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AA-HL77A-TK

May 1986

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Document:	DECserver 200 Users Guide Jul86
Order Number:	AA-HL77A-TK
Revision:	0
Pages:	42
Original Filename:	AA-HL77A-TK_DECserver_200_Users_Guide_Jul86.pdf

OCR Text

DECserver 200
User's Guide
Order No. AA-HL77A-TK

July 1986
This guide describes all DECserver 200 commands available to the
non privileged user. These commands are summarized on the
DECserver 200 User's Reference Card. Privileged users should refer to
the Termina/ Server Commands and Messages Guide and to the
DECserver 200 Management Guide.
NOTE: If your port is assigned to use just one service, you do not need a
reference guide.

Supersession/Update Information:

This is a new manual.

Software Version:

DECserver 200 V1.0

AA-HL77A-TK
First Printing, July 1986

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed
as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may only be used or
copied in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is not supplied
by Digital or its affiliated companies.
Copyright © 1986 by Digital Equipment Corporation
The postage-prepaid Reader's Comments form on the last page of this document requests the
user's critical evaluation to assist us in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEC
DECconnect
DECmate
DECnet
DECserverDECUS
DECwriter
DIBOL

mamaoma

LA50 (LA 100, et al.)
LN01 (LN03, et al.)
LQP02 (LQP03, et al.)

MASSBUS
MicroPDP-11
Micro/RSX
MicroVAX
MicroVMS
PDP
P/OS
Professional
Rainbow
RSTS
RSX
RSX-11 M-PLUS
RT

ThinWire
TOPS-10
TOPS-20
ULTRIX-32
ULTRIX-32m
UNIBUS
VAX
VAXcluster
VAXNMS
VMS
VT
Work Processor

This manual was typeset by Networks and Communications Publications

STRUCTURE OF THIS GUIDE

The sections of this guide and their contents are summarized below:
INTRODUCTION - Describes server use in a network environment, defines terms
used in this guide, provides guidelines for entering server commands, and describes
server messages.
GETTING STARTED - Describes how to log in to and log out of the server, how to
begin and end sessions with a service, and how to display on-line help documentation.
MULTIPLE SESSIONS - Explains how to create several sessions on one port and how
to switch between them.
CONNECTING TO SPECIFIC NODES AND PORTS - Explains use of the CONNECT
command to establish sessions with services on specific nodes and ports.
DISPLAYING INFORMATION - Explains use of SHOW and LIST commands to display
information about the server, ports, service nodes, network services, sessions, users,
and queue entries.
TESTING YOUR PORT - Explains use of the TEST command to test your terminal and
port connection.
LOCKING YOUR TERMINAL - Explains use of the LOCK command to protect existing sessions from other users.
BROADCASTING A MESSAGE - Explains use of the BROADCAST command to send
a message to another port.
FILE TRANSFER - Explains how to transfer files between your PC (personal computer) and a service.
SPECIFYING PORT CHARACTERISTICS - Explains use of SET and DEFINE commands to modify both permanent and operational port characteristics. Includes information on setting switch characters, specifying automatic connection to a preferred
service, controlling message reception, setting your port's physical characteristics to
match those of the attached terminal, and modifying other characteristics.
COMMAND SUMMARY - Lists all DEC server 200 nonprivileged user commands and
user-definable port characteristics. Includes page references to command descriptions
within the User's Guide.

GRAPHICS CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS GUIDE
Convention

Meaning

Monospaced type

Indicates an example of system output or user input. System
output is in black type; user input is in red.

UPPERCASE

In command lines, indicates keywords to be entered. You can
type the characters in either uppercase or lowercase. Command keywords can be abbreviated to the smallest number of
characters that distinguishes the keyword to the server.

italics

Indicates a variable.

{ }

Indicates that you must specify one of the enclosed values. (Do
not type the braces.)

[ ]

Indicates that the enclosed value(s) are optional. You may
enter one or none. If you enter nothing, default values are
applied. (Do not type the brackets.)

BOLD

In port characteristic syntax, indicates Digital factory-set
defaults.
Indicates commands and options that cannot be used on secure
ports (see Section 1.3).
Indicates that you press the specified key.
Indicates that you should hold the CONTROL key down and
press the key specified by x. Pressing (CTRL) displays the character.
A

Indicates related commands or options, for example,
SET IDEFINE.
Sample syntax statement:
, [CHARACTERISTICS]
COUNTERS
STATUS
SUMMARY

For this command, you must specify either SHOW or LIST and the keyword PORTS.
The shading indicates that nonsecure users can further qualify PORTS with a port number or with the keyword ALL or ACCESS. If you specify ACCESS, you must also include
either LOCAL, DYNAMIC, REMOTE, or NONE. All users can specify one or none of the
four display formats shown in the last set of brackets. Defaults are applied for unspecified options. Read the command descriptions for any restrictions; for example, in this
command, you cannot specify COUNTERS or STATUS with LIST PORTS.
2

INTRODUCTION

The DECserver 200 terminal server is a component of a local area network that is used
to connect devices such as terminals, printers, modems, and computers to the network. Each device is attached to the server at a connection called a port; each server
has eight ports. The server manager can define characteristics for each port to control
the operation of the device attached to a port. The server manager can set up a port
either to offer a device as a service on the server or to connect a terminal to such services.
A service provides terminal users with one or more resources (such as access to a computer system, to file storage, or to modems). On a local area network, there are a number of services that can be offered by systems that are attached directly to the network
or to a server. As the user of a terminal attached to the DEC server 200, you can select
from all the available services and establish simultaneous connections to one or more
services.

1.1

Terminal Server Concepts

Some of the basic concepts of terminal server operation are described below:

Local mode is the environment in which you interact directly with the server. You
enter local mode when you log in to the local server. You leave local mode whenever
you connect to a service, but you can return to local mode at any time.
Service mode is the environment in which you interact with a service on the network
to use its facilities. This is the most frequently used environment of the server.
A service node is a device on the local area network, usually a computer system or a
terminal server, that offers services to terminal users on servers.
A session is a connection through the server between your terminal and a service. You
can move between several concurrent sessions, although you can use only one session
at a time - your current session. When you return to local mode, your last session is
suspended; however, that session is considered your current session until you enter or
create another session.

1.2 The Relationship of Service Nodes and Services
Each service is defined by a server manager. A single service can be offered by more
than one service node, and a single service node can offer more than one service. You
can use the basic CONNECT command to connect to any of these services.
To understand the relationship between,a service node and the services it offers, consider aset of VAX/VMS computers that can operate separately or as part of an interconnected group of computers called a VAXcluster. You can connect to a specific
VAXNMS system in the cluster by specifying its name (for example, VMS 1), or you can
connect to the cluster in general, in which case the server automatically connects you
to the least busy VAX/VMS system on the cluster.
3

A terminal server can maintain its ability to establish sessions for its terminals while
also acting as a service node that offers one or more services. Each service includes at
least one device that is attached to a server port, such as a multiuser computer, a
printer, a personal computer (PC), or a dial-out modem. When the device is a PC or a
keyboard printer, it can alternate on demand between being available as a named or
unnamed service and acting as a terminal to establish sessions with services.

1.3

Guidelines for Entering Server Commands

This guide describes the full set of commands available to the nonprivileged user of a
terminal on the DECserver 200.
All terminals on server ports have access to a basic group of commands that permit terminal users to establish and to manage connections to services. The server manager can
set some ports to access a subset of the full nonprivileged command set. These ports are
called secure ports. Commands that are not supported on secure ports are shaded in
this guide to flag their restricted use.
Guidelines for entering server commands are summarized below:
•

You can enter up to 132 characters in a command line.

•

You can continue a command line onto a second terminal display line, provided
you do not press (RET I at the end of the first display line.

•

You can abbreviate command keywords to the smallest number of characters that
distinguishes the keyword to the server.

•

You cannot type ahead in local mode. If you type ahead while the server is sending
local-mode output to the terminal, your input characters are ignored. You can
interrupt local-mode output by pressing ( BREAK I.

•

You can use the following special keys when entering commands:

Key
(DEL I

Function
Deletes the last character entered in the current command line.

Deletes the entire current command line.
Operates like (CTRUU I except when entered in response to a password
prompt or a password verification prompt. In these cases, it cancels the
password processing and causes the server to return to local mode. Exception: [CTRUZ I will not unlock a locked terminal (see Section 7).
Retypes the current command line (useful after using (DELI on a hard-copy
terminal).
Executes the current command line.
If you make an error in a command line, the server rejects the entire command line and

issues an error message.

1.4 Server Messages
The server can issue three types of messages:
•

Informational messages occur as a result of events within the server or on the network. They include port-to-port broadcasts, verification when starting or resuming a session, and disconnect messages.

•

Warning messages are issued when you enter a valid command that is executed
by the server, but that may not have the desired effect. For example, if you try to
use the FORWARDS command to resume a second session when only one session
exists, the server reconnects you with the current session and issues a warning
message.

•

Error messages report problems that prevent the server from executing the command. There can be a problem with the command itself (such as an invalid parameter) or there can be server or network problems (for example, failure to make a connection).

Server messages are self-explanatory and are not listed in this guide.

2
2.1

GETTING STARTED
Logging in to DECserver 200

Press CBrn several times until you get a response from the server. If your server manager
has enabled log-in password protection on your port, DECserver 200 will prompt with
a pound sign (#). You must then enter the log-in password assigned by your server manager and press CBrn. (For security, the password is not displayed.)
If you enter the password correctly, the server displays a log-in message and issues a
prompt. If a user name has been permanently defined for your port, the local prompt

(Local> ) is issued, and you can begin to enter server commands. If no user name has
been defined for the port, the server prompts for one (Enter username». There are
several valid responses to this prompt: you can enter a 1- to 16-character name that you
wish to use to identify yourself to other users on the server, you can enter ~ to
assign the port name as your user name, or you can enter HELP to display tutorial information on how to use the server and its facilities (see Section 2.2).

m:r:O

DECserver 200 Terminal Server Vl.O (BL20) - LAT VS.l
Please type HELP if you need assistance
En t e r use r name>

Le s Da v i 8 S

~IJ

Local>

The local prompt indicates that you are logged in to the server in local mode.
If you are connected to the server through a dial-in modem, you have only 60 seconds
to respond to a log-in password prompt. If you fail to enter the correct password dur-

ing this period, the server disconnects the modem.
NOTE

Command examples hereafter do not show CBrn at the ends of command lines. You must enter mID to execute a command.

2.2

Accessing On-line Help Documentation

There are two kinds of on-line documentation: command reference help and tutorial
help.
To obtain tutorial information, enter HELP in response to the user name prompt (Enter
username» or enter HELP TUTORIAL in response to the local prompt (Local».
Local>
-,:
The server responds with a series of screens of tutorial information. At the end of each
screen, you can enter (RET) to pass to the next screen or you can enter? to start again
with the first screen. Press (CTRLlZ) at any time to exit from help. If you later reenter
tutorial help, the server begins with the first screen.

To access on-line reference information for the DECserver 200 commands described in
this guide, enter HELP in response to the local prompt.
The server responds with a list of command keywords for which information is available and prompts again.
Topic?

When you enter a command keyword from the list (for example, SET), the server gives
you a brief description of the function performed by the command keyword and lists
any subtopics associated with it. The server then prompts you for a subtopic. For
example,
SET Subtop i c?

f)(Hrr

In response to this entry, the server lists all SET PORT options and prompts again for a
subtopic. If you already know which option you want help for, you can skip these
intermediate steps by requesting specific help information at the local prompt. For
example, to access information about specifying flow control, you can enter this command:
Local>

To redisplay the options that you can enter in response to a prompt for a topic or subtopic, enter a question mark (?) at that prompt. To move to the previous help prompt,
press ce:m at any prompt. To exit from help, enter ~.
NOTE

Help information employs the graphics conventions [ ] and { }
(described at the front of this guide) to indicate command usage. Do
NOT enter these graphics characters in your command lines.

2.3

Establishing a Session with a Service

To find the names of all the services available to you, enter the SHOW SERVICES command (see Section 5). To initiate a session, enter the CONNECT command with the
name of the service you want (for example, SALES).
Local>

Some services may prompt you for a password. You must enter the password established by the server manager before the session can be established. To preserve security, the password is not echoed on your terminal when you type it.
Passwo rd> /i{i3Slf'Oyd
If you fail to enter the correct password, the server may prompt you for it again. Reen-

ter the password or enter ~ to return to the local prompt.

Once your connection is established, you remain in service mode until you log out
from the service or until you switch to local mode while maintaining your service session. If the service terminates the session, a message is displayed and your terminal
returns to local mode (see the exception described in Section 2.8).

2.4

Returning to Local Mode from Service Mode

To return to local mode without ending your session, press ~ or use a local switch
character (see Section 10.1).
ATTENTION: DIAL-IN MODEM USERS

Check with your server manager to see whether you are connected to
the server by a dial-in modem that interprets ~ as a command to
end the dial-in connection to the server. If so, your server manager can
suggest a local switch character to use in place of ( BREAK) when you
want to return to local mode. You can find the LOCAL SWITCH character in the characteristics display produced by the SHOW PORT command (see Section 5).

2.5

Resuming Your Current Session from Local Mode

To resume your current session, enter RESUME.
Loca I> i'{ESUME
When you reenter a session, the server announces the service name and the session
number (unless you have disabled VERIFICATION on your port - see Section 10.6).

2.6

Ending a Session

To end the current session while in local mode, enter DISCONNECT.
Local> ISCONNECT
Some services permit you to log out from the service node while in service mode. This
also ends the current session and returns you to local mode.

2.7

Logging Out of the Terminal Server

To log out from the server, enter the LOGOUT command.
Local> lOGOUT
LOGOUT disconnects all your existing sessions. If the line between your terminal and
the server port is controlled by a modem, the server forces the modem to disconnect
the phone when you log out.

2.8

Automatic Failover

DECserver 200 provides a failure-recovery function, called automatic failover, that
takes over if your current session is disrupted because the service node fails. Automatic
failover responds if the service you are using is offered by two or more service nodes
(as with a VAXcluster service). Automatic failover attempts to connect you to the same
service on an alternative service node. When automatic failover is successful, you may
receive the log-in prompt of another service node.
If failover is unsuccessful or if the service is offered on only one node, and if the

AUTOCONNECT characteristic is ENABLED on your port (see Section 10.3), the server
continues to attempt to reconnect your service.
You can interrupt fail over recovery attempts or the autoconnect function by pressing
I BREAK) to return to local mode.

MULTIPLE SESSIONS

You can have more than one session in progress at a time. You can have sessions with
different services and multiple sessions with one service. However, you can use only
one session at a time.
The number of sessions that your port can support at one time is determined by the
server manager. If you try to exceed your session limit, the server displays an error
message, and you must disconnect a session before you can create a new one.

3.1

E~tablishing Additional Sessions

To establish another session, return to local mode by pressing ( BREAK) or by using a local
switch character. Then enter another CONNECT command with the name of the service you want (for example, MICRO).
Local>

3.2

!Vi JeRe:

Resuming Noncurrent Sessions from Local Mode

Each session on your port has a unique session number. To display your session list,
enter SHOW SESSIONS.
Loca I>

SHCl\hf SESS row:;

Port 8: Les Davies
- Session 1: Connected
- Session 2: Connected
- Session 3: Connected
- Session 4: Connected

Local Mode
Interactive
Interactive
Passa I I
Interactive

Current Session 3
SALES (VMS2)
VMS2
MICRO
VMS2

Your current session (the last one used) is noted at the top. The name of the service
node is shown in parentheses after the service name if the names are different.
In the sample list above, Passall means that the session was set to ignore switch and
control characters (see Section 9.1). Interactive means that these special characters are
interpreted normally.
You can return to any session from local mode. To return to your current session, enter
RESUME. To return to a specific session, enter RESUME SESSION and specify the session number.
Local>

To return to the session following the current one in the list, enter FORWARDS. To
return to the session preceding the current one, enter BACKWARDS.
Local>
Local>

In the previous example, where 3 is the current session, FORWARDS would take you to
session 4 and BACKWARDS would resume session 2. When the current session is last
on the list, FORWARDS resumes the session at the top of the list. Likewise, when the
current session is at the top of the list, BACKWARDS resumes the session at the bottom.
10

3.3

Switching Sessions While in Service Mode

You can switch sessions while in service mode (without returning to local mode) by
using forward and backward switch characters, which move you through sessions in
the same order as the FORWARDS and the BACKWARDS commands. (See Section 10.1
for information on setting switch characters.)
NOTE
Switch characters are ignored if your session is set to PASSALL or to
PASTHRU mode (see Section 9.1).

3.4

Disconnecting Noncurrent Sessions

You can disconnect any session from local mode. To end your current session (the last
one you used), enter DISCONNECT. To end another session, enter DISCONNECT SESSION and specify the session number.
To end all your sessions, enter DISCONNECT ALL.
Local>

CONNECTING TO SPECIFIC NODES AND PORTS

Use the CONNECT command to connect to a service at a specified service node and/or
port. For example, a service named MICRO might include a number of PCs on several
servers. You can connect to a particular PC by specifying the service node and/or port
of the PC in a CONNECT command.
The full command syntax is described below, followed by several examples.
CONNECT [service-name

[NODE

node-name]

[DESTINATION port-name]]

service-name

Specifies the service to which you wish to connect. You must
specify a service name unless you want to connect to your preferred service (see Section 10.3).

NODE

Specifies a node offering the service to which you wish to connect. Use SHOW SERVICE service-name (see Section 5) to display the nodes offering the specified service or ask your server
manager. If you omit NODE, but specify DESTINATION, the
server connects you to a port on the local server. If you omit
both, the server connects you with a port on the highest-rated
node offering the service.

node-name

DESTINATION
port-name

Specifies a particular port to which you wish to connect (see
your server manager for port names). If you do not specify a
node name, you are connected to the port offering this service
on the local server. If you omit this parameter, you are connected to the first available port.

When you use a NODE or a DESTINATION option, the node or port must offer the
specified service and be currently available.
Protected services, such as those that offer dial-out modems, may require you to enter a
password before the connection is allowed.
When a connection is completed, you receive the log-in prompt of the service (if it
issues one). If a connection is not completed, the server returns an explanatory message.
NOTE

When you specify NODE or DESTINATION, the resulting session cannot be automatically failed over. However, if AUTOCONNECT is
ENABLED (see Section 10.3), the server will attempt to reconnect your
session.

Examples:

Loca I > :jJNI\Jf.:CT

Connects you to your preferred service (see Section 10.3).

Connects you to the service MICRO on a free port on the highest-rated node offering
the service.

Local>

Requests a connection to service MICRO at any port on service node SERVER2.
Local> ,,'

Requests a connection to service MICRO at port MICRO_7 on the local server.

Local>

Requests a connection to service MICRO on node SERVER3 at port MICRO_I.

DISPLAYING INFORMATION

DECserver 200 stores characteristics and status information that you can display by
using SHOW and LIST commands.
•

SHOW commands display information from the current, operational database,
which reflects any changes that you've made using SET commands. These displays
also include current status information.

•

LIST commands display information from the permanent database, as defined by
the server manager or modified by your DEFINE PORT commands (see Section 10).

Depending on the entity for which you wish to display information, you can select one
of several different display types, each of which contains different information.
•

CHARACTERISTICS - Displays all definable characteristics of the specified entity.

•

COUNTERS - Displays current counter values for the specified entity. Counter
information is useful for evaluating network and server performance. (Ask your
server manager for details.)

•

STATUS - Displays detailed information about the specified entity.

•

SUMMARY - Provides a one-line summary for the specified entity, including
name, status, and ID.

The following pages list all nonprivileged display commands alphabetically by the
entity being displayed. Command descriptions employ the graphics conventions
described on page 2.

SHOW

NODES -

SHOW NODES

Displays selected information about network service nodes.

[nOde-name]
[COUNTERS]
ALL
STATUS
SUMMARY

SHOW NODES

Displays information about reachable nodes (whether or not they
are connected) and about nodes whose availability is unknown to
the server.

node-name

Displays information for the specified node only.

ALL

Displays information for both reachable and unreachable nodes and
for nodes whose availability is unknown. Unreachable nodes are
nodes with which communication has been lost or nodes that have
notified the server that they cannot currently be reached.

COUNTERS

Displays current counter values for the specified node(s).

STATUS

Displays full information about the specified node(s), including
name, address, ID, groups, services, and more. This is the default
display when you specify a node name.

SUMMARY

Displays one-line summary information for the specified node(s),
including node name, status, and ID. This is the default display
when you do not specify a node name.

SHOWILiST PORTS - Displays selected port information.
rSHOW] PORTS
lUST

port-number

CHARACTERISTICS]
COUNTERS
STATUS
[
SUMMARY

ALL
ACCESS [LOCAL
]
DYNAMIC
REMOTE
NONE

SHOW PORT

Displays operational information about the port(s).

LIST PORT

Displays permanent information about the port(s). You can
LIST only CHARACTERISTICS and SUMMARY information.

port-number

Displays information about the specified port only. If omitted,
information is displayed for your port.

ALL

Displays information about all ports on the server.

ACCESS

Displays information about all ports having the type of access
you specify.
LOCAL
DYNAMIC
REMOTE
NONE

Normal local connection access.
Remote or local connection access.
Remote connection access only.
No access.

CHARACTERISTICS

Displays definable characteristics for the specified port(s)
(default for single port display).

COUNTERS

Displays current counter values for the specified port(s) (valid
for SHOW only).

STATUS

Displays full connection and session information for the specified port(s) (valid for SHOW only).

SUMMARY

Displays one-line summary information for the specified
port(s), including port number, accessibility, status, and local
services (default for ALL and ACCESS).

•·•. .• •

:,~~C),,'t;~u,~~~ ,'~ I?is,t>I~fs~~f9rm#iol1~b,Qutent~iesin·th~. s~,~er,'<lu,eriei 'In¢I~(jiIlgl; ,I>

quelle,p :·:Ot;l·;,~ntry.tn"set'YiCZ~·'latn.~,a~l(fP~tt,:na.m¢.

.'.

~~Q\VQ~~['At,t(':i>;!;]'.•'." •.'•.•"."
.<

.....• ,

..; , ' .

......

.N()I>nn°tlfJ-name.> "',' ' '

. " . ·.• P(J{{~p.ort-numlJer .....
.. SE~VICEservice~name

Displays It;lformation for <all qu¢ueentries otftbe server
(default)~

NODEnode-name .

Displays' infonnationfor. all queued connection requests '. from
the specified node.
'
'

PORT

Displaysinfoi"madon for aU queued. c6nnectionrequests that
can be served by the specified local port.

port-number

SERVICE

Displays infonnation· for all queue entries for the specified
locaJ service ..

service-name
,

SHOWILISTSERVER -Displays selected information about the server.

m~~WJ SERVERU~iisERIsncS]
CHARACTERIS·TICSjSt~e.defaultdisPlaYtyp~ .• C6UNTERSandSJATlJSarevalidwit6

. si:lOW.only.

SHOW/LIST SERVICES - Displays selected information about network services.
SHOW SERVICES

[SerViCe-name] [CHARACTERISTICS]
LOCAL
ALL

LIST SERVICES

STATUS
SUMMARY

[SerVice-name] [CHARACTERISTICS]
LOCAL

SHOW SERVICES

Displays current information for network services currently
available to your port.

LIST SERVICES

Displays permanent characteristics of local services available
to your port.

service-name

Displays information for the specified service only.

LOCAL

Displays information for all services on the local server (available and unavailable).

ALL

Displays information for all services in the network that are
authorized for your port (available and unavailable).
16

CHARACTERISTICS

Displays definable characteristics for the specified local service(s), including name, ID, ports, rating, and more. For
remote services, only the name and the ID are displayed.

STATUS

Displays information about the specified service(s), including
node names and their status, rating, and ID (default for SHOW
with service-name). The service rating number shown for each
node reflects that service node's capacity to accept new sessions for the specified service (a higher number indicates a
higher capacity).

SUMMARY

Displays one-line summary information for the specified service(s), including name, status, and ID (default for SHOW without service-name).

SHOW SESSIONS - Identifies the specified port(s) by number and by user name
and displays information about active sessions on the port, including session number,
service, and data transparency mode (see Section 9.1).
SHOW SESSIONS[~itTP()rt,.number]

SHOW SESSIONS

Displays sessions for your port.

PORT

Displays se~sions for,the specified port.

port-number

ALL

. Displaysse~sions for all ports.

SHOW USERS.-,- Displays port number, user name, port status, and service. name of
the' current session forallportslogged in to the server;
SHOW USERS

TESTING YOUR PORT

You can test your port by using the TEST PORT command to request the server to send
a stream of characters to your terminal. Look for irregularities in the repeating ASCII
pattern to detect problems with your terminal or its connection to the server. Press any
key to stop the display.
TEST [PORT] [COUNT n] [WIDTH n]
COUNT n

Specifies the number of test lines to be sent (default: a continuous display).

WIDTH n

Specifies the number of characters per line (range: 1 to 132; default: 72).

LOCKING YOUR TERMINAL

If you must leave your terminal temporarily unattended, you can protect existing ses-

sions from other users by using the LOCK command.
Loca I> LOCf\

If LOCK is not enabled on your server, you will get an error message.
If LOCK is enabled on your server, the server prompts you for a lock password. After

you enter a I-to 6-character password (which is not displayed on your terminal), the
server asks you to enter it again for verification.
Lock Passwo rd> password
Ve r if i cat i on>
password

(not echoed)
(not echoed)

If your password entries do not match, the server issues an error message and returns to
the local prompt. If your entries do match, the server displays a message followed by a

prompt (Unlock Password». Your terminal remains locked until you enter the same
password again, returning you to local mode.
Loca I -019- Po rt n locked
Un lock Password> !JtJ,c;sword
Local>

(not echoed)

If you forget your unlock password, ask your server manager to log out your port.

8 . BROADCASTING A MESSAGE
Ifthe server manager permits broadcasting and your port is not a secure port, you can
use the BROADCAST command to send a message to another port on the server. Use
. the SHOW USERS command to display names and port numbers of server users.
You can set your port to not receive BROADCAST messages (see BROADCAST DIS~
ABLED in Section 10.6).
BROADCAST PORT port-number "message-text"

port-number

Specifies the number of the port to receive the message.

message·text

Specifies the text of the message (up to 115 characters). If you
do not enclose your text within quotation marks, the message
is transmitted in all uppercase.

FILE TRANSFER

You can transfer files from a PC on your server to another PC or host system on the network.

9.1

Setting Session Characteristics

During a session, the server normally intercepts your switch characters (see Section
10.1) and flow-control characters. You can use the SET SESSION command to prohibit
the server from intercepting such characters during a file transfer.
Only your current session is affected by the SET SESSION command. (Be sure to switch
into and out of the session involved in the file transfer just before you issue the command in local mode.) The mode setting remains in effect until you change it again or
until you disconnect the session.
NOTE
If your interactive device is connected to a LAT service node that sup-

ports the LAT V5.1 protocol, session mode changes may be handled
automatically by the file transfer utility from the service node.
SET SESSION [INTERACTIVE]
PASSALL
PASTHRU

INTERACTIVE

Causes the server to recognize all switch and flow control characters. Use INTERACTIVE as your normal session mode.

PASSALL

Causes the server to ignore all switch and flow control characters. Use PASSALL for all binary file transfers.

PASTHRU

Causes the server to ignore switch characters but to recognize
flow control characters. Use PASTHRU for ASCII file transfers.

9.2

Tips for Successful File Transfers

When performing file transfers from one PC (personal computer) to another PC that is
connected to a server, take the following steps to avoid possible problems.
Check Access to the Target PC

The following conditions must exist on the target PC in order for a connection to be
made:
•

The PC must be offered as a service.

•

The server port of the PC must have access set to DYNAMIC or to REMOTE.

•

If the PC has DYNAMIC access, it must be logged out of the server.

If any of these conditions are not met, ask your server manager for help.

Check Speed, Parity, and Character Size Settings

Your port transmission speed, parity, and character size settings must match those of
the pc.
File transfer programs for some PCs may use defaults for parity and/or character size
that differ from the values used when the pc is in terminal emulation mode. In such
cases, you must either change the default values to match those of your port, or you
must set your port characteristics to match the defaults (see Section 10.5).
Disable Interrupts

Ask your server manager to disable interrupts on the server port of a target PC to prevent interruptions that may occur if someone presses (BREAK) on the target PC's keyboard.
Monitor Overrun Errors

Before and after a file transfer involving a PC, use the SHOW PORT COUNTERS command from the PC to display the number of overrun errors. Overrun errors may occur
when the SET SESSION command disables flow control. An increase in the number of
overrun errors during a transfer indicates the loss of one or more bytes of data.
If you experience excessive overruns, you can reduce the speed of the server port and

the terminal (see Section 10.5). For example, speeds of 4800 BPS and under are less
likely to create overruns.

9.3

File Transfer Procedure

The file transfer procedure is outlined below.
1.

Enter a CONNECT command to establish a session with the PC (see Section 4).

Use your local switch character (see Section 10.1) to switch to local mode. Enter
the appropriate SET SESSION command to prepare for either a binary or an ASCII
file transfer.

Initiate your PC's file transfer utility with the appropriate PC command.

4. Use the RESUME command to return to your session with the PC, then execute the
file transfer.
5.

When you complete the file transfer, enter local mode and type SET SESSION
INTERACTIVE. Then continue the session with the PC or perform other tasks.

SPECIFYING PORT CHARACTERISTICS

You can change many of the operating characteristics for your port to modify the
port's interaction with the server and the service nodes.
There are two sets of operating characteristics: permanent and operational. When
you log in, the set of operational characteristics is a duplicate of the permanent characteristics. However, using the SET or the DEFINE PORT commands, you can change
some of these characteristics.
•

Use the SET PORT command to change operational characteristics for the current
session(s). These changes remain in effect until you change them again or until you
log out of your port.

•

Use the DEFINE PORT command to change permanent characteristics. These are
stored by the server and become effective the next time you log into your port.
They remain in effect for all future sessions until you change them again with
another DEFINE PORT command.

] [PORT] characteristic [characteristic(sj]
SET
[ DEFINE

You can specify multiple characteristics separated by spaces and/or commas, up to a
maximum of 132 characters per command line.
Port characteristics that you can specify are described by function on the next few
pages and are summarized with the commands at the end of this book. These sections
employ the graphics conventions described on page 2.
NOTE

In this book, factory-set defaults for port characteristics are shown in
BOLD; however, your databases may contain different settings if you
or your server manager have changed values using SET/DEFINE PORT
commands. Use SHOW ILIST PORT to display existing port characteristics (see Section 5).

10.1

Setting Switch Characters

You can specify switch characters to use when you want to move between sessions
without returning to local mode. You define a switch by equating it with a keyboard
character.
Since a switch character is intercepted by the server and is not passed on to the service
node, it must not have any other function in either local or service mode. It is best to
use an undefined control character as a switch character. You specify a control character by pressing (CTRL ) and a keyboard character simultaneously. (( CTRL ) is displayed as "on your terminal.)

To set your own switch characters, specify your chosen characters in the following
commands. Specify NONE to cancel a previously set switch character.

LOCAL Switch - Specifies a switch to move you from a session to local mode. If you
are using a modem that interprets ( BREAK I as a command to end the dial-in connection
to the server, you (or your server manager) must specify a local switch character to use
in place oft BREAK I when you want to return to local mode (see also Section 10.2).
] [PORT] LOCAL [SWITCH] [Character]
SET
[ DEFINE
NONE

BACKWARD Switch - Specifies a switch to move you to the session preceding your
current one in the session list. Operates like the BACKWARDS command (see Section
3.2).
] [PORT] BACKWARD [SWITCH] [Character]
SET
[ DEFINE
NONE

FORWARD Switch - Specifies a switch to move you to the session following your
current one in the session list. Operates like the FORWARDS command (see Section
3.2).
] [PORT] FORWARD [SWITCH] [Character]
SET
[ DEFINE
NONE

10.2

Setting the ( BREAK I Key

You can specify that the ( BREAK I signal be sent to your current service session instead
of to the server, or you can have it be ignored while you are in service mode. However,
if you set BREAK to REMOTE or to DISABLED, you should set a local switch character
to perform the local [ BREAK I function (see Section 10.1).
NOTE
You can always use [ BREAK I in local mode to stop local output.
] [PORT] BREAK [LOCAL ]
SET
[ DEFINE
' REMOTE
DISABLED

LOCAL

Sends ( BREAK I to the server and causes you to return to local
mode.

REMOTE

Sends [ BREAK I to the service node during a session.

DISABLED

Causes the ( BREAK I key to be ignored.

10.3

Connecting with a Preferred Service

You can specify a service as the one to which you automatically connect when you
enter a CONNECT command without a service name. To do this, identify the preferred
service by its service name and include the node and/or port names if desired. Specifying NONE instead of a service name cancels a previously established service name in
the applicable database.
SET
] [PORT] PREFERRED [SerViCe-name] (Continued on next line)
[ DEFINE
NONE
[NODE [~~~~name]] [DESTINA TION [~~~;ame] ]

You can direct the server to bypass local mode and to attempt to connect to your preferred service when you log in. When you enable the autoconnect feature, the server
attempts the connection until it is successful or until you switch to local mode using
( BREAK) or your local switch character (see Section 10.1).
SET
] [PORT] AUTOCONNECT [ENABLED ]
[ DEFINE
DISABLED

Regardless of whether you have a preferred service, when autoconnect is enabled,
your port automatically attempts to reconnect to a service that is disconnected abnormally (see Section 2.8).
IMPORTANT

You must use DEFINE if you want the preferred service and
autoconnect features to be effective when you log in to the server
again.

10.4

Specifying Port, Terminal, and User Identifiers

TYPE - Specifies the local mode display type for your port.
]
SET
] [PORT] TYPE [ANSI
[ DEFINE
HARDCOPY
SOFTCOPY

ANSI

Specifies ANSI-standard video display with ANSI escape support (includes Digital personal computers and the VT 100 and
VT200 series of terminals).

HARDCOPY

Specifies format for paper-output terminals, such as the LA36
and LA120. Can be used on any video terminal, but displays
deleted characters between backslashes (\) rather than erasing
them.

SOFTCOPY

Specifies standard video display without ANSI escape support,
such as for a VT52.

GROUPS - Specifies ALL or a subset of the port's authorized group codes to be
included (or excluded) from displays of nodes and services. (See your server manager
for the group codes authorized on your port.)
SET [PORT] GROUPS [grOUP-list] [ENABLED]
ALL
DISABLED

Group list entries can consist of individual numbers separated by commas, ranges of
numbers connected by hyphens, or a combination of both; ranges of numbers must be
stated in ascending order. If you do not include ENABLED or DISABLED, the group list
you specify replaces any existing group list; if you include ENABLED or DISABLED, the
group code(s) you specify modify the existing group list accordingly. For example, the
following command removes groups 2, 4,5,6, and 8 from the current group list.
Local> SET GROUPS 8, 2, 4-6 DISABLED

LOSS NOTIFICATION - Specifies whether or not a beep is sounded on your terminal
when a character is typed in and lost due to an error or to an overrun.
SET
] [PORT] LOSS [NOTIFICATION] [ENABLED]
[ DEFINE
DISABLED

USERNAME - Specifies a temporary or a permanent user name for the port. Use SET
to change your user name until you log out of the server (or until you change your name
again). If you are the only user on your port, you can use DEFINE to specify a permanent user name to be associated with the port; this causes the server to no longer
prompt for a user name during log in.

The user name can be 1 to 16 ASCII characters and must be enclosed in quotation
marks.
SET
] [PORT] USERNAME "user-name"
[ DEFINE

To clear a previously defined user name and to cause the user name prompt to reappear, enter this command with a blank user-name field (that is, DEFINE PORT
USERNAME " ").

10.5

Specifying Data Transmission Characteristics

For successful data transmission, the characteristics of your terminal and port that
affect character size, speed, parity, and flow control must be identical. If you use SET
PORT to change the CHARACTER SIZE, PARITY, and SPEED characteristics, you must
also change the corresponding settings on your terminal in order to communicate with
the server.
CHARACTER SIZE - Specifies the number of data bits in the characters exchanged
between your port device and the server port.

[7]

SET
] [PORT] CHARACTER [SIZE]
[ DEFINE
8

PARITY - Specifies data parity type for your port.
SET
] [PORT] PARITY [EVEN]
[ DEFINE
MARK
NONE
ODD

NOTE
If the autobaud feature is enabled on your port (ask your server man-

ager), it works only with a character size of 8 bits and no parity or 7 bits
and even parity.
SPEED - Specifies port speed in bits per second. Possible values are: 75, 110, 134,
150, 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2000, 2400, 4800, 9600 (default), and 19200. If your

server manager has enabled the autobaud facility, your port will automatically match
its speed to that of your terminal.
SET
] [PORT] [INPUT ] SPEED speed
[ DEFINE
OUTPUT

You can change the speed in one direction by specifying INPUT (the speed from your
terminal to the server) or by specifying OUTPUT (the speed from the server to your terminal).
FLOW CONTROL - If enabled, specifies the type of flow control used by DECserver
200 to control data transfer to and from your port. See your server manager for more

details on flow control.
SET
] [PORT] FLOW [CONTROL] [CTS
]
[ DEFINE
DSR
XON
DISABLED

CTS

Specifies RTS/CTS modem signal flow control.

DSR

Specifies DTR/DSR modem signal flow control.

XON

Specifies XON/XOFF in-band flow control (default).

DISABLED

Specifies no flow control.

You can enable or disable flow control in a single direction by specifying INPUT (when
flow is from your port to the server) or by specifying OUTPUT (when flow is from the
server to your port). If you specify no direction, the specified flow control applies in
both directions.
SET
] [PORT] [INPUT ] FLOW [CONTROL] [ENABLED]
[ DEFINE
OUTPUT
DISABLED

To revert from one-way flow control to full flow control, specify the ENABLED option
for the direction of flow that was previously DISABLED. To disable all flow control,
use the SET IDEFINE FLOW DISABLED command.
26

10.6

Specifying Message Reception

You can control the reception of some messages that your port receives from the server
and its users.

AUTOPROMPT - Specifies whether or not a service node's log-in prompt appears
when you start a session with a service.
SET
) [PORT] AUTOPROMPT [ENABLED)
[ DEFINE
DISABLED

BROADCAST - Specifies whether or not your port receives local BROADCAST messages from other ports.
SET
) [PORT] BROADCAST [ENABLED)
[ DEFINE
DISABLED

MESSAGE CODES - Specifies whether or not a 3-digit message code appears with
server status messages and error messages.
SET
) [PORT] MESSAGE [CODES] [ENABLED)
[ DEFINE
DISABLED

VERIFICATION - Specifies whether or not DECserver 200 informational messages are
displayed at your terminal when you connect, disconnect, or switch sessions.
SET
) [PORT] VERIFICATION [ENABLED)
[ DEFINE
DISABLED

COMMAND SUMMARY

Commands are listed alphabetically and are illustrated using the graphics conventions
described on page 2. For more information, use the page references in the right margin.
This summary is also available on the pocket-sized DECserver 200 User's Reference
Card.
Page
BACKWARDS

10
port~numb~ Hmessage~text"

BROADCAST PORT

CONNECT [service-name [NODE node-name] [DESTINATION port-name]]
DISCONNECT [SESSION
ALL

12
11

FORWARDS
HELP [TUTORIAL

]

topic [subtopic [subtopic]]
LOCK

LOGOUT

RESUME [SESSION n]

] [PORT] characteristic [characteristic(s)]
SET
[ DEFINE

(Port characteristics are summarized in Section 11. 1.)
SET SESSION [INTERACTIVE]
PASSALL
PASTHRU

SHOW NODES [node-name] [COUNTERS]
ALL
STATUS
SUMMARY

SHOW] PORTS . port-number
[ LIST
.·ALL
.

ACtESSf.>.. ~.N~CJ·• • .·. ·
tNONE

CHARACTERISTICS]
COUNTERS
[ STATUS
SUMMARY

(COUNTERS and STATUS are valid for SHOW PORTS only.)

[ALL

..]
. ..

SHOWQUEUE
·
. . NODE node~name·.

....

. ··.·PORT port-ll umber .

.·$EaVICE~na_

Page

:;.rt£IST
.·.·.•....• B•...•.·...•...•.O•.·.•.•·.. J SERVER .[CH
.. ARA.C. ' TERISTICS]
..
COUNTERS
s.·
•••.• •. •.•.•.••

W1.

::'.,' .' ...

STATUS.

(COUNTERS and STATUS are valid for SHOW SERVER only.)
SHOW) SERVICES [SerViCe-name] [CHARACTERISTICS]
( LIST
.
LOCAL
STATUS
ALL
SUMMARY

(ALL, STATUS, and SUMMARY are valid for SHOW SERVICES only.)
SHOW SESSIONS [PORT port-number]
ALL

~HPWUSERS

TEST [PORT] [COUNT n] [WIDTH n]

11.1

Summary of User-Definable Port Characteristics

SET/DEFINE PORT characteristic options are listed alphabetically below and are illustrated using the graphics conventions described on page 2. For details, use the page references in the right margin. This summary is also available on the pocket-sized
DECserver 200 User's Reference Card.
Page
AUTOCONNECT [ENABLED )
DISABLED

AUTOPROMPT[ENABLED)
DISABLED

BACKWARD [SWITCH] [Character)
NONE

BREAK [LOCAL ]
REMOTE
DISABLED

BROADCAST (ENABLED)
DISABLED

CHARACTER [SIZE] (~

25
26

FLOW [CONTROL] (CTS
]
DSR
XON
DISABLED
INPUT ) FLOW [CONTROL] [ENABLED)
( OUTPUT
DISABLED

FORWARD [SWITCH] [Character)
NONE

GROUPS [grOUP-list) [ENABLED]
ALL
DISABLED

(Valid for SET PORT only)

LOCAL [SWITCH] (Character)
NONE

LOSS [NOTIFICATION] (ENABLED)
DISABLED

MESSAGE [CODES] [ENABLED)
DISABLED

PARITY (EVEN]
MARK
ODD
NONE

Page
PREFERRED f serVice-name) [NODE f nOde-name) ] [DEST fPort-name) ]
l NONE
lNONE
l NONE

f!NPUT ) SPEED speed (Default: 9600)
lOUTPUT

TYPE (ANSI
HARDCOPY
SOFTCOPY

USERNAME "user-name"

VERIFICATION fENABLED]
lDISABLED

Installation Specific Information

Use this space to record personal reference data.

Server Manager:

Telephone:

Notes:

HOW TO ORDER ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

I DIRECT TELEPHONE ORDERS I
In Continental USA
and Puerto Rico
call SOO-25S-171 0

In Canada
call SOO-267-6146

In New Hampshire
Alaska or Hawaii
call 603-SS4-6660

ELECTRONIC ORDERS (U.S. ONLY)
Dial SOO-DEC-DEMO with any VT100 or VT200
compatible terminal and a 1200 baud modem.
If you need assistance, call SOO-DEC-INFO.

DIRECT MAIL ORDERS (U.S. and Puerto Rico*)
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
P.O. Box CS200S
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061

DIRECT MAIL ORDERS (Canada)
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT OF CANADA LTD.
940 Belfast Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1 G 4C2
Attn: A&SG Business Manager

INTERNATIONAL
DIGITAL
EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
A&SG Business Manager
c/o Digital's local subsidiary
or approved distributor

Internal orders should be placed through the Software Distribution Center (SDC),
Digital Equipment Corporation, Northboro, Massachusetts 01532.

* Any prepaid order from Puerto Rico must be placed
with the Local Digital Subsidiary:
809-754-7575

DECserver 200
User's Guide
AA-H L77A-TK
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