Digital PDFs

AE-3432T-TC

December 1998

8 pages

Original

0.5MB

Document:	DECnet-11S Software Product Description Version 4.8
Order Number:	AE-3432T-TC
Revision:	0
Pages:	8
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp11/rsx11m_s/SPD/AE-3432T-TC_DECnet-11S_V4.8_SPD_10.74.18_Dec98.pdf

OCR Text

COMPAQ

Software
Product
Description
PRODUCT NAME:

DECnet-11S, Version 4.8

SPD 10.74.18

DECnet-11 S is a product of Mentec, Inc. and is licensed
under Compaq Computer Corporation's Standard Terms
and Conditions.

other DECnet products can limit the functions available
to the DECnet-11S user because some DECnet-11S
features are not supported by all DECnet products.
Some supplied optional features require hardware configurations larger than the minimum supported systems.

DESCRIPTION

DECnet-11 S allows a suitably configured RSX-11 S system to participate as a routing or nonrouting (end) node
in DECnet computer networks. DECnet-11 S 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.
DECnet Phase IV networks can contain up to 1,023
nodes per network area given proper planning. Phase III
nodes participating in Phase III/IV networks are limited
to the Phase III routing capability of 255 nodes. Phase
II nodes are not supported.
DECnet-11 S 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 S communicates
with adjacent nodes over synchronous and asynchronous communication lines, Ethernet Local Area
Networks (LANs), and parallel interfaces. Access to
DECnet-11 S is supported for RSX-11 S tasks written
in MACRO-11, FORTRAN-77, BASIC-PLUS-2, and
PDP-11 C, and which have been assembled/compiled
and subsequently linked on a host system.
The functions available to an RSX-11 S 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-11 S nodes can have the full
functionality described in this Software Product Description (SPD). Networks that mix DECnet-11 S nodes with

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

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).
A DECnet-11 S node must function as a routing node
whenever multiple lines are used simultaneously by that
node. DECnet-11 S end nodes provide all the capabilities of DECnet-11S 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.
For this same reason, end node operation consumes
less processing power than routing node operation. The
Full Function DECnet-11 S 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 S
software must be installed on that node. Full Function
DECnet-11 S software allows a node to be set up as
either a routing node or as an end node.

December 1998
AE-3432T-TC

SPO 10.74.18

OECnet-11S, Version 4.8

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.

Note: Some functions using CTERM between OpenVMS VAX and non-OpenVMS VAX systems are not supported. Specifically, OpenVMS-style command line editing, VAX TOMS applications and VAX FMS applications
are not supported under DECnet-RSX products.
DECnet-11 S 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-11S.

In addition to adaptive routing, which all DECnet Phase
IV implementations use, DECnet-11S 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 DECnet 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.
Task-to-Task Communication

Using DECnet-11 S, an RSX-11 S 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 III or Phase IV
node in the network. The messages sent and received
by the two user programs can be in any data format.

Network Resource Access:
File Access

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 files residing at remote DECnet systems.
Fixed and variable length record formats containing either ASCII or binary data are supported.
Network Command Terminal

DECnet-11 S 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.

OECnet-11 S, Version 4.8

SPO 10.74.18

Down-Line System Loading

DECnet-11 S 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.

Initial memory images for RSX-11 S nodes in the network can be stored on RSX-11M, RSX-11M-PLUS,
Micro'RSX, or VMS file system devices and loaded
into nodes across point-to-point, multipoint (DMP/DMV
only), and Ethernet links. Generation of initial memory images of DECnet-11 S systems for down-line
loading is supported by OpenVMS, RSX-11M, or
RSX-11M-PLUS. Down-line system loading requires
the use of an appropriate bootstrap loader (Refer to the
Optional Hardware section) in conjunction with certain
devices. Down-line system loading across multipoint
links requires multipoint communication hardware (DMP
/DMV). Memory images including those greater than
124K words are supported.

Multipoint and auto-answer function with EIA-type devices only. Parallel communication devices use special
link protocols (not DDCMP) optimized for their characteristics.
The Ethernet bus interfaces, when used in conjunction with Digital's Ethernet transceivers, or DELNI, allow
DECnet-11S to utilize Ethernet as a data link transmission medium.

Upline Dumping

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

Memory images can be upline dumped to DECnet hosts (DECnet-11M, DECnet-11M-PLUS, DECnetMicro'RSX, and DECnet-VAX). A crash dump analyzer
program can be used to aid in problem resolution.

DECnet-11 S 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:

Down-Line Task Loading

Programs to be executed on DECnet-11 S nodes
in the network can be stored on host RSX-11 M,
RSX-11M-PLUS, Micro'RSX, or VMS file system devices and loaded on request into memory partitions of
DECnet-11S systems. 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 S node. These features simplify
the operation of network systems that do not have mass
storage devices.

Table 1
Multipoint Line Configurations
Multipoint Devices

Devices

Multipoint
Control
Station
(Master)

Multipoint
Tributary
(Slave)

DL 11/DLVE1

Yes

DUP11

Yes

DUV11

Yes

Yes
Yes

DPV11

Yes

DZ11/DZV11/DZQ11

Yes

DHU11/DHV11/DHQ11

Yes

KMC11 (DZ11)

Yes

KMC11 (DUP11)

Yes

DV11

Yes

DMP11 1

Yes

DMV11 1

Yes

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. An operator can display the status of DECnet
activity at the local node. The user can choose to display statistics related to both node and communication
lines, including data on traffic and errors. DECnet-11 S
also provides local network event logging to the console
and/or to a remote node.
NCP can also be used to test components of the network. NCP can be used to send and receive test messages over individual lines either between nodes or
through other controller loopback arrangements. The
messages can then be compared. NCP allows performance of a logical series of tests that will aid in isolating
problems.

1 Multipoint communication hardware device

Communications

DECnet-11 S, Version 4.8

SPD 10.74.18

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.

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.

DECnet-11 S Configuration

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

The process of configuring a DECnet-11 S 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

•

Communication line characteristics

•

Number and size of buffers

•

Message size and frequency of transmission

•

local applications

•

Size and frequency of route-through traffic

• 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 DElUA and DEUNA, UN IBUS-to-Ethernet, and
DElQA and DEQNA 1 , Q-bus-to-Ethernet controllers
are high speed DMA controllers supporting CSMA
ICD protocol. CPU cycles are only required for processing of incoming and outgoing messages.
The following tables describe the physical hardware
configurations supported by DECnet-11 S 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-11S relative to the load cost),
expressed in kilobits per second, are shown in parentheses.

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 actualline 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.

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.

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

For communications devices that support halflfull 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.

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

With character interrupt devices such as the DUP11,
CPU cycles are required for not only the line protocol processing (DDCMP), but also for each character
sent and received.

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

SPD 10.74.18

DECnet-11 S, Version 4.8

Table 2

Table 3

DECnet-11S UNIBUS Device Load Table

DECnet-11S Q-bus Device Load Table
Processor Type

Processor Type
11/23-

Device Type

11124

11/44

11n0

11/84

11/94

DEUNA
(10meg)

DElUA
(10meg)

PCl (4meg)

DMP (to 19.2K)

DMP (56K)

DMP (1meg)

DMR (to 19.2K)

DMR (56K)

DMR (1meg)

DV (to 9.6K)

Device Type

11/23

PLUS

11/53

11n3

11/83

11193

DEQNA1
(10meg)

DElQA
(10meg)

DMV (to 19.2K)

DMV (56K)

DHQ (to 9.6K)

2
2

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.

Table 4

DHU (to 9.6K)

Dl (to 9.6K)

Maximum line Configurations
Guidelines (Multipoint)

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

Device Group

19.2

DMV11 (All Options)

2/8

250

500

DMP11 (RS232-C,
V.35)

2/8

(local)

218

1/12

(RS422/449)

218

1/12

1000

1 half-duplex

211/24 is limited to 2 controllers

DU (to 9.6K)

DUP (to 9.6K)1

DZ (to 9.6K)

Note: Left side of slash (I) indicates number of controllers per node and right side indicates total number
of tributaries per control node.
Total number of circuits not to exceed 16 per node.
Number of tributaries on lines should be carefully configured for performance considerations.

1 Maximum 4.BKbps for 11/24 processor

In order to achieve a viable configuration, the user and
lor a Compaq software specialist must perform a level
of application analysis that addresses the factors above.

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

DECnet-11S, Version 4.8

SPO 10.74.18

INSTALLATION

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

Only experienced customers should attempt installation
of this product. Compaq recommends that all other customers purchase Compaq's Installation Services. These
services provide for installation of the software product
by an experienced Compaq Software Specialist.

Any valid RSX-11 S system configuration and any valid
RSX-11M, RSX-11M-PLUS, or OpenVMS VAX system
for RSX-11S and DECnet-11S generation with:
• The following additional memory must be available:

Installation Services

DECnet-11S end node - 20 KW
DECnet-11S routing node - 22 KW

For a fixed price, a Compaq Software Specialist will assure that the customer's system is ready for installation,
install the software, and familiarize the customer with its
operation.

Ethernet support will add 6 KW to the above memory
requirements.

Installation for DECnet-11 S will consist of the following:
•

Verification that all components of DECnet-11 Shave
been received

•

Verification that the necessary versions of the
RSX-11 S software and documentation are available

•

Verification of the appropriate sysgen parameters

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

4,200 blocks
(2.1 Mbytes)

DECnet-11 S routing node

4,700 blocks
(2.4 Mbytes)

Note: Should a software specialist be required to

modify the previously installed operating system parameters, a time and materials charge will apply.
•

Define and create a local node DECnet database

•

Generate and install (down-line load) DECnet-11 S
software

•

Verify the proper installation of DECnet-11 S by running a series of tests to show connectivity, demonstrated by the use of the post installation checkout
procedure, to a designated node

Connectivity to all other nodes within the network is the
responsibility of the customer.
Pre-Installation Procedures Required

Before Compaq can install the software, the customer
must:
•

Ensure that system meets the minimum hardware
and software requirements (as specified in the SPD)

•

Obtain, install, and demonstrate as operational any
modems and other equipment and facilities necessary to interface Compaq's communication equipment

•

For multi-node networks, designate one adjacent
node to verify installation/connectivity

•

Make available for a reasonable period of time, as
mutually agreed upon by Compaq and the customer,
all hardware communications facilities and terminals
that are to be used during installation

Delays caused by any failure to meet these responsibilities will be charged at the prevailing rate for time and
materials.

PDP-11/24, PDP-11/34, PDP-11/40, PDP-11/44,
PDP-11/45, PDP-11/55, PDP-11/60, PDP-11/70,
PDP-11/84, or PDP-11/94 central processor with
one of the following communications devices:
DUP11

low-speed synchronous interface3

DMP11

synchronous UNIBUS interface (RS232C/RS423A, CCITT V.3S/DDS, or RS449
/RS422)3,5

DMP11

local synchronous UNIBUS interface 3,5

DMR11

synchronous UNIBUS interface (RS232C/RS423A, CCITT V.3S/DDS, or RS449
/RS422)3

DMR11

local synchronous UNIBUS interface3

DL11

asynchronous EIA interface with modem
control 3

DL11

asynchronous 20mA current loop interface 1,3

DECnet-11 S, Version 4.8

SPD 10.74.18

DZ11

multiline asynchronous EIA interface 2,3

•

DZ11

multiline asynchronous 20mA current loop
interface 1,2,3

KG11-A Communications Arithmetic Element 1 (can
be used in conjunction with DV11, DZ11, and DL 11)

•

DHU11

multiline asynchronous interface2,3

KMC11-A (can be used in conjunction with up to eight
DUP11s or with one sixteen-line DZ11)

DV11

multiline NPR synchronous interface2,3

•

Appropriate hardware for down-line load

PCl11-B

multiple CPU link

DEUNA

UNIBUS-to-Ethernet controller

DElUA

UNIBUS-to-Ethernet controller

1Requires either the H319 option for optical isolation or one side of the
20m A line to be in passive mode.

M9301-YE: wlbootstrap for DECnet on DL 11-E
and DUP11

M9301-YJ: wlbootstrap for DECnet on DMR11

MR11-EA: M9312 and all current bootstrap ROMs

M9312: bootstrap terminator with empty ROM
sockets and MR11 K-Ax ROM set for use on
M9312 option where x denotes DUP11 or DEUNA

BDV11: wlbootstrap for DECnet on DLVE1 and
DUV11

2All lines on this interface must be dedicated as DECnet links.
3W ith appropriate FCC-compliant cabinet option.
5These products are no longer marketed by Compaq and may not be
supported in future releases.

•

PDP-11/23, 11/23-PLUS, or MicroPDP-11 (11/23,11
153, 11 n3, 11/83, or 11/93) central processors with
one of the following communications devices.

Table 5
Bootstrap Support for Down-Line System Loading
Remote
Load
Detect

Note: The KDJ11-A 11n3 option is only supported as per the RSX-11 S Operating System SPD
(09.21.xx).

Power-On
Boot

DMV11

N/A
N/A

DElUA

DEUNA

DMP11
DMV11

synchronous Q-bus interface (RS232-C
IRS423A or CCID V.35/DDS)3,4

DMV11

local synchronous Q-bus interface 3,4

DUV11

low-speed EIA synchronous interface3

DlVE1

asynchronous EIA interface with full modem
control for a single Iine 3

DZV11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus EIA
interface2,3

DZQ11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus EIA
interface2,3

DElQA

multiline asynchronous Q-bus interface

DEQNA6

DHQ11

Console Boot

DMR11
Dl11-E
DUP11
DlV11-E/F
DUV11

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

DHV11

multiline asynchronous Q-bus interface 2,3,5

1Device configuration (switch settings) required.

DPV11

synchronous Q-bus interface3

2M9312 with appropriate ROMs required.

DElQA

Q-bus-to-Ethernet controller

3M9301 or M9312 with appropriate ROMs required.

Q-bus-to-Ethernet controller

4BDV11 required on PDP-11/23; appropriate hardware included in KDF11-B
based systems.

DEQNA5

5Not available for 11/23; appropriate ROMs required for KDF11-B.
2AII lines on this interface must be dedicated as DECnet links.
3With appropriate FCC-compliant cabinet option.

6This product is no longer available from Compaq and may not be supported
in future releases.

4Not supported on the PDP-11/23.
5These products are no longer marketed by Compaq and may not be
supported in future releases.

OPTIONAL HARDWARE
•

Additional lines andlor communication interfaces up
to maximum as defined in the Device Load tables for
mapped systems.

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

DECnet-11 S, Version 4.8

SPD 10.74.18

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

SOFTWARE PRODUCT SERVICES

•

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

RSX-11S Operating System

Refer to the RSX-11 S Software Product Description
(SPD 09.21.xx) for the required version.

SOFTWARE WARRANTY

This software is provided with a 90 day conformance
warranty in accordance with the Compaq warranty terms
applicable to the license purchase.

OPTIONAL SOFTWARE

•

FORTRAN-77/RSX V5.4A

•

BASIC-PLUS-2 V2.7A

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.

Refer to the RSX-11 S Software Product Description
(SPD 09.21.xx) for the required versions.

Warranty is provided in the country 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 a bypass. The customer will be responsible for the preparation and submission of the problem report to the service location.

GROWTH CONSIDERATIONS

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

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

For DECnet-11 5 Full Function:

WARRANTY EXCLUSION

Software License: QJ762-UZ
Software Update License: QJ762-HZ
Software Media and Documentation: QJ762-H*
Software Documentation: QJ766-GZ
Software Product Services: QJ762-**

Compaq does not warrant that the software licensed
to customer shall be error free, that the software shall
operate with any hardare 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 the SPD.

For DECnet-11 5 End Node:

Software License: QJ763-UZ
Software Update License: QJ763-HZ
Software Media and Documentation: QJ763-H*
Software Documentation: QJ766-GZ
Software· Product Services: QJ763-**

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

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

The previous information is valid at the time of release.
Please contact your local Compaq office for the most
up-to-date information.

SOFTWARE LICENSING

™

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

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