Digital PDFs

AE-3429D-TC

May 1978

6 pages

Original

0.4MB

Document:	10.71.03 7802 DECnet-IAS
Order Number:	AE-3429D-TC
Revision:
Pages:	6
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/spd/10.71.03_7802_DECnet-IAS.pdf

OCR Text

mamaomo

Software Product Description
PRODUCT NAME: DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0
DESCRIPTION:
DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0, allows a suitably configured
lAS System to participate as a Phase II DECnet node
in pOint-to-point computer networks. DECnet-IAS offers task-to-task communications, network file transfer and network resource-sharing capabilities, using
the DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA) protocols.
DECnet-IAS communicates with adjacent nodes over
synchronous and asynchronous communication lines
and parallel interfaces. Access to DECnet-IAS is supported for lAS user programs written in MACRO-11
and FORTRAN.
DECnet-IAS is a Phase II network product and is warranted for use only with Phase II DECnet products
supplied by DIGITAL.
The functionality available to an lAS 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-IAS nodes
have the full functionality described in this SPD. Networks that mix DECnet-IAS nodes with other DECnet
products may limit the functions available to the DECnet-lAS user because some DECnet-IAS features may
not be supported by all DEC net 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 DEC net SPD (10.78).

Task-to- Task Communication
Using DECnet-IAS, an lAS 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 the program is on an adjacent node, the
second node can be any Phase II DECnet System that
supports synchronous or asynchronous 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-privileged user interface is provided for DECnet-lAS Version 1 programs.

Network File Transfer Utilities
Using DECnet-IAS utilities,

February 1978

user

can

transfer

SPD 10.71.3
sequential ASCII files between Phase II DECnet
nodes. Files can be transferred in both directions
between a locally supported lAS File Control System
(FCS) devices and the file system of an adjacent
DECnet node.
The DECnet-IAS file transfer utilities support sequential file transfer for both FCS and RMS11 supported
devices.
In addition, other types of files may be transferred
where formats between the Phase II DECnet nodes
are compatible.
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-IAS allows batch files to be received from other systems
and executed.
DECnet-IAS 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
lAS 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 lAS file system devices and
loaded into adjacent nodes. Load requests can come
from the local lAS operator or from the remote node.
Initial memory images for DECnet-11S systems to be
down-Ii ne loaded can be generated on an RSX-11 M
or RSX-11D system.
Down-Line Task Loading
Programs to be executed on DECnet-11 S nodes in
the network can be stored on the DECnet-IAS system
and loaded on request into other adjacent nodes. In

AE.3429D· TC

DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0

SPO 10.71.3
-2-

addition, programs already executing on the adjacent
node may be checkpointed to the local file system
and later restored to main memory of the DECnet11S node. This and the preceding feature simplify the
operation of network systems which do not have remote 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 of statistics,
controling network components, and testing network
components.
Using the DECnet-IAS NCP utility, an operator can
display the status of DECnet activity at the local node.
The user may choose to display 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-IAS 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-IAS TLK utility allows a user at a DECnet-lAS 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-IAS Version 2.0 supports the DIGITAL Data
Communications Message Protocol (DDCMP) for fullor half-duplex transmission in pOint-to-point operation
using serial synchronous or asynchronous facilities.
DDCMP provides error detection/correction and
physical link management facilities. Parallel facilities
are also supported in pOint-to-point operations.
The minimum number of pOint-to-point links that can
be supported by a lAS node is one and the maximum
is sixteen (this is based on CPU, type of communications interface, and speed of interface). Only one
physical link may connect any pair of nodes.
DECnet-IAS Operation
DECnet-IAS is implemented as a device handler under lAS with DIGITAL-supplied user-level tasks and
subroutines. Minimum memory residency requirements for a driver and network code are 10K words
and at least 1.5K 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 interface is approximately 1.SK words.
DECnet-IAS Configuration
The process of configuring a DECnet-IAS node is
based primarily on trade-ofts 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:
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 for multiple 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 complete 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 for not only the
DDCMP processing, but also each character sent
and received. The following table shows the various
communications devices by category and the maximum line speed of each.

DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0
Maximum Line
Speed/Kiiobits/sec

DEVICE GROUPS
Device Group
Character
Interrupt
DP11

9.6

DL 11

9.6

DU11

9.6

DUP11

9.6

DZ11

9.6

DMA
DQ11-DA
DV11

9.6

KMC11 (DUP11)

9.6

KMC11 (DZ11)

9.6

DMC11
DMC11-AR, -DA

19.2

DMC11-AL, -MD

56.0

DMC11-AL, -MA

1000.0

The following tables describe what physical hardware
configurations are supported by DECnet-IAS in terms
of CPU class and communication interface. It should
be noted that the attachment of such devices as AID
converters and multiple terminals may reduce the
maximum number of communication line 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 can
not be calculated from these tables.

DECnet-IAS
Maximum Line Configurations On 11/45-11/60 CPUs
Max. No.
of Lines

Maximum
Mode
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

Character
Interrupt

8
8

14.4
28.8

FOX
HDX

DMA

8
8

30.6
61.2

FOX
HDX

DMC11-AR, -DA
DMC11-AL, -MD
DMC11-AL, -MA

16
6
2

307.2
336.0
2000.0

Device
Group

SPD 10.71.3

-3-

FDX,HDX
FOX, HDX
FOX, HDX

DECnet-IAS
Maximum Line Configurations On 11/70 CPUs
Max. No.
of Lines

Maximum
Mode
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

Character
Interrupt

8
8

19.2
38.4

FDX
HDX

DMA

16
16

38.4
76.8

FOX
HDX

Device
Group

DMC11-AR, -DA
16
38.4 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 DECnet-IAS 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, DECnet-IAS
on a PDP-11/45 can accomodate three full-duplex
character-interrupt device at 4.8KB lines 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-IAS. 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
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.

MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIRED:
Any valid lAS system configuration with:
• a minimum of 11 K words additional available memory for the DEC net-lAS software and data storage
• PDP-11/45 through PDP-11 /70 central processor
with one or more of the following communications
devices:
• DP11-DA low speed synchronous interface
• DU 11-DA low speed synchronous interface

DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0

SPD 10.71.3
-4-

• 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, 20mA current loop (1)
• DZ11-A, -B multi-line asynchronous interface
for EIA interfaces (2)
• DZ11-C, -D multi-line asynchronous interface,
20mA current loop (1, 2)
• DA 11-B UNIBUS link, local cable
• DA 11-AL UNIBUS link, long cable
NOTES:
(1) Requires either the H319 option for optical
isolation or 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:
• Additional lines and/or communications interfaces
(from above) up to maximum as defined in Maximum Line Configurations tables.
• KG11-A Communications Arithmetic Element (may
be used in conjunction with DP11, DU11, DQ11-DA,
DZ11, DL 11)
• KMC11-A (may be used in conjunction with up to 8
DUP11s or with up to a 16-line DZ11)
• DV11-All../ AB multi-line NPR synchronous interface
(1 )

NOTE:
(1) All lines on this interface must be dedicated as
DEC net links.

PREREQUISITE SOFTWARE:
lAS operating system, Version 2.0
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE:
None
TRAINING CREDITS:
None
SUPPORT CATEGORY:
A - Software Support will be provided as stated in
the Software Support Categories Addendum to this
SPD.
Installation under Category A support will convert the
lAS system into a node with connection potential to a
DECnet Phase II network. This installation does not
include a demonstration of network connection.
The Customer may purchase DECnet-IAS licenses

with options that do not include support services. The
category of support applicable to such software is Category C. When a DECnet-IAS 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.
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.

DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0

SPD 10.71.3

-5The following key (D, E, R, T, Z) represents the distribution media for the product and must be specified at
the end of the order number, e.g., QR680-AD = binaries on 9-track magnetic tape.
D
E
R
T
Z

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

Standard Options
QR680 -A- Single-use license, binaries, documentation, support services (media: D, E, T)
QR680 -C- Single-use
license,
binaries,
documentation, no support services
(media: D, E, T)
QR680 -D- Single-use license only, no binaries, no
documentation, no support services
(media: Z)

Update Options
Users of DECnet-IAS Version 1.1 whose specified
Support Category ~arranty 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.

QR680 -H- Binaries, documentation (media: D, E,

T)
QR680 -N- Sources update (media: D, E, T)
Users of DECnet-IAS 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.
QR680 -W- Binaries, documentation (media: D, E,

T)
QR680 -L- Source update (media: D, E, T)
Source/Listing Options
QR680 -E- All sources (media: D, E, T)
QR680 -F- Listings (media: R)
Miscellaneous Options
QR680 -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.

DECnet-IAS, Version 2.0

SPD 10.71.3
-6-

ADDENDUM
SOFTWARE SUPPORT CATEGORIES
Each software product (hereinafter 'SOFTWARE') with a designated Support Category A or B in the applicable Software Product
Description (SPD) existing at the time of order will be the current release at the time of delivery and will conform to the SPD.
DIGITAL's sole obligation shall be to correct defects (nonconformance of the SOFTWARE to the SPD) as described below. Any
SOFTWARE with a deSignated Support Category C will be furnished on an 'as is' basis.
For SOFTWARE with a deSignated Support Category A or B, DIGITAL will provide the services set forth below without additional
charge.
CATEGORY A
1. Upon notification by customer to the nearest DIGITAL office that the computer system, including all required prerequisite
hardware and software, is ready for the installation of the SOFTWARE, DIGITAL will install such SOFTWARE in any location
within the contiguous forty-eight (48) United States, the District of Columbia, or a country in which DIGITAL or a subsidiary
of DIGITAL has a software service facility. The notification must be received by DIGITAL and the system must be ready for
installation within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the SOFTWARE to customer or DIGITAL will have no obligation to
install. Installation will consist of: (1) verification that all components of the SOFTWARE have been received by customer, (2)
loading the SOFTWARE, and (3) executing a DIGITAL sample procedure.
2. During the ninety (90) day period after installation, if the customer encounters a problem with the current unaltered release
of the SOFTWARE which DIGITAL determines to be a defect in the SOFTWARE, DIGITAL will provide the following remedial
service (on site where necessary): (1) if the SOFTWARE is inoperable, apply a temporary correction (TC) or make a
reasonable attempt to develop an emergency by-pass, and (2) assist the customer to prepare a Software Performance
Report (SPR) and submit it to DIGITAL.
3. During the one (1) year period following installation, if the customer encounters a problem with the SOFTWARE which his
diagnosis indicates is caused by a SOFTWARE defect, the customer may submit an SPR to DIGITAL. DIGITAL will respond
to problems reported in SPRs which are caused by defects in the current unaltered release of the SOFTWARE via the
Maintenance Periodical for the SOFTWARE, which reports SPRs received, code corrections, temporary corrections, generally
useful emergency by-passes and/or notice of the availability of~orrected code. Software Updates, if any, released by
DIGITAL during the one (1) year period, will be provided to the customer on DIGITAL's standard distribution media as
specified in the applicable SPD. The customer will be charged only for the media on which such updates are provided,
unless otherwise stated in the applicable SPD, at DIGITAL's then current media prices.
CATEGORY B
During the one (1) year period following delivery, the services provided to the customer will be the same as set forth in _3 above.
CATEGORY C
SOFTWARE is provided on an 'as is' basis. Any software services, if available, will be provided at the then current charges.
DIGITAL shall have the right to make additional charges for any additional effort required to provide services resulting from
customer use of other than current unaltered release of the SOFTWARE operated in accordance with the SPD.