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AE-3431F-TC

May 1978

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Document:	10.75.05 7802 DECnet-11M
Order Number:	AE-3431F-TC
Revision:
Pages:	6
Original Filename:	http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/spd/10.75.05_7802_DECnet-11M.pdf

OCR Text

momoomo

Software Product Description
PRODUCT NAME: DECnet-11 M, Version 2.0
DESCRIPTION:
DECnet-11 M, Version 2.0, allows a suitably configured
RSX-11 M system to participate as a Phase II DECnet
node in pOint-to-point computer networks. DECnet11 M offers task-to-task communications, network file
transfer, and network resource-sharing capabilities,
using the DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA) protocols. DECnet-11M communicates with adajacent
nodes over synchronous and asynchronous communication lines, and parallel interfaces. Access to DECnet-11 M is supported for RSX-11 M user programs
written in MACRO-11 and FORTRAN.
DECnet-11 M is a Phase II network product and is
warranted for use only with Phase II DECnet products
supplied by DIGlTAL.
The functionality available to an RSX-11 M 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 M nodes
have the full functionality described in this SPD. Networks that mix DECnet-11M nodes with other DECnet
products may limit the functions available to the DECnet-11 M user because some DECnet-11 M 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 M, a RSX-11 M user program written
in MACRO-11 or FORTRAN can exchange messages
with other user programs using Phase II DEC net 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 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-privilged user interface is provided for DECnet-11 M Version 1 programs.
Network File Transfer Utilities
Using DECnet-11 M utilities, a user can transfer se-

February 1978

SPD 10.75.5
quential ASCII files between Phase II 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 an adjacent
DECnet node.
The DECnet-11 M file transfer utilities support sequential file transfers for both FCS and RMS-11 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. DECnet-11 M also allows RSX-11 M command files to be received from
other systems and executed.
DECnet-11 M does not support network file spooling.
Users can request only one file transfer at a time, and
only single files can be transferred with each command. Wild cards are 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 M 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-11S nodes in the
network can be stored on RSX-11 M file system devices and loaded into adjacent nodes. Load requests
can come from the local RSX-11 M operator or from
the remote node. Initial memory images for DECnet11S systems to be down-line loaded can be generated on a RSX-11M system.
Down-Line Task Loading
Programs to be executed on DECnet-11 S nodes in
the network can be stored on the DECnet-11 M system, and loaded on request into adjacent nodes. In

AE-3431F-TC

DECnet-11 M, Version 2.0

SPD 10.75.5

-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 DECnet118 node. This and the preceding feature simplifies
the operation of network systems which do not have
mass storage devices, by allowing such system to use
remote mass storage device 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 DECnet-11 M NCP utility, an operator can display the status of DEenet 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-11 M 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
loop back arrangements. The messages can then be
compared. The user will find that NCP allows him to
perform a logical series of tests that will aid in isolating problems.
Terminal Communication Utility
The DECnet-11 M TLK utility allows a user at a DECnet-11 M 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 dialog mode allows users on the two systems to type messages to
one another.
Communications
DECnet-11 M 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. Autoanswer capability is also supported.
The minimum number of point-to-point links that can
be supported by a R8X-11 M 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-11 M Operation
DECnet-11M is implemented as an Ancillary Control
Processor (ACP) under RSX-11 M with DIGITAL-supplied executive-level components, user-level tasks
and subroutines. Minimum memory residency re-

quirements 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-11M Version 1 compatible interface is approximately 1.SK words.
DECnet-11 M Configuration
The process of configuring a DECnet-11 M 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:
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 the user 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.
• With character interrupt devices such as the
DUP11, CPU cycles are required for not only the
DDCMP processing, but also for each character
sent and received. The following table shows the
various communications devices by category, and
maximum line speed of each.
• 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.
• 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.

SPD 10.75.5

DECnet-11 M, Version 2.0
-3DECnet-11M
DEVICE GROUPS
Device Group
Maximum Line Speed/Kilobits/sec
Character
Interrupt
DP11
9.6

DECnet-11M
Maximum Line Configurations On 11/34-11/60 CPUs
Device
Max. No. Maximum
Mode
Group
of Lines
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

Character
Interrupt

8
8

14.4
28.8

FOX
HDX

DMA

8
8

30.6
61.2

FDX
HDX

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

16
6
2

307.2
336.0
2000.0

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

Character
Interrupt

8
8

19.2
38.4

FDX
HDX

DMC11-AL, -MD

56.0

DMA

16
16

40.8
81.6

FOX
HDX

DMC11-AL, -MA

1000.0

These tables describe the physical hardware configurations supported by DECnet-11 M in terms of CPU
class and communication interface device group. It
should be noted that the attachment of such devices
as AID 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.
DECnet-11M
Maximum Line Configurations On 11/04-11/20 CPUs

Device
Group

Character
Interrupt

Max. No.
of Lines

Maximum
Mode
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

2
2

9.6
19.2

FOX
HDX

19.2
38.4

FDX
HDX

DMA

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

4
4
2

153.6
224.0
2000.0

FDX,HDX
FDX,HDX
FDX,HDX

FOX, HDX
FOX, HDX
FDX, HDX

Maximum Line Configurations On 11/70 CPUs
Device
Max. No. Maximum
Mode
Group
of Lines
Device
Bandwidth
(Kilobits/sec)

16
307.2 FOX, HDX
DMC11-AR, -DA
6
336.0 FOX, HDX
DMC11-AL, -MD
DMC11-AL, -MA
1
1000.0 FOX, HDX
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-11 M 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, DECnet11 M on a PDP-11 /1 0 can accomodate one full-duplex
character-interrupt device at 9.6KB, or two at 4.8KB,
or four 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 M. 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

DECnet-11 M, Version 2.0

SPD 10.75.5
-4-

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 RSX-11 M system configuration with:
• a minimum of 11 K words additional available memory for the DECnet-11 M software and data storage
• PDP-11/04 through PDP-11/70 central processor
with one of the following communications devices
supporting one line:
• 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 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,20mAcurrent
loop (1)
• DZ11-A, -B multi-line asynchronous interface
for EIA interfaces (2)
• DZ11-C, -0 multi-line asynchronous interface,
20mA current loop (1, 2)
• DA11-B UNIBUS link, local cable
• DA11-AL UNIBUS link, long cable
NOTES:
(1) Req u i res 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-AA/AB multi-line NPR synchronous interface
(1 )

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

PREREQUISITE SOFTWARE:
RSX-11 M operating system, Version 3.1

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.
Install'tion under Category A support will convert the
RSX-11 M 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-11 M licenses
with options that do not include support services. The
category of support applicable to such software is Category C. When a DECnet-11 M 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 covering all intended network nodes and their
support must be prepared jointly by DIGITAL and the
Customer.
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

DECnet·11 M, Version 2.0

SPD 10.75.5
·5·

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.
The following key (0, E, R, T, Z) represents the distribution media for the product and must be specified at
the end of the order number, e.g., QJ681-AD = binaries on 9-track magnetic tape.

o
E
R
T
Z

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

Standard Options
QJ681 -A- Single-use license, binaries, documentation, support services (media: D, E, T)
QJ681 -C- Single-use
license,
binaries,
documentation, no support services
(media: 0, E, T)
QJ681 -0- Single-use license only, no binaries, no
documentation, no support services
(media: Z)

Update Options
Users of DECnet-11 M Version 1.2 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 b!nary form on the appropriate medium
and includes no installation or other services unless
specifically stated otherwise.
QJ681 -H- Binaries, documentation (media: 0, E,
T)
QJ681 -N- Sources update (media: 0, E, T)
Users of DECnet-11 M Version 1.2 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.
QJ681 -W- Binaries, documentation (media: 0, E,

T)
QJ681

-L- Sources (media: D, E, T)

Source/Listing Options
QJ681 -E- AI! sources (media: D, E, T)
QJ681 -F- Listings (media: R)
Miscellaneous Options
QJ681 -G- Pre-delivery kit (media: Z)

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

DECnet-11M, Version 2.0

SPD 10.75.5
-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 an 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 deve"lop 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 corrected 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.