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Document:	Distributed Computing Solutions
Order Number:	MISC-68417209
Revision:
Pages:	11
Original Filename:

OCR Text

DISTRIBUTED

COMPUTING
SOLUTIONS +
How To Build Digital’s
Local Area Networks

And VAXcluster Systens

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS
N

NETWORKS THAT
WORK ... FOR EVERYBOD
Digital makes it easy to build effective networks. .. for every size business
Today, networking is for businesses of all sizes—any business, in fact,
that recognizes that advanced network solutions offer more than standalone

computing systems can provide.

THE NETWORK IS THE SYSTEM
A business may have only a few computers, or thousands. A Digital

network makes them work together as one, insuring that the work of each
system is done in the way that’s best for the organization as a whole. Tech-

T
AT
TR
AT

nology is harnessed, to be placed in the hands of the people who need it,
when they need it.

PROTECTION FOR INVESTMENT
Hardware and software never have to become obsolete in a Digital network. Customers never have to face the tough choice imposed on them by

other vendors: should I abandon my old system to get the benefits of new

technology? Instead, they face a more positive decision: what new products

can I add to make my network even more productive?

BUILD WITH SOLID ARCHITECTURES
Digital networks are built on a proven combination of hardware, soft-

ware, and communications architectures that are helping to set the industry
standards. Thanks to this commitment to compatible architectures, you can
implement the technology you need now—with the confidence that you'll be
able to incorporate tomorrow’s technology without losing today’s investments.
Close adherence to standards begins with VAX and VMS—the hardware
and software standards that ensure that new Digital network products will
be compatible with existing ones. So new systems can be easily added when

i II|IIIIIIl =
i
AR =
R

more computing power is needed. And there’s no need to rewrite software

when the new addition arrives—and no need to worry about expensive,
time-consuming retraining, either.

The Digital Network Architecture (DNA) forms a single, unified frame-

work for the broadest range of compatible network products, both hard-

ware and software, in the computer industry. DNA is based on the widely
accepted International Standards Organization (ISO) model for Open Systems Interconnect (OSI). While other vendors have developed proprietary

networks based on “closed” architectures, DNA is a standards-based archi-

tecture that gives users the ability to build networks with the components—

Digital or non-Digital—that best meet their needs.

BUILD ON DIGITAL’S DECnet
DECnet—the networking software that connects all Digital systems—

provides for multiple capabilities across a wide range of operating environments. These include:
— Remote file access, which enables users to store and retrieve information
from locations anywhere on the network.
- File transfer, for speeding information flow and decreasing paperwork.
— Remote resource access, for sharing expensive peripherals and large
databases.
— Program-to-program communication, which allows data exchange

between programs running under the same or different operating systems
and written in different languages.
— Network management utilities, for controlling, monitoring, and testing
network functions.
— New DECnet Systems Services, providing the enhanced file and printer
access and system management features required for distributing network

applications.

BUILD WITH DIGITAL'S ETHERNET
Ethernet, Digital’s chosen method for local area networking, is today’s
most widely used LAN medium. Ethernet provides for high-speed (10 mega-

bits per second) network connections and gives every networked user easy
access to all networked resources.
The original “thickwire” Ethernet cabling has been used successfully at

thousands of customer sites. Now Digital’s ThinWire Ethernet delivers the
same high—and highly dependable—performance at substantially lower
costs. ThinWire Ethernet is a smaller diameter, more flexible coaxial cable,

well-suited for offices and other local work areas.
No matter what the business, local area networks go to work immediately:

- Giving all users fast, easy access to critical information.
- Providing for electronic interchange of files and documents such as

budgets, spreadsheets, and reports.
— Letting users share expensive peripherals like laser printers, large data
storage facilities, and sophisticated communications devices.
And that’s just the start.

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

G%LUTIONS

STARTING WITH 4
THE RIGHT TOOLS
Digital’s network products let you build for today. ...and for the future
|

ThinWire Etbernet

| “ Terminator

Installed to provide elec-

BC16M

trical cable termination

ThinWire Ethernet Cable

at the ends of ThinWire
cable segments that are not con-

Digital’s high-speed (10 Mbps) cabling that provides simple, flexible,

Ethernet Communications Controllers

nected to other cable segments.

and low-cost connections in local area networks. ThinWire is ideally
suited for use in offices and other local work areas.
And ThinWire conforms to industry standards, so that
users have the ability to participate in multi-

DEBNA

vendor Ethernet LANs.

DESTA
ThinWire Ethernet Station Adapter

A compact, inexpensive transceiver used to connect networked devices to
ThinWire Ethernet backbone cabling. The connected stations may be terminal servers, workstations, or larger computing systems equipped with
Ethernet Communications Controllers such as the DELQA.

DESPR
ThinWire Ethernet Singleport Repeater

X
Now customers can turn to a
new Ethernet option: the unshielded
twisted-pair wiring used for telephone links. Twisted-pair is the

DELQA

answer for installations where standard Ethernet wiring can’t be used:

Ethernet Interface for Q-bus Systems

types of Ethernet connections would disrupt the business environment.
Ethernet using twisted-pair connections is limited to relatively short

where wiring conduits are already full, for instance, or where other

High-performance interface that connects MicroVAX and Q-bus systems

An Ethernet communications interface for connecting IBM® PCs to
n

to an Ethernet Communications

Ethernet networks.

For information on installing

Guide” (EK-DECSY-TG).

ETHERNET TERMINAL SERVERS
SUMMARY OF LOCAL AREA
NETWORK COMPONENTS
Component

" DELNI
A low-cost desktop device for connecting up to eight Ethernet stations

H4000

A complete Ethernet implementation in a single “box,” the DELNI

Transceiver

connected to a main Ethernet cable to become part of a larger local area

network.

DELNTI units can be linked together by transceiver cable to create eco-

nomical and highly flexible LAN configurations.

Standard “thickwire” Ethernet cable

Order Code

ThinWire Ethernet Cable

Local Network Interconnect

can be used as the foundation of a self-contained network. Or it can be

LANs and larger Wide Area Networks. See the Networks and Communications Buyer’s Guide for details.

Networks: Planning & Installation

office Ethernet devices.

to form a local area network.

ThinWire networks see “DECconnect System Standalone ThinWire

Controller such as the DELQA.

Standard BNE cable is complemented by a thinner, more flexible
version suitable for connecting

...AND MORE
options for configuring extended

Ethernet PC Adapter

Connects the H4000 Transceiver

distances (under 200 feet).

Digital offers a host of additional

DEPCA

Transceiver Cable

This high-speed interface connects VAXBI systems to a local area network via standard Ethernet cable. The DEBNA also allows a VAXBI system to be used as a boot member of a local area VAXcluster system.

to the Ethernet local area networks. The DELQA controller ensures maximum network throughput with minimum host processor intervention. A
dual size module saves on backplane space.

BNE

Connects a single ThinWire segment to a standard Ethernet network.
The ThinWire segment connected to the DESPR can be up to 185 meters
in length and can accommodate connection of up to 29 stations.

Unshielded Twisted-Pair
Ethernet Office Adapter

Ethernet Interface for VAXBI Systems

The physical connection between networked systems and traditional,
“thickwire” Ethernet cable. The H4000 clamps into the cable in a unique,
non-intrusive way so that installation, repair or removal can be accomplished without cutting the cable or disrupting network traffic.

BC16M

(orderable in various lengths)
BNE Transceiver Cable

BNE4C

ThinWire Ethernet Terminator

DECserver 200
1

Terminal Servers provide a convenient, cost-effective way to connect
terminals, personal computers, and printers to host computers in Ethernet
LANs.

Activity is funneled from multiple terminals to a single, high-speed
Ethernet interface on each host—reducing the number of terminal interfaces needed on host systems and cutting power consumption and
cabling costs.
In addition, terminal servers’ load balancing capability maximizes CPU
performance and enhances configuration flexibility.

H8225

DEBNA Communications Controller for VAXBI Systems

DEBNA

DELQA Communications Controller for Q-bus Systems ~ DELQA
DEPCA Ethernet Interface for IBM PCs

DEPCA-AA

DESTA Ethernet Station Adapter

DESTA-AA

H4000 Transceiver

H4000

DECserver 200 Ethernet Terminal Server

DSRVB-AA

DELNI Local Network Interconnect

DELNI-AA

DESPR Ethernet Singleport Repeater

DESPR-AA

Unshielded Twisted-Pair Ethernet Office Adapter

H3310-AA

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING

SOLUTIONS

THE GROUND
FLOOR
Building a DECnet/Ethernet Local Area Network
DECnet software and ThinWire
Ethernet cabling make it easy to

build local area networks with
versatile distributed processing
capabilities.

MicroVAX T

DECnet/Ethernet networking

with powerful MicroVAX systems is
an ideal option for customers who

want to link up departments or work
teams for enhanced information and
data sharing. When the need for compute power increases, it’s easy to tie

together two or more MicroVAX
processors—including the powerful

new MicroVAX 3500 and MicroVAX
3600 systems.

MicroVAX 11

Growing with new peripherals
and new system functionality is easy,
too. New devices, systems, and ser-

The industry’s leading 32-bit computer on a chip.

vices can be added—without disrupt-

Digital’s MicroVAX II supermicro delivers full 32-bit performance in

ing the network—through simple

applications ranging from office automation to realtime process control to

“plug-in” connections.

software development.

For VAX and MicroVAX systems,

Packing true VAX/VMS power in a compact desk-side design, the

DECnet software is available in

MicroVAX 11 is an ideal server system in a local area network or a local

“full-function” and “end-node”

area VAXcluster configuration.
And VMS’s comprehensive set of languages, utilities, and easy-to-use
development tools creates an extraordinarily rich environment for applications development.

versions.

Full-function DECnet includes
a routing capability that allows for

the transit of data destined for other

networks or other networked devices.

Full-function DECnet is required
whenever there is more than one

line between the system and the
network.
End-node DECnet is used when
there is only one line between the

node and the network, and there-

Cable

fore no need for routing capability.

Network Medium: RG58 ThinWire Ethernet Cabling

BC16M

ThinWire Ethernet Cable

H8225

ThinWire Ethernet Terminator

“WicroVix

MicroVAX 3500 and
MicroVAX 3600

3600

Powerful systems for demanding

departmental workloads.

(Required for any ThinWire network.

Order 2 Terminators for this configuration.)

With three times the processor speed of the MicroVAX II, the new
MicroVAX 3500 and 3600 systems are powerful enough to provide com-

Required Network Components for this Configuration

DELQA
BNE4C

DESTE

QL-DO4AN-AA

Ethernet Communications Controller
Transceiver Cable

Ethernet Station Adapter (includes T-connector)
DECnet-VAX Communications Sofrware—

Single-system End-node License for MicroVAX T

QL-D04AB-AA

DECnet-VAX Communications Software—

Single-system End-node License for MicroVAX 3600

plete computing support for a large work group or department in commercial or technical environments.
In addition, tightly coupled ECC memory and an advanced caching system speed application performance through reduced disk I/0 processing.
Large applications can reside entirely in the 32-Megabyte ECC memory of

the MicroVAX 3600.

Choose between the desk-height office enclosure of the MicroVAX 3500,
or the MicroVAX 3600 computer room/laboratory cabinet.

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

EXPANDING THE BA!

WITH TERMINAL S
A flexible, cost-saving expansion alternative.
Terminal servers provide a conve-

nient, cost-effective way to expand

ngfeh/er Cable.

Terminafor

your Ethernet local area network

) &\ Thin

and boost its performance and
flexibility.

PESTA

Terminal setvers linked via Thin-

Wire Ethernet enable terminal users
to access applications, programs,
and utilities on a MicroVAX host as
if they were wired directly to the
MicroVAX. Server software, including diagnostics, resides on the host
and is downline loaded when the
server is powered up.
Using terminal servers becomes
particularly advantageous in local
area networks with multiple host
systems. Terminal servers boost per-

‘

processing capacity, while increasing system availability by allowing
users to access alternative hosts in

| DELQA

| miorovAXT

formance through a load balancing
function that connects users to systems with the greatest available

~Z0W0re Eterner 4

DELRA
g

e"%
200

inator
firgia
5

\
R
-

DECserver 200

For simple efficient network expansion.

the event of system failure.

Available in two versions, Digital’s DECserver 200 gives you an easy way

Required Network Components

for Adding Terminal Servers

" DSRVB-AA

8 Tine DECserves 200 Tectminal Server

(includes software license)

BNE4C

Transceiver Cable

DESTA

Ethernet Station Adapter (includes T-connector)

BC16M

ThinWire Ethernet Cable

QA-VCBAA-H5

DECserver 200 Terminal Server

Media (TK50) and Documentation

to establish high-speed communications for up to eight terminals or print-

control signals where terminal users are located within the 50-foot RS-232

ers on an Ethernet LAN.

‘

signalling distance limitation. The DECserver 200/DL permits terminal
users to communicate at greater distances (up to 1,000 feet) and at higher
data speeds.

The DECserver 200/MC is designed for applications requiring modem

‘

[

DECserver 500
Offering the same simple, efficient network operation and expansion
capabilities of the DECserver 200, the DECserver 500 supports 16 times
the total number of device connections of the smaller device. Useful for
both extended LANs and large conventional LANs, the DECserver 500

supports the simultaneous operation of up to 128 terminals or printers.

Digital’s newest
video terminals:
VT320, VT330,
and VT340.

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

Integrating personal computing
The commitment to standards of
DNA and DECnet, and Ethernet’s
flexibility, help Digital networks
work well with personal computers

from other vendors.
Safeguard your investment in
existing desktop devices by integrating them into a multivendor DECnet
network. Digital’s DECnet-DOS
products allow MSTM-DOS-based
personal systems from such vendors

as IBM, COMPAQ® Zenith® and

area network configurations. Adding

in local area networks. DECnet-

systems to an Ethernet LAN yields

Olivetti® to participate as end nodes

a host of cost-saving, productivityboosting benefits:
— Compute-intensive tasks can be

nications, remote file access, and
network resource sharing.

In addition, this integration strategy allows the entire range of VAX
computer servers. With VAX/VMS

services for MS-DOS any VAX sys-

Bolal

diskless” or disk-based VAXstation

DOS supports task-to-task commu-

processors to be used as personal

Digital’s VAXstation series of
workstations comes standard with
a built-in ThinWire Ethernet Interface for easy connection to local

off-loaded to the host, allowing
BM Fersonal

computer

tem can support the sharing of appli-

VAXstation users consistently fast
and reliable workstation response.

— Low cost data storage.

- Updating, maintenance, backup,
and other system management
tasks are centralized and simplified.

Computte,

cations, data, and resources by the

mixed-vendor personal computers
of the network.
Now, customers can start their
network building process anywhere.
No matter what vendor or what system their current desktop computing
environment system is based upon,
the advantages of Digital networking are within their reach.

B¢ 1o
M ThinW)

Efhernet Cala </

Required Components for Connecting VAXstations

T Lonneclor

BC16M

Zenith

Fersonal,

Computer

ThinWire Ethernet Cable

H8225

ThinWire Ethernet Terminators

BNE4C

Transceiver Cable

DESTA

Ethernet Station Adapter (includes T-connector)

DECnet-VAX Communications Software—
Single-System End-Node License
(included as part of system)
*Diskless VAXstation systems require VAXcluster software. See page 14.

Required Components for this Configuration
DEPCA-KA

Network Services Package includes DEPCA-AA
ThinWire Ethernet communications controller,
ThinWire assembly kit, mouse, keyboard,
PCSA/PC Client single-use software license,

DECnet-DOS single-use software license

QBZF7-HI

PCSA/PC Client Software Distribution and
Documentation

QBZP3-HI

VAX/VMS Services for MS-DOS Distribution
and Documentation

BNE4C

Transceiver Cable

DESTA

Ethernet Station Adapter (includes T-connector)

" QLDO4AN-AA

DECnet-VAX Communications Software—
Single System License

VAXstation 3200 and
VAXstation 3500
Powerful new workstations with
built-in network hardware.
With up to four times the processing speed of previous VAXstations, the
VAXstation 3200 and VAXstation 3500 are ideal for mechanical and electri-

cal computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided
software engineering, artificial intelligence system development, financial
trading, and laboratory environments involving simulation and modeling.
Both new VAXstations incorporate an integral Ethernet Interface for easy
connection to a local area network or a VAXcluster system. The VAXstation
3500 also features a new system enclosure with enhanced resistance to
electrical noise and temperature extremes, for reliable performance in the
most demanding environments.

VAKstafion
2500

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

BUILDING BIGGER
BUILDING WITH VA Xcluster SYSTEMS

A framework for expansion.
called a Boot Member(s). Satellite systems also have shared access to all

With Digital networking, there’s almost no limit to growth . .. and since
all of our systems network with each other, there’s no reason to replace
equipment when needs change. Adding compute power, users, peripherals

languages, tools, and other layered products and applications maintained
on the Boot Member.

Software licensing requirements are key elements in any system implementation. Each member (processor) of a VAXcluster system must have a
separate license to use VMS and any VMS system integrated product. However, the software installation needs to be done only on each Boot Member's

—uwhenever and wherever they’re needed—is fast and easy. Companies with
installed Digital networks are the best customers for all kinds of Digital systems, because cost-effective growth strategies like VAXclusters let them
meet new needs as they develop.
When multiple users require a single VMS system environment,
Digital’s VAXcluster systems are an ideal alternative to conventional local
area networking.

system disk.

VMS
All VAX or MicroVAX systems in a VAXcluster environment must be
licensed to run VMS. For MicroVAX systems, user level licensing is available. This allows a more cost-effective solution by licensing a system for

VAXCcluster systems provide for:
— Centralized system management. On the VAXcluster system operations, performance, and security are easy to manage. System management tasks are accomplished from the Boot Member, relieving
Satellite Member users of this responsibility.

only the number of users desired.

DECnet

~ Cluster-wide data sharing. Authorized users can access any database
residing on any clustered member’s disk as if the disk were physically
connected to the user’s processor. In addition, clustered systems allow
record-level sharing among several users as if all users were executing
on the same VAX/VMS processor.
— Cluster-wide resource sharing. Batch and print queues may be set up
to include all system members.
- Open-ended growth and investment protection. As requirements
expand, new processors can be added to the systems as easily as new
disk, memory, or terminal connections. And, as a general rule, there’s
no need to rewrite existing applications to run in the VMS environment.

VAXcluster SYSTEMS IN A LOCAL AREA

DECnet on VMS systems is packaged with either a Full Function (F/F) or
End Node (E/N) capability. In a VAXcluster system all Member processors

olilalitlal1g

must be licensed to run DECnet, but only the Boot Member must have the
Full Function capability. Satellite Members require only End Node licenses.
An upgrade option is available for installed systems. This allows the
use of DECnet F/F for a VAX processor previously licensed to use the E/N
capability only. This license upgrade should be ordered only when you
wish to use a currently installed VAX system as a Boot Member.

VAXcluster Software
Each processor in the local area VAXcluster system must have a
license to run VAXcluster software.

Every installed MicroVAX system represents an opportunity to expand
to a dual-computer local area VAXcluster system. Moving up to a clustered
system increases computing power and gives more users system-wide access

VAX Workstation Software (VWS)

to common resources.

tem must be licensed to run VMS Workstation Software.

VAXcluster Systems link VAX and MicroVAX-based computers—includ-

ing the new MicroVAX 3500/3600 and VAXstation 3200/3500—to form a
single, closely coupled multi-computer system. This capability offers a costeffective way to transform isolated computing resources into an integrated
processing environment.

Up to 42 VMS systems can be connected in a VAXcluster configuration.
All Satellite Members boot from a VMS system disk(s) on a central system,

Any VAXGtation functioning as a Member of a local area VAXcluster sys-

Layered Products
Languages, tools, or other layered products have traditionally been

licensed to just those members (processors) that execute them. The recently
announced ClusterWide license has made it easier and more economical to
license the entire VAXcluster.

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

A POWERFUL SOLUTIO
IN ANY ENVIRONMEN
VAXcluster Systems
VAXcluster SYSTEM TO GROW A TIMESHARING ENVIRONMENT

g TnseEer (able

An existing MicroVAX II system can be expanded to meet growing needs
by adding a MicroVAX 3500 system. The new processor becomes the Boot
Member in a clustered system with the MicroVAX II as its satellite.

Terminator

[#oal

Ba oM ;’hinW/‘re,

&5]; ern?

MicroVAX 3500 Boot Member
DV-350T1-A2

}

Package includes VMS user License
and DECnet End Node License

QL-D09A0-AA

DECnet Full Function Upgrade License

QL-VBRAO-AA

VAXcluster Software License

| DESTA
B Transceiver
o

The existing MicroVAX 11 as a Satellite Member
QL-VBRAZ-AA

VAXCcluster Software License

The VAXCcluster system in this example supports up to a total of 36 users:
20 on the MicroVAX 3500,

[

Wicrolfy "

3500, M

and 16 on the MicroVAX II.

VAXcluster SYSTEM IN A WORKSTATION ENVIRONMENT
This cluster system is built by using a MicroVAX 3600 system as a Boot

Member connected to Digital’s VAXstation workstations running as satellites.

MicroVAX 3600 Boot Member
DV-360T1-A2

;

DELN]

Package includes VMS user License
and DECnet End Node License

QL-VBRAO-AA

VAXcluster Software License

QL-D09A0-AA

DECnet Full Function Upgrade License

QA-A96AA-H5

VMS Workstation Software media

VAXcluster Systems or
Local Area Networking
Both Local Area Networking and VAXcluster Systems provide state-ofthe-art distributed computing functionality.
In fact, a VAXcluster system can exist as a node in a local area network
configuration.

The following guidelines should help you decide which approach best

and documentation TK50

meets your needs.

VAXstation 3200 Satellite Members can be any of the following:
VS300-AA
VS305-AA

monochrome, 4-plane, diskless
color, 8-plane, diskless

VAXcluster software is the way to grow
VMS Systems. ..

VS310-AA

monochrome, 4-plane, RD54

VS315-AA

color, 8-plane, RD54

~ In a single system VMS environment
— When there is a need for transparent, record-level information sharing.

Each VAXstation 3200 package includes:
QL-001AC-BB

'VMS 1-2 user License

QL-D04A1-AA

DECnet End Node License

QL-VBRA1-AA

VAXcluster Software License

QL-A96A1-AA

VMS Workstation SW License

A Local Area Network is the way to grow
an entire installation. ..
- By integrating VMS, RSX, RSTS, ULTRIX, MS-DOS environments

Y station

|3 500

- By integrating IBM and MacIntoshTM systems

- In a distributed system environment.

See your sales representative for further details.

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

BUILDING
NETWORK POWER
A New Dimension—
The VAX 6200 Series

Network expansion with Digital’s new mid-range systems
EXTENDING
VAXcluster
PERFORMANCE

Digital’s Most Expandable System for Departmental
and Company-wide Computing
Digital’s new mid-range computing systems can expand dramatically
in power and memory as user’s needs expand—without increasing space

...with the power of
larger VAX systems.

requirements. The VAX 6200 Series are Digital’s new mid-range perform-

ance leaders, and the most expandable mid-range offering in the industry.
Processor performance ranges from three to twelve times the Micro-

VAXclusters can connect the

full range of VAX systems, from
the MicroVAX all the way up to the
mainframe-sized VAX 8800 Series.

VAX L. An efficient multiprocessor architecture and modular components

This is accomplished by simultaneously supporting both Ethernet cluster connections and the Computer
Interconnect (CI) used by large
VAX systems.
In this mixed VAXcluster environment, mid-range VAX systems can
serve as a bridge—allowing terminal
and workstation users to share many

Modularity also insures workload balance is maintained as the system is
upgraded—whether two, three, or four processors are used. And the VAX
6200s are built to connect easily to VAXclusters, to provide real large-

mean you can expand easily and economically within the same cabinet
whenever your needs grow.

system capacity.

If your applications require high system throughput, or if you want
extra performance to offload intensive computing tasks, the VAX 6200s
can deliver the power you need right now. No other mid-range series can
match their mix of performance and flexibility:

more resources, and to off-load their
most compute-intensive jobs.
The power potential of these

~ A broad performance range, with the top of the line system offering
almost four times the power of the entry-level system, in the same cabinet.
— Easy growth, with CPUs and memory that can be quickly inserted into

AN
i
A
T

the original cabinet.

VAXclusters is truly staggering:

- Efficient system throughput, with a combination of symmetric multiproc-

up to 42 systems can be supported,

essing, VAXBI buses, and a new high-speed system bus handling your

including up to 16 of the large CI

heaviest processing and I/0 demands with ease.

VAX systems. VAXclusters which
include larger VAX systems offer

hinW,re

a new range of benefits, as well:

\)\b

20 7 erhet Cadfe

- High Capacity—of the largest

VAX systems, working together.
— Continuous Data Access—through

6(5%/’1 Thin

shared redundant storage resources.
— High Availability—if one
BNEF
system fails, the others
TANsCever\
keep working, and loads
Coble SS—
are automatically transferred to the operating
cluster members.

ire E#‘Cmd g

Symmetric Multiprocessing
Further enhancing the performance and efficiency of Digital’s powerful

mid-range processors is the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) capabilities

of Version 5.0 of the VMS operating system. VAX multiprocessing can

easily be added to a VAXcluster system to provide additional
computing resources.

SMP improves overall system throughput by executing
several operating system processes simultaneously. This new
form of tightly coupled multiprocessing is transparent to the

user. Flexible pricing for layered software products applies

to all SMP configuratrions.

Hl‘lllllll

It
W,

Zewn

Cable
)

Iy i
nnuu{:n't’n)f lf\l\lt
i

BRE Fransceiver

Ethernet

erfef?ao A =

ThinWire

Rs232 (ables

{

9 MicroVAXT

DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING SOLUTIONS

BUILDING FOR
RS
R EU

[ %é%nhfi"m

s AYEKS Oession

Start with Digital Local Area Networks, and the sky’s the limit ...
The power of the VAX, the speed of Ethernet, and the flexibility of

DECnet are technologies that can work for you. Huge installations with

hundreds, even thousands of users have been developed using LAN and
VAXCcluster technology at a single site.

Still, standard Ethernet cabling has a length limitation of a little more
than a quarter of a mile. Today, many businesses are facing the requirement for effective networking of two or more installations, geographically

separated.

When you need networking power that isn’t constrained by the limitations of immediate proximity, virtually unlimited growth and configuration

flexibility is possible:

- Add terminal servers, peripherals, repeaters and transceivers to connect
a virtually unlimited number of users.
— Build larger networks by including repeaters, bridges, and routers.

ETHERNET REPEATERS

Transport: 2 B,

DEMPR ThinWire Ethernet Multiport Repeater
Providing ports for connection of eight ThinWire Ethernet segments

and one standard segment, the DEMPR can be used as a standalone device
in ThinWire environments or connected globally to standard Ethernet.

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DERERP Ethernet Repeater

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Extends the effective range of Ethernet-based local area networks to
more than a mile and a half. The DEREP is available in two models: the
Local Ethernet Repeater, with a range of 100 meters (328 feet) between
cable segments, and the Remote Ethernet Repeater, with a range of 1,000
meters (3,280 feet) between segments. Up to three Ethernet “thickwire”

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segments can be connected in a series.

LAN BRIDGES
.

LAN

BRIDGE
100

These devices also transparently connect two or more Ethernet LANs,
but are more sophisticated than a repeater. The LAN Bridge 100 permits
greater expansion in the physical limits of Ethernet, including geographical
extent, number of stations, and aggregate bandwidth.
Utilizing a Store and Forward feature to receive, regenerate and transmit packets of data, these bridges permit users to build extended LANs
several times larger than previous Ethernet guidelines permitted. Up to 8
Ethernets may be interconnected in series, to create an extended LAN that
spans distances of over 12 miles.

On such an extended local area network, the LAN Bridge 100 could
handle more than 8,000 node addresses, while delivering full 10Mbs
throughput across the network.

DEREP

Only data destined to different LANs passes through the bridge and
continues on to the appropriate remote destination. Thus, while the bridge
is transparent to the nodes communicating through it, the LAN Bridge 100
improves Ethernet performance by reducing traffic between LANs.

Standard Bridge
LANS up to 100 meters (328 feet) apart can be linked using this inter-

face between two transceiver drop cables.

These devices are designed to retime, amplify, and relay all signals
received from one Ethernet cable segment before passing them on to
another. A repeater enables the connected segments to function as if

they were one cable.

Fiber Optic Bridge
Two of this option can bridge two LANS separated by distances of up to
1,000 meters (3,280 feet), each connecting one transceiver drop cable with

a fiber optic link.

DESPR ThinWire Ethernet Singleport Repeater

METROWAVE Bridge

This repeater connects a single ThinWire segment to a standard Ethernet
segment. The ThinWire segment can be up to 185 meters in length and
can accommodate connection of up to 29 stations.

The METROWAVE Bridge uses microwave technology to connect geographically separated Ethernet local area networks within a metropolitan
or campus environment in which cable cannot be economically strung
or leased.

METROWAVE connects two Ethernet LANSs separated by such obstacles as streets, highways, and waterways. The bridge provides high-speed

transmission via a wideband frequency modulated microwave link, over
line-of-sight distances of up to 4.5 miles.

For More Information. ..

DECnet ROUTERS
DECnet Routers permit great flexibility in configuring a network. A net-

work can start with two nodes on an Ethernet and be expanded to a wide
area network, with systems distributed in different cities across the country

and even in other countries or continents.

DECnet Routers should be considered to connect LANs into wide area
networks. Routers are required on an Ethernet for communications with
systems off the Ethernet.

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DIGITAL’S STRATEGIC
NETWORKING VISION
A framework for the future. ..
In the future, the recently announced DECnet Phase V will provide even

Networking is the future of computing.
And Digital has it NOW.
Contact your sales representative for detailed information on opportunities with Digital’s local area networks and VAXcluster systems.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: the Digital logo, CI, Cluster\Wide,
DECeonnect, DECnet, DECrouter, DECserver, DELNI, DEMPR, DESTA, LN03, MictoVAX,
MicroVMS, Q-bus, RSX, RT, RX02 et al, ThinWire, ULTRIX, VAX, VAXBI, VAXcluster, VAXstation,

VAX/VMS, VMS, VT.

COMPAQ is a registered trademark of COMPAQ Computer Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
Maclntosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

greater connectivity, compatibility, ease-of-use, and comprehensive manage-

MS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

ment functionality. As the DECnet Phase V product set is fully developed
over the next three to five years, Digital networking will become fully inte-

Ollivetti s a registered trademark of Olivetti US.A, Tnc.

grated with the OSI model.

Zenith is a registered trademark of Zenith Electronics Corporation.
Digital believes the information in this publication is accurate as of ts publication date; such information is subject to change without notice. Digital is not responsible for any inadvertent errors.

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