Area 63), with up to 1,023 nodes
per area, may be defined. For single area networks,
Area 1 is the default. Area-based DEC net networks
are hierarchical networks and some restrictions apply
to communications from nodes in one area to nodes in
another. For example, Phase III nodes in area-based
networks can communicate only with nodes within their
own areas. Proper network planning is essential when
using Area Routing or configuring large networks.

A utility is also provided with DECnet-11 M that allows
the user to queue file operation requests for execution
at a specified time. The user has the ability to monitor,
list, and delete entries from this queue.

Task-to-Task Communication

File Access

Network users must specify the appropriate user identification and password in order to access the files on a
DECnet-11 M node. Access to local files using the DECnet software can be controlled through the RSX-11 M
System Account File.

Using DECnet-11 M, an RSX-11 M user program written in MACRO-11 or one of the supported high level
languages can exchange messages with other network
user programs. These two user programs can be on
the same node or on any other Phase IV node in the
network or Phase III node in the same area. The messages sent and received by the two user programs can
be in any data format.

File access is supported to and from remote DECnet
systems by explicit subroutine calls in the supported
high level languages. READ, WRITE, OPEN, CLOSE,
and DELETE operations can be initiated by local tasks
for sequential and random access files residing on the
local system or at remote DECnet systems. Other
nodes supporting File Access can exercise this capability for files located on the RSX-11 M node. Fixed and
variable length record formats are supported. Files accessed remotely can contain either ASCII or binary information.

The DECnet-11 M software will optionally verify the access control privileges of a task requesting communication with a DECnet-11M task. The RSX-11M System Account File is used to determine access privileges.
The results can either be passed on to the receiving task
or used to reject the request by the network software.

Access to RMS file organizations from other DECnet
products is supported by DECnet-11M.
Network Command Terminal

Network Resource Access:

DECnet-11 M supports Digital's Terminal Services Architecture Command Terminal protocol (CTERM) giving the
terminal user the ability to establish a virtual connection
to remote Phase IV DECnet systems that provide similar
support. This is particularly useful for doing remote program development, and allows terminal users on small
application-oriented systems to utilize the resources of
larger development-oriented systems.

File Transfer Utilities

Using DECnet-11 M utilities, a user can transfer sequential ASCII files between DECnet nodes. Files can be
transferred in both directions between the locally supported RSX-11 M File Control System (FCS) devices
and the file system of other DECnet nodes. Wild cards
can be used for the user identification code, file name,
file type, and version number for local to remote file
transfers. Transfer of other file types is supported, provided the source and destination DECnet systems support the same file type. Directory listings are also a
supported DECnet-11 M feature. File transfer integrity

Note: Some functions using CTERM between OpenVMS VAX and non-OpenVMS VAX systems are not supported. Specifically, OpenVMS-style command line editing, VAX TDMS applications, and VAX FMS applications
are not supported under DECnet-RSX products.

SPO 10.75.18

OECnet-11M, Version 4.8

An operator can display the status of DECnet activity at
the local node and other Phase III or Phase IV nodes.
The user can choose to display statistics related to both
node and communication lines, including data on traffic
and errors. The local console operator can also perform many network control functions such as loading
and unloading DECnet components, starting and stopping lines, activating the local node, and down-line loading R5X-115 systems.

DECnet-11 M also provides an unsupported utility (RMT)
that allows a terminal user to establish a virtual connection to other Phase III or Phase IV DECnet-RSX nodes.
This utility may not be included in future releases of
DECnet-11 M.
Down-Line System Loading

Initial memory images for RSX-11S nodes in the network can be stored on RSX-11 M file system devices
and loaded into nodes across point-to-point, multipoint
(DMP/DMV), and Ethernet links. Load requests can
come from the local RSX-11 M operator or from the
remote node. Generation of initial memory images of
DECnet-11 S systems for down-line loading is supported
by RSX-11M.

DECnet-11 M also provides local network event logging
to the console device, a file, or a user-written program.
Logging of events to a remote node is also supported.
The NCP utility can be used to enable and disable the
logging of specific events as well as to enable and disable the event logging facility.

Upline Dumping

Memory images of adjacent RSX-11 S nodes connected
by DECnet can be written onto a file on a DECnet-11M
system. This facility helps a programmer understand
what may have caused the RSX-11 S system to crash.

Communications

DECnet-11 M supports the Digital Data Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP) for full- or half-duplex
transmission in point-to-point and multipoint operation
using serial synchronous or asynchronous facilities.
DDCMP provides error detection/correction and physical link management facilities. In addition, an autoanswer capability is provided if supported by the modem
in use.

Down-Line Task Loading

Programs to be executed on DECnet-11S nodes in the
network can be stored on the DECnet-11M system and
loaded on request into DECnet-11S nodes. In addition,
programs already executing on DECnet-11 S nodes can
be checkpointed to the host file system and later restored to main memory of the DECnet-11 Snode .. These
features simplify the operation of network systems that
do not have mass storage devices.

Multipoint and auto-answer function with EIA-type devices only. Parallel communication devices use special
link protocols (not DDCMP) optimized for their characteristics.

Communications Servers

Compaq offers several communications server products for the DECnet Phase IV network environment.
These are standalone processor and/or software packages based upon the PDP-11/RSX architecture. Such
servers include the DECnet Router Server and DECnet
/SNA Gateways.

The Ethernet bus interfaces, when used in conjunction with Digital Ethernet transceivers, or DELNI, allows
DECnet-11 M to utilize Ethernet as a data link transmission medium.

Network management, down-line system loading, and
upline dumping of these servers is the same as that
described for R5X-115 nodes in the preceding paragraphs. Consult the SPD of the server product in
question for details regarding availability of support on
R5X-11M.

The maximum number of physical links that can be supported by a DECnet-11 M node is sixteen, depending on
CPU, type of communications interface, and speed of
interfaces.

Network Management

The Network Control Program (NCP) performs three primary functions: displaying statistical and error information, controlling network components, and testing network operation. These functions can be performed locally or executed at remote Phase III and Phase IV
nodes that support this feature. In either case, the output resulting from a command can be directed to a local
file or to the user's terminal.

DECnet-11 M multipoint will support up to a maximum of
twelve tributaries on a single multipoint line. Aggregate
bandwidth of tributaries is limited to that of the control
station device. The communication path to each tributary counts as a link with respect to the limits on number
of links specified above. Multipoint line configurations
will be supported for the following devices:

SPD 10.75.18

DECnet-11M, Version 4.8

• Communication line characteristics
Table 1
Multipoint Line Configurations
Multipoint Devices

Devices
OL11/0LVE1
OUP11
OUV11
OPV11
OZ11 IOZV11 IOZ011
OHU11/0HV11/0H011
KMC11 (OZ11)
KMC11 (OUP11)
OV11
OMP11 1
OMV11 1

Multipoint
Control
Station
(Master)

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

•

Number and size of buffers

•

Message size and frequency of transmission

•

local applications

• Size and frequency of route-through traffic
Multipoint
Tributary
(Slave)

Note: The rate at which user data can be transmitted (throughput) over a communications line may
sometimes approach, but will never equal or exceed,
the actual line speed. The reason is that the actual
throughput is a function of many factors, such as the
network application(s), topology, protocol overhead,
and line quality, as well as the factors previously cited.

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Note: Careful analysis is required when configuring
routing nodes with 124K words or less.

No
No

Six basic groups of communications interfaces are
presented in the following tables. They differ in many
respects, particularly in their effect upon CPU utilization.

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

• With character interrupt devices such as the DUP11 ,
CPU cycles are required for not only the line protocol
processing such as DDCMP or the optional X.25
protocol, but also for each character sent and
received.

1 Multipoint communication hardware device

•

Devices such as the DV11 are direct memory
access (DMA) for both transmission and reception.
Since the line protocol (DDCMP) is in the PDP-11
software, CPU cycles are required for its processing.

•

Devices such as the DHQ11 are direct memory
access (DMA) on transmit, and character interrupt
on receive. While CPU cycles are consumed for line
protocol processing, and for each character received,
the load is reduced for messages transmitted.

Direct Line Access

User-written MACRO-11 tasks will be provided with
Direct Line Access (DlX) support to all supported
devices (including Ethernet Controller). DLX will allow
direct control of the communications lines, bypassing
the logical link control and transport mechanism
provided by the DECnet software. User programs are
required on both ends of the link in order to use this
interface. Direct Line Access supports both Ethernet
and IEEE 802.3 frame formats in a LAN environment.

• The DMR11, DMV11, and KMS11 are DMA devices
with the line protocol (DDCMP or X.25) executed in
microcode, thus off-loading the PDP-11 CPU. The
only DECnet load the processor sees is completed
incoming and outgoing messages.

DECnet-11 M Configuration

The process of configuring a DECnet-11 M node is
based primarily on tradeoffs of cost, performance,
and functionality, within the realm of satisfying the
user's application requirements. It can be expected
that network applications will run the gamut from
low-speed, low-cost situations to those of relatively
high performance and functionality. The performance
of a given DECnet node is a function not only of
the expected network traffic and resultant processing
("global" conditions), but also of the amount of
concurrent processing specific to that node (local
conditions). Thus, node performance depends on
many factors, including:
•

CPU type and memory size

•

Number of device interrupts per unit time

• The PCl11-B is a high speed DMA device that
uses local parallel communications lines. It has its
own line protocol and does not use DDCMP. CPU
cycles are only required for processing of incoming
and outgoing data messages and to perform control
functions.
• The DEUNA and DElUA, UNIBUS-to-Ethernet, and
the DElQA and DEQNA 1 Q-bus-to-Ethernet controllers are high speed DMA controllers supporting
CSMAlCD protocol. CPU cycles are only required
for processing of incoming and outgoing messages.
1 This product is no longer available from Compaq and may not be supported in
future releases.

SPD 10.75.18

DECnet-11M, Version 4.8

The following tables describe the physical hardware
configurations supported by DECnet-11 M in terms of
CPU type and communication interface. The numbers
given in the tables are "load costs." Maximum line
speeds (the fastest clock rate at which the device
can be driven under DECnet-11 M relative to the load
cost), expressed in kilobits per second, are shown in
parentheses.

Table 3
DECnet-11M Q-bus Device Load Table
Processor Type

Device loading provides a method by which one can
compute a maximum system configuration for a variety
of communications devices. The load cost indicates
the maximum load that a device can put on a particular
type of CPU. The load cost limit for each CPU type is
16.
For communications devices that support half/full
duplex, the load costs in the tables are for full duplex
configurations. The load cost for a half duplex
configuration can be calculated as one half of the load
cost in the table except at very low speeds, in which
case the load cost is the same as in the full duplex
case.
Table 2
DECnet-11M UNIBUS Device Load Table

Device Type

11/23

11/23PLUS

11/53

11n3

11/83

11/93

DEQNA1
(10meg)

DElQA
(10meg)

DMV (to 19.2K)

DMV (56K)

DHQ (to 9.6K)

DHV (to 9.6K)

DlV (to 4.8K)

DPV (to 4.8K)

DUV (to 4.8K)

DZV (to 9.6K)

1This product is no longer available from Compaq and may not be supported
in future releases.

Processor Type

Device Type

11124

11/44

11no

11/84

11/94

DEUNA
(10meg)

DELUA
(10meg)

PCl (4meg)

Table 4

DMP (to 19.2K)

DMP (56K)

DMP (1meg)

DMR (to 19.2K)

DMR (56K)

DMR (1meg)

DV (to 9.6K)

Maximum Line Configurations
Guidelines (Multipoint)

Maximum Line Speed
(Kilobits per Second, half- or full-duplex)

250

500

1000

218

1112

1/12

1/122

218

1112

1/12

1/122

Device Group

19.2

DMV11 (All Options)

218

DMP11 (RS232-C,
V.35)

41 /8

218

(Local)
(RS4221449)

DHU (to 9.6K)

Dl (to 9.6K)

DU (to 9.6K)

DUP (to 9.6K)1

DZ (to 9.6K)

4 1 /8

1 half-duplex
211/24 is limited to 2 controllers

Note: Left side of slash (/) indicates number of
controllers per node and right side indicates total
number of tributaries per control node.

1 Maximum 4.BKbps for 11/24 processor

Total number of circuits not to exceed 16 per node.

Note: For processor types not shown, use the load
costs associated with the PDP-11/24 to compute device
loading.

Number of tributaries on lines should be carefully
configured for performance considerations.

SPD 10.75.18

DECnet-11M, Version 4.8

In order to achieve a viable configuration, the user
and/or a Compaq Software Specialist must perform a
level of application analysis that addresses the factors
above.

DL 11

asynchronous EIA interface with modem
control 4

DL11

asynchronous 20mA current loop interface 1,4

DZ11

multiline asynchronous EIA interface2,4

DZ11

multiline asynchronous 20mA current loop
interface 1,2,4

Any valid RSX-11 M system configuration with:

DHU11

multiline asynchronous interface2,4

•

DV11

multiline NPR synchronous interface2,4

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

The following additional memory must be available.
DECnet-11 M end node - 20 KW
DECnet-11M routing node - 22 KW
Ethernet support will add 6 KW to the above memory
requirements.

PCL11-B

multiple CPU link

DELUA

UNIBUS-to-Ethernet controller

DEUNA

UNIBUS-to-Ethernet controller

1 Requires either the H319 option for optical isolation or one side of the
20mA line to be in passive mode.
2AII lines on this interface must be dedicated as DECnet links.

•

The following additional disk space must be available
for DECnet-11 M network software:
DECnet-11 M end node

DECnet-11 M routing node

4With appropriate FCC-compliant cabinet option.
5These products are no longer marketed by Compaq and may not be
supported in future releases of DECnet-11M.

4,200 blocks
(2,150 Kbytes)

•

4,700 blocks
(2,406 Kbytes)

PDP-11/23, 11/23-Plus or Micro/PDP-11 (11/23,
11/53, 11/73, 11/83, or 11/93) central processors
with one of the following communications devices.
Note: The KDJ11-A 11/73 option is only supported
per the RSX-11M Operating System SPD (14.35.xx).

•

PDP-11/24, PDP-11/34, PDP-11/40, PDP-11/44,
PDP-11/45, PDP-11/55, PDP-11/60, PDP-11170,
PDP-11/84, or PDP-11/94 central processor with
one of the following communications devices:
DUP11

low-speed synchronous interface4

DMP11

synchronous UNIBUS interface (RS232C/RS423A, CCITT V.35/DDS, or RS449
IRS422)4,5

DMP11

local synchronous UNIBUS interface4,5

DMR11

synchronous UNIBUS interface (RS232C/RS423A, CCITT V.35/DDS, or RS449
IRS422)4

DMR11

local synchronous UNIBUS interface4

DMV11

synchronous Q-bus interface (RS232-C
IRS423A or CCITT V.35/DDS)4

DMV11

local synchronous Q-bus interface4

DUV11

low-speed EIA synchronous interface4

DLVE1

asynchronous EIA interface with full modem
control for a single Iine4

DZV11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus EIA
interface2,4

DZQ11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus EIA
interface2,4

DHQ11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus interface

DHV11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus interface2,4

DPV11

synchronous Q-bus interface4

DELQA

UNIBUS-to-Ethernet controller

DEQNA6

Q-bus-to-Ethernet controller

2AII lines on this interface must be dedicated as DECnet links.
4With appropriate FCC-compliant cabinet option.
6This product is no longer available from Compaq and may not be
supported in future releases.

OPTIONAL HARDWARE
•

Additional lines and/or communication interfaces
(from above) up to the maximum as defined in the
Device Load tables for mapped systems.

DECnet-11M, Version 4.8

•

KG11-A Communications Arithmetic Element 5 (may
be used in conjunction with DV11, DZ11, and DL 11)

•

KMC11-A (can be used in conjunction with up to
eight DUP11 s or one sixteen-line DZ11).

SPD 10.75.18

SOFTWARE LICENSING
This software is furnished only under a license. For
more information about Compaq's licensing terms and
policies, contact your local Compaq office.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
•

SOFTWARE PRODUCT SERVICES

RSX-11 M Operating System

A variety of service options are available from Compaq.
For more information, contact your local Compaq office.

Refer to the RSX-11 M Software Product Description
(SPD 14.35.xx) for the required version.

SOFTWARE WARRANTY
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE
•

PDP-11 FORTRAN-77/RSX V5.4A

•

PDP-11 BASIC-PLUS-2 for RSX-11M and
RSX-11 M-PLUS V2.7A

This software is provided by Compaq with a 90 day
conformance warranty in accordance with the DIGTAL
warranty terms applicable to the license purchase.
The warranty period is 90 days. It begins when the
software is installed or thirty days after delivery to the
end user, whichever occurs first and expires 90 days
later.

GROWTH CONSIDERATIONS
The minimum hardware/software requirements for any
future version of this product may be different from the
requirements for the current version.

Warranty is provided in the cournty of purchase.
Compaq will provide a service location that will accept
reporting (in a format prescribed by Compaq) of a
nonconformance problem caused when using the
licensed software under normal conditions as defined
by this SPD. Compaq will remedy a nonconformance
problem in the current unaltered release of the licensed
software by issuing correction information such as:
correction documentation; corrected code; or a notice
of availability of corrected code; or a restriction or
bypass. The customer will be responsible for the
preparation and submission of the problem report to
the service location.

DISTRIBUTION MEDIA
9-track 1600 BPI Magtape (PE), TK50 Streaming Tape
ORDERING INFORMATION

For DEGnet-11 M Full Function:
Software License: QJ764-UZ
Software Update License: QJ764-HZ
Software Media and Documentation: QJ764-H*
Software Documentation: QJ766-GZ
Software Product Services: QJ764-**

WARRANTY EXCLUSION
Compaq does not warrant that the software licensed
to customer shall be error free, that the software shall
operate with any hardware and software other than as
specified in this SPD, that the software shall satisfy
customer's own specific requirements, or that copies of
the software other than those provided or authorized
by Compaq shall conform to this SPD.

For DEGnet-11M End Node:
Software License: QJ765-UZ
Software Update License: QJ765-HZ
Software Media and Documentation: QJ765-H*
Software Documentation: QJ766-GZ
Software Product Services: QJ765-**
*

Compaq makes no warranties with respect to the fitness
and operability of modifications not made by Compaq.

Denotes variant fields. For additional information on
available licenses, services, and media, refer to the
appropriate price book.

If the software fails to function for reasons stated
above, the customer's warranty will be invalidated and
all service calls will be billable at the prevailing per call
rates.
The previous information is valid at time of release.
Please contact your local Compaq office for the most
up-to-date information.

OECnet-11M, Version 4.8

™

SPO 10.75.18

Compaq, the Compaq logo, BASIC, DEC, DECnet,
DELNI, DEQNA, DELUA, FMS, PDP-11, Q-bus, RL,
RSX-11, RSX-11 M, RSX-11 M-PLUS, RSX-11 S, TK,
UNIBUS, and OpenVMS are trademarks of Compaq
Computer Corporation. Compaq and the Compaq logo
Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.