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May 1978

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Document:	10.70.05 7806 DECnet-11D
Order Number:	XX-4CC56-21
Revision:
Pages:	5
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/spd/10.70.05_7806_DECnet-11D.pdf

OCR Text

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Software Product Description
PRODUCT NAME: DECnet-11 0, Version 2.0

SPD 10.70.5

DESCRIPTION:
DECnet-11 D, Version 2.0, allows a suitably configured
RSX-11 D system to participate as a Phase II DECnet
node in point-to-point computer networks. DECnet11 D offers task-to-task communications, network file
transfer and network resource-sharing capabilities,
using the DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA) protocols. DECnet-11 D communicates with adjacent nodes
over synchronous and asynchronous communication
lines, and parallel interfaces. Access to DECnet-11 D
is supported for RSX-11 D user programs written in
MACRO-11 and FORTRAN.

sequential ASCII files between Phase II DECnet
nodes. Files can be transferred in both directions
between locally supported RSX-11 D File Control System (FCS) devices and the file system of an adjacent
DECnet node.

DECnet-11 D is a Phase II network product and is warranteed for use only with Phase II DECnet products
supplied by DIGITAL.

Additional facilities allow system command files to be
submitted to a remote node where the list of commands must be in the format expected by the node
responsible for the execution. Also, DECnet-11 D allows system command files to be received from other
systems and executed.

The functionality available to an RSX-11 D user depends, 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 D nodes
have the full functionality described in this SPD. Networks that mix DECnet-11D nodes with other DECnet
products may limit the functions available to the DECnet-11 D user because some DECnet-11 D features
may not be supported by all DECnet products.
The Phase II products and functions available to
users on mixed networks can be determined by comparison of the SPDs for the component products. An
overview of DECnet and common functionality available with mixed networks can be obtained from the
General Phase II DECnet SPD (10.78).

Task-to- Task Communication
Using DECnet-11 D, a RSX-11 D user program written
in MACRO-11 or FORTRAN can exchange messages
with other user programs using Phase II DECnet DNA
protocols. The two user programs can be on the
same or adjacent DECnet nodes. (Adjacent nodes
control opposite ends of a pOint-to-point communication line.) If on adjacent nodes, the second node can
be any Phase II DECnet System that supports synchronous communication lines or parallel interfaces.
The DECnet messages sent and received by the two
user programs can be in any data format. A compatible non-priviliged user interface is provided for DECnet-11 D Version 1 programs.

Network File Transfer Utilities
Using DECnet-11 D utilities,

June 1978

user can

transfer

The DECnet-11 D file transfer utilities support sequential file transfers for File Control System (FCS) supported devices under Files-11.
In addition, other types of files may be transferred
where formats between the Phase II DECnet nodes
are compatible.

DECnet-11 D does not support network file spooling.
A user can only request one file transfer at a time,
and only Single files can be transferred with each
command. Wild carding is not permitted nor are
directory listing commands implemented.

Network Resource Access:
File Access
File access is supported to and from remote DECnet
systems by explicit subroutine calls in FORTRAN and
MACRO tasks.
READ, WRITE, OPEN and CLOSE, and DELETE operations can be initiated by local FORTRAN and MACRO tasks for sequential files residing at remote
DECnet systems. Other nodes supporting File Access
can exercise this capability for files located on the
RSX-11 D node. Fixed and variable length record formats are supported. Further, files accessed remotely
can contain either ASCII or binary information.
Down-Line System Loading
Initial memory images for DECnet-11 S nodes in the
network can be stored on RSX-11 D file system devices and loaded into adjacent nodes. Load requests
can come from the local RSX-11 D operator or from
the remote node. Initial memory images for DECnet11 S systems to be down-line loaded can be generated on a RSX-11 D system.
Down-Line Task Loading
Programs to be executed on DECnet-11 S nodes in
the network can be stored on the DECnet-11 D system
and loaded on request into adjacent nodes. In addi-

AE-3430F-TC

DECnet-11D, Version 2.0

SPD 10.70.5
-2-

tion, programs already executing on the adjacent
node may be checkpointed to the local file system
and later restored to main memory of the DECnet11 S node. This and the preceding feature simplify the
operation of network systems which do not have
mass storage devices, by allowing such systems to
use remote mass storage devices in a convenient and
straightforward manner.
Network Control Program
The Network Control Program (NCP) performs three
primary types of functions: displaying statistics, controling network components, and testing network
components.

Using the DECnet-11 0 NCP utility, a operator can display the status of DECnet activity at the local node.
The user may choose to d ispiay statistics related to
both node and communication lines, including data
on traffic and errors. Output can be directed to the
terminal or to a report file.
Using the DECnet-11 D NCP utility, 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 DECnet-11 S
systems.
The third major function of NCP is that of testing
components of the network. NCP can be used to send
and receive test messages over individual lines either
between nodes or through other controlled loopback
arrangements. The messages can then be compared.
The user will find that NCP allows performance of a
logical series of tests that will aid in isolating problems.
Terminal Communication Utility
The DECnet-11D TLK utility allows a user at a DECnet-11 D node to send messages to adjacent DECnet
nodes that support the same feature. Messages can
be directed to a specific terminal or to the operator's
console at the destination node. TLK dialogue mode
allows users on the two systems to type messages to
one another.
Communications
DECnet-11D Version 2.0 supports the DIGITAL Data
Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP) Version
4.0 for full- or half-duplex transmission in point-topoint operation using serial synchronous or asynchronous facilities. DDCMP provides error detection/correction
and
physical link
management
facilities. Parallel facilities are also supported in pointto-point operations.

The minimum number of point-to-point links that can
be supported by a RSX-11 D node is one and the
maximum is sixteen (this is based on CPU, type of
communications interface and speed of interfaces).
Only one physical link may connect any pair of nodes.
DECnet-11D Operation
DECnet-11 D is implemented as a device handler under RSX-11D with DIGITAL-supplied user-level tasks
and subroutines. Minimum memory residency requirements for one driver and network code are 10K

words, and at least 1 K words for temporary data storage. Consequently, the user should plan to dedicate
at least 11 K words of memory storage to network
control functions. Additional memory will be required
for user written network tasks and any DECnet utility
functions to be invoked (file transfer, network, control,
down-line loading, etc.). The additional memory required for the DECnet-11 D Version 1 compatible interface is approximately 1.SK words.
DECnet-11D Configuration
The process of configuring a DECnet-11 D node is
based primarily on trade-offs of cost, performance,
and functionality, within the realm of satisfying the
user's application requirements. It can be readily expected that network applications will run the full
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 peculiar to that node ("local" conditions). Thus, node performance depends on
many factors, including:
e CPU power

•
•
•
•
•

number of device interrupts per unit time
communication line characteristics
number and size of buffers
message size and frequency
"local" applications

It is important to note that the rate at which user data
may be shipped ("throughput") over a communications line may sometimes approach, but will never
equal or exceed, the actual line speed; the same may
be said forrnultiple lines as well. The reason, simply
stated, is that the actual throughput is a function of
many factors, including application(s), network topology, protocol overhead, and the factors cited at the
beginning of this section.
There are basically three groups of communications
interfaces presented in the tables below. They differ
in many respects, particularly in their effect upon
CPU utilization.
• The DMC11 is a direct memory access (DMA) device. Also the DDCMP line protocol is executed in
microcode by the DMC11 communication controller, thus off-loading the PDP-11 CPU. Thus, the only
DECnet load the processor sees is completed incoming and outgoing messages.
• Devices such as the DQ11 and DV11 are DMA devices. Since DDCMP is in the PDP-11 software,
CPU cycles are required for DDCMP line protocol
processing.
• With character interrupt devices such as the
DUP11, CPU cycles are required not only for the
DDCMP processing, but also for each character
sent and received.
The following table shows the various communications devices, by category and the maximum line
speed of each.

SPO 10.70.5

OECnet-11 D, Version 2.0
DECnet-11D

-3Maximum Line Configurations On 11/34-11/60 CPUs
DECnet-11 D
Device Group

DEVICE GROUPS
Maximum Line Speed/
Kilobits/sec

Device
Group

Max. No.
of Lines

Maximum
Mode
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

Character
Iterrupt
DP11,

9.6

Character
Interrupt

8
8

14.4
28.8

FOX
HOX

OL 11

9.6

DMA

8
8

28.8
57.6

FOX
HDX

OU11

9.6

OMC11-AR, -OA
DMC11-AL, -MD
DMC11-AL, -MA

16
6
2

307.2
336.0
2000.0

OUP11

9.6

OZ11

9.6

Maximum Line Configurations On 11/70 CPUs
Device
Group

DMA
OQ11-DA

9.6

DV11

9.6

KMC11 (OUP11)

9.6

KMC11 (OZ11)

9.6

DMC11
DMC11-AR, -DA

19.2

DMC11-AL, -MD

56.0

DMC11-AL, -MA

1000.0

These tables describe the physical hardware configurations supported by DECnet-11D in terms of CPU
class and communication interface device group. It
should be hoted that the attachment of such devices
as A/D converters and timesharing terminals may reduce the maximum number of communication lines
which can effectively be supported.
NOTE:
In the tables given below the rated
bandwidth is stated for a single device type. The maximum bandwidth
for an intermix of device types cannot be calculated from these tables.

FOX, HDX
FOX, HDX
FOX, HDX

Max. No.
of Lines

Maximum
Mode
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

Character
Interrupt

8
8

19.2
38.4

FOX
HDX

DMA

16
16

38.4
76.8

FOX
HOX

DMC11-AR, -DA
16
307.2 FOX, HDX
6
336.0 FOX, HDX
DMC11-AL, -MD
1
1000.0 FOX, HDX
DMC11-AL, -MA
In order to achieve a viable configuration, the user
and/or a DIGITAL software specialist must perform a
level of application analysis which addresses the
factors above. In the preceding tables, the columns
have the following meanings:
Maximum Number of Lines
The largest number of physical lines which can be
attached and driven by the OECnet-11 0 system.
Maximum Device Bandwidth
The maximum total number of bits per second which
can be handled by a CPU when all communication
devices of a single given type, such as character interrupt, are added together. For example, DECnet110 on a PDp·11 /45 can accommodate three full duplex
character·interrupt device at 4.8KB I ines or six at
2.4KB. Maximum device bandwidth should be calculated for all lines known to operate concurrently.
Maximum Line Speed
The fastest clock rate at which the device can be driven under DECnet-11 D. This means that even if specific devices have the ability to operate at a maximum
rate, they must be configured subject to the "maximum device bandwidth" restriction above.
Mode
This indicates whether the line is operating in either
half-duplex (a single-bit stream) or full-duplex (two
concurrent bit streams) mode. In some instances in

SPD 10.70.5

DECnet-11D, Version 2.0
-4-

the tables, a half-duplex line is quoted as having
maximum bandwidth approximately double that of the
comparable full-duplex line. This reflects the single
bit stream character of half-duplex lines, and the fact
that two of them place a load on the CPU roughly
equivalent to one full-duplex line with traffic in both
directions.

TRAINING CREDITS:
None

MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIRED:
Any valid RSX-11D system configuration with:
• a minimum of 11 K words additional available memory for the DECnet-11 M software and data storage.
• PDP-11/34 through PDP-11170 central processor
with one or more of the following communications
devices:
• DP11-DA low speed synchronous interface
• DU11-DA low speed synchronous interface
• DUP11-DA low speed synchronous interface
• DQ11-DA NPR synchronous interface
• DMC11-AR-DA high speed synchronous EIA
interface
• DMC11-AL-MD high speed local synchronous
interface·
• DMC11-AL-MA high speed local synchronous
interface
• DL 11-E asynchronous interface with modem
control
• DL 11-C asynchronous interface, 20mA current
loop (1)
• DL 11-WA asynchronous interface, 20m A current loop (1)
• DZ11-A, B multi-line asynchronous interface
for EIA interfaces (2)
• DZ1 ~-C, 0 multi-line asynchronous interface,
20mA cu rrent loop (1, 2)
• DA 11-B UNIBUS link, local cable
• DA 11-AL UNIBUS link, long cable

Installation under Category A support will convert the
RSX-11 D system into a node with connection potential to a DECnet Phase II network. This installation
does not include a demonstration of network connection .

NOTES:
(1) Requires either the H319 option for optical
isolation of one side of the 20ma line to be in
passive mode.
(2) All lines on this interface must be dedicated
as DECnet links.

OPTIONAL HARDWARE:
• KG11-A Communications Arithmetic Element (may
be used in conjunction with DP11, DU11, DQ11-DA,
DZ11, DL11)
• KMC11-A (may be used in conjuction with up to 8
DUP11 s or with up to a 16-line DZ11)
• H319 optical isolator
• DV11-AAI AB multi-line NPR synchronous interface
(1 )
NOTE: (1) All lines on this interface must be dedicated as DECnet links.

PREREQUISITE SOFTWARE:
RSX-11 D operating system, Version 6.2
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE:
None

SUPPORT CATEGORY:
A - Software Support will be provided as stated in
the Software Support Categories Addendum to this
SPD.

The Customer may purchase DECnet-11 D licenses
with options that do not include support services. The
category of support applicable to such software is Category C. When a DECnet-11 D product option that
does not include support services is connected to a
DECnet network, the category of support applicable
to all DECnet products in that network is Category C.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Before installation of the Software, the Customer
must:
1. Install or have installed all hardware, including
terminals, to be used on the system.
2. Make available to DIGITAL personnel all hardware, including terminals, to be used during installation for a reasonable period of time each
day, as mutually agreed upon by DIGITAL and
the Customer, until installation is complete.
Delays caused by any failure to meet these responsibilities will be charged at the then prevailing rate for
time and materials.

PREREQUISITE SUPPORT:
A Network Profile and DECnet Customer Support
Plan are required to be jOintly prepared by the customer and DIGITAL covering all intended network
nodes and their support.
UPDATE POLICY:
Software Updates, if any, released by DIGITAL during
the one (1) year period following installation, will be
provided to the customer for a media charge (includes no installation). After the first year, updates, if
any, will be made available according to then prevailing DIGITAL policies.
ORDERING INFORMATION:
All binary licensed software, including any subsequent updates, is furnished under the licensing
provisions of DIGITAL's Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale, which provide in part that the software
and any part thereof may be used on only the single
CPU on which the software is first installed, and may
be copied, in whole or in part (with the proper inclusion of the DIGITAL copyright notice and any DIGITAL
proprietary notices on the software) only for use on
such CPU. All source licensed software is furnished
only under the terms and conditions of a separate
Software Program Sources Agreement between Purchaser and DIGITAL.

DECnet-11 D, Version 2.0

SPD 10.70.5
-5-

Standard options with no support services are only
available after the purchase of one supported license.
When a software license is ordered without support
services, the category of support applicable to such
software is Category C.
A single-use license only option is a license to copy
the software previously obtained under license, and
use such software in accordance with DIGITAL's
Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale. The category
of support applicable to such copied software is Category C.
Source and/or listing options are only available after
the purchase of at least one binary license and after a
source license agreement is in effect.
The following key (0, E, F, R, T, Z) represents the
distribution media for the product and must be specified at the end of the order number, e.g., QP680-AD
= binaries on 9-track magnetic tape.

o
E
F

R
T

9-track Magnetic Tape
RK05 Disk Cartridge
7 -track Magnetic Tape
Microfiche
RK06 Disk Cartridge
No hardware dependency

Standard Options
QP680 -A- Single-use license, binaries, documentation, support services (media: D, E, F,

T)
QP680 -C- Single-use license, binaries, documentation, no support services (media: 0,
E, F, T)
QP680 -0- Single-use license only, no binaries, no
documentation, no support services
(media: Z)

Update Options
Users of DECnet-11D Version 1.1 whose specified
Support Category warranty has expired may order
under license the following software update at the
then current charge for such update. The update is
distributed in binary or source form on the appropriate medium and includes no installation or other services unless specifically stated otherwise.
QP680 -H- Binaries, documentation (media: 0, E,
F, T)
QP680 -N- Sources update (media: 0, E, F, T)
Users of DEGnet-11D Version 1.1 whose specified
Support Category warranty has not expired may order under license the following software update for
the then current media charge. The update is distributed in binary or source form on the appropriate
medium and includes no installation or other services
unless specifically stated otherwise.
QP680 -W- Binaries, documentation (media: 0, E,
F, T)
QP680 -L- Source update (media: 0, E, F, T)

Source/Listing Options
QP680 -E- All sources (media: 0, E, F, T)
QP680 -F- Listings (media: R)
Miscellaneous Options
QP680 -G- Pre-delivery kit (media: Z)

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
QS680 -S- DECnet Level I Services (media: Z)
Level II services are also available. Consult the DECnet Phase II Products SPD (10.78) for a description of
Level I and Level II services.