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EK-CMIV5-RM-004

December 1987

306 pages

Original

54MB

Document:	Networks Communications Communications Options Minireference Manual Volume 5 Ethernet Devices (Part 2)
Order Number:	EK-CMIV5-RM
Revision:	004
Pages:	306
Original Filename:

OCR Text

5.3

VMS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

5.3.1 Setting DECnet and VMS Parameters
Certain network and system parameters must be set or reset for NIE to run. SERVICE must be disabled
on the host node.
NCP> SHOW CIRCUIT UNA-n CHARACTERISTICS
The network returns a list of characteristics for the specified circuit. SERVICE is specified as ENABLED
or DISABLED. If DISABLED, exit NCP. If ENABLED, use the following command.
NCP> SET CIRCUIT UNA-n STATE OFF
NCP> SET CIRCUIT UNA-n SERVICE DISABLED
NCP> SET CIRCUIT UNA-n STATE ON
NCP> EXIT
NOTE
Setting CIRCUIT STATE OFF dissolves all links
for the specified circuit. It might be a good idea,
therefore, to SHOW KNOWN LINKS before setting the CIRCUIT STATE OFF.
The following VMS parameters must be adjusted:
MAXBUF Parameter
$MCR SYSGEN
SYSGEN>SHOW MAXBUF
If this parameter is 1600 or greater, exit SYSGEN. If the parameter is not 1600 or greater, enter the
following commands:
SYSGEN>SET MAXBUF 1600
SYSGEN>WRITE ACTIVE
SYSGEN>EXIT

BYTLM Parameter
$SET DEF SYS$SYSTEM
$RUN AUTHORIZE
UAF>MODIFY <username>/BYTLM=30000
UAF>EXIT
A user must log out and log in again for this change to take effect.
NOTE
When the NIE run is complete, use the above procedure to return the MAXBUF and BYTLM parameters to their orignal values.

5-2

5.3.2 DECnet Implications
When running concurrently with DECnet, the Ethernet adapter internal counters are shared. They contain
information concerning full operation of the NI adapter, not just information developed by the NIE. A
SHOW COUNTERS command displays full counter information since the time the counters were last
zeroed. This includes information generated by DECnet operation. The NIE cannot zero the NI adapter
counters.
5.3.3 Loading and Starting NIE
When in the VAX Diagnostic Supervisor (VDS), enter the following series of commands:
DS>LOAD EVDWC
[730]
DS>ATTACH DW[750] HUB DWO
[780]
DS>ATTACH [UNA 11] DWO XEAO 774510 120
[ LUA 11 ]
DS>SELECT XEAO
DS>START
In the above, 774510 is the device address, and 120 is the vector. After the START command is issued,
the NIE prompt (NIE>) appears. Help can be obtained using NIE by typing HELP or a question mark (?)
to the NIE prompt.
NOTE
Running NIE increases traffic on the network. If
more than one NIE runs concurrently on the network, normal operation could be severely affected.
Note also that NIE does not guarantee packet delivery. Test packets lost during normal operation are
reported to the operator.
5.4

PDP-11 XXDP+ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

5.4.1

Requirements
•
•
•

Network Interconnect Exerciser (NIE) CZUACC Version CO
XXDP+ Monitor Version 2.0 or later
Diagnostic Runtime Services (DRS) Version 2.0 or later

5.4.2 Loading NIE
Boot the medium and the XXDP+ prompt, a dot (), appears. Type the following:
$R CZUACC
This loads the DRS along with NIE into system memory. The following prompt informs the user that
XXDP+ has passed control to DRS.
DR>

5-3

Under DRS the following commands can be used:
STA

Start the NIE

RES

Restart the NIE

CON

Continue running the NIE after <CTRL C> is entered

DIS

Display content of hardware parameter table

EXI

Exit the DRS to the XXDP+ monitor

START, RESTART, and CONTINUE can be used with the following switches:
/NOR

Informs the DRS not to perform checksum after DRS traps

/FLA:flaglist

Sets all flags that are specified in flaglist
Flags that may be used are:
IER - Inhibit all error reports
IBE - Inhibit all error reports except first level
IXE - Inhibit extended error reports

5.4.3 Starting the ME
The following commands and responses are used to start the NIE:
DR>

START/NOR

Change HW (L)?

TYPE Y

# UNITS (D)

ENTER 1

WHAT IS THE PCSRO ADDRESS (0) ? 174510?

ENTER THE ADDRESS

WHAT IS THE VECTOR ADDRESS (0)? 120?

ENTER VECTOR

WHAT IS THE PRIORITY LEVEL (0)? 5?

ENTER PRIORITY

When this dialogue is complete, control passes to the NIE. An identification message appears, followed by
the NIE prompt (NIE>).

5-4

5.5

NIE COMMANDS

BOUNCE
FUNCTION
Enables the user to loop a packet through a sequence of nodes specified in the command line.
FORMAT
BOUNCE addrlst
addrlst is a list of physical addresses or logical node names in sequence through which the packet will be
looped. If a node table is not built, physical addresses must be used. The addresses and/or node names
must be separated by commas.
EXAMPLE
NIE>BOUNCE/AA-00-04-00-02-10,N5,N3,N6,N4
This BOUNCE command loops a packet from the NIE to Node AA-00-04-00-02-10, to Node 5, to Node
3, to Node 6, to Node 4, and back to the NIE. This table assumes the availability of a node table in which
N3, N4, N5, and N6 are defined.
AA-00-04-00-02-10

M KV86-0545

Figure 1

BOUNCE Command

5-5

BUILD
FUNCTION
Calls the BUILD routine to build a node table. The node table defines the network to the NIE. It consists
of the following information:
•
•
•
•

Logical address
Hardware default address
Physical node address
Node type
DECnet address (for DECnet nodes)

FORMAT
BUILD
EXAMPLE
NIE>BUILD

CLEAR
FUNCTION
Clears the entire node table, specified nodes, and other operating parameters as specified by the user.
FORMAT
CLEAR NODE/addrlst
NODES/ALL
SUMMARY
LISTEN
MESSAGE
addrlst is one or more logical names or physical addresses of nodes to be cleared from the node table. Node
addresses and/or logical names must be separated by commas.
EXAMPLE
NIE>CLEAR NODES/Nl,N2,AA-00-03-00-10-53
This CLEAR command clears nodes N1, N2, and AA-00-03-00-10-53 from the node table.
NOTE
CLEAR MESSAGE sets MESSAGE parameters to
default values.

5-6

EXIT
FUNCTION
Exits the NIE to Diagnostic Supervisor and deallocates allocated buffer space.
FORMAT
NIE>EXIT

HELP
FUNCTION
Displays HELP text.
FORMAT
HELP or ? (type a question mark)
EXAMPLES
NIE>HELP
NIE>?

IDENTIFY
FUNCTION
Issues a request ID packet to be sent to a specified node or nodes.
FORMAT
IDENTIFY/addr
addr is the physical address or logical name of a node the user wants identified.
EXAMPLES
NIE>IDENTIFY/AA-00-04-00-27-10
NIE>IDENTIFY/N6
These IDENTIFY commands cause nodes AA-00-04-00-27-10 and N6 to return the following identifying
information about itself:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Hardware default address
Current physical address
Node type [DEUNA, DELUA, DSRVA (DECserver 100)]
MOP version number
ECO version numbers
Device-specific information (where implemented)
5-7

LISTEN
FUNCTION
Monitors the network for packets that pass user-specified filters.
FORMAT
LISTEN SOURCE/addr
DESTINATION/addr
PROTOCOL/protype
SOURCE/addr is the physical address or logical name of the transmitting node. Default = accepts packets
with any valid source address.
DESTINATION/addr is the physical address or logical name of the destination node. Default = accepts
packets with any valid destination address.
PROTOCOL/protype is the protocol type specified in the packet. Default = accepts packets of any valid
protocol type.
Protocol Types
60-00
60-01
60-02
60-03
60-04
60-06
00-08
90-00

Loopback functions
Dump/load functions
Remote console functions
DECnet
LAT (Ethernet terminal server)
Reserved for customer use by Digital Equipment Corporation
TCP/IP (as implemented by 4.2BSD UNIX)
Cross-company loopback messages

EXAMPLES
NIE>LISTEN
This LISTEN command logs source and destination of messages of all protocol types.
NIE>LISTEN SOURCE/AA-00-03-00-23-45
This LISTEN command logs destination and protocol types of all messages transmitted by node
AA-00-03-00-23-45.
NIE>LISTEN DESTINATION/N2/SOURCE/N1/PROTOCOL/60-03
This LISTEN command logs messages of protocol 60-03 sent by Node 1 to Node 2.

5-8

MESSAGE
FUNCTION
Establishes the type of data to be contained in the message field of a packet to be looped.
FORMAT
MESSAGE/TYPE=type
/SIZE=n
/SIZE=ALL
/COPIES=n
Type specifies the following message types:
ALPHANUMERIC: A-Z, a-z, 0-9
ONES
ZEROS
1ALT: 1010101
0ALT: 0101010
CCITT: Random test pattern, in accordance with CCITT standard.
TEXT: User-selected pattern; maximum of 72 characters
ALL: Enables packet to cycle among all of the above
SIZE=n is the number of bytes in a packet. Valid range: 46-1500. Default: 512
SIZE=ALL indicates various packet sizes. If TEXT is defined, and the user specifies SIZE=ALL, a
message of minimum, nominal, and maximum will cycle for all of the message types. If TEXT is not
defined, messages of minimum, nominal, and maximum will cycle for all message types except TEXT.
COPIES=n is the number of times the message type is transmitted. Default=1. An entry of -1 or "loop"
causes the test to loop until a <CTRL/C> is entered.
EXAMPLE
NIE>MESSAGE/TYPE=0ALT/SIZE=1024/COPIES=3
This MESSAGE command causes a test message of 0ALT, 1024 bytes long, 3 copies.
NOTE
If only MESSAGE is entered, default values will be
set for all parameters.

5-9

NODE
FUNCTION
Adds a specified node or nodes to the node table.
FORMAT
NODE/addrlst
addrlst is a physical address or addresses of a node or nodes that a user wants to add to the node table.
EXAMPLE
NIE>NODE/AA-00-03-00-27-10,AA-00-03-01-04-26
Adds specified nodes to the node table.

NOPRINT
FUNCTION
Puts NIE into the NOPRINT mode.
FORMAT
NIE> NOPRINT

PRINT
FUNCTION
Puts NIE into the PRINT mode.
FORMAT
NIE> PRINT

5-10

RUN
FUNCTION
Causes the specified test to execute the specified number of times.
FORMAT
RUN test[/PASS=n]
Test is DIRECT, LOOPPAIR, or ALL.
DIRECT - Loops a packet to each node in the node table and maintains test summary data in a
summary data table. Message parameters are set up in the MESSAGE command. NIE waits a
maximum of three (3) seconds for a reply.
LOOPPAIR - Loops a packet through each logically adjacent pair of nodes in the node table. In a
4-node network, for example, the loop path would be: N1 to N2 to N1, N2 to N3 to N2, N3 to N4 to
N3, N4 to N1 to N4.
ALL - First invokes DIRECT for one pass and goes to LOOPPAIR.
NOTE
In all cases, the test begins and ends at the node in
which NIE resides.
/PASS=n indicates the number of times the test is to be run. Default = value of /COPIES in the
MESSAGE command. An entry of -1 or "loop" causes the test to loop until <CTRL/C> is entered.
EXAMPLES
NIE> RUN DIRECT/PASS=3
NIE> RUN LOOPPAIR
NIE> RUN ALL

M KV86-0546

Figure 2

RUN DIRECT

5-11

MKV86-0547

Figure 3

RUN LOOPPAIR

SAVE
FUNCTION
Writes the current node table to a text file.
FORMAT
SAVE [filespec]
filespec is a valid VMS file specification. Default = NIE.TBL.
EXAMPLES
NIE>SAVE NTBL.TXT
This command writes the current node table to a file called NTBL.TXT.
NIE>SAVE
This command writes the current node table to the default file, NIE.TBL.

5-12

SHOW
FUNCTION
This command displays information as specified by the command's qualifier.
FORMAT
SHOW [NODES]
[MESSAGES]
[COUNTERS]
[LISTEN]
[REMOTE addr]
SHOW NODES displays the contents of the node table.
SHOW MESSAGES displays the current MESSAGE parameters.
SHOW COUNTERS displays counters maintained by the node on which the NIE is running.
SHOW LISTEN displays the contents of two data logs. One log consists of source address, destination
address, protocol type, packet length, and count indicating the number of times a packet passes a specified
filter. The second log contains source addresses for packets that have passed filters and a count of the
number of times packets with that source address have been received.
SHOW REMOTE displays the counters maintained by the specified remote node, if the node supports this
function. The remote node may be specified by physical address or logical name.
NOTE
SHOW REMOTE has not been implemented.
EXAMPLE
NIE>SHOW NODES

5-13

SUMMARY
FUNCTION
Displays summary data of all test runs since the CLEAR SUMMARY command was last issued or since
the NIE was started.
FORMAT
SUMMARY
EXAMPLE
NIE>SUMMARY

UNSAVE
FUNCTION
Restores the latest version of the node table that was written to a specified file or to the default file by the
SAVE command.
FORMAT
UNSAVE [filespec]
filespec is a valid VMS file specification. Default = NIE.TBL.
EXAMPLES
NIE>UNSAVE NTBL.TXT
This command restores the latest version of a file called NTBL.TXT.
NIE>UNSAVE
This command restores the latest version of the default file NIE.TBL.

5-14

5.6 ERROR MESSAGES
The NIE issues three types of error messages:
•
•
•

NIE QIO error messages
System error messages
Test error messages

When the NIE aborts because of an error condition, you will go to the Diagnostic Supervisor level; other
errors leave you in NIE.
SAMPLE ERROR MESSAGE #1
The following is an error message when the MAXBUF was set at 1400 bytes instead of 1600 bytes and the
following NIE commands were issued:
NIE>MESSAGE/SIZE=1500
NIE>B0UNCE/N1
Starting bounce - 1500 bytes, ASCII data pattern...
******NI EXERCISER EXTENDED- 2.0******************
Pass 0, initialization section, error 29, 7-MAR-1986 16:12:52.51
System fatal error while testing XEAO: QIO error in Bounce procedure
RO status error queueing packet transmit. Exceeded quota.
******End of System fatal error number 29***********
.. Aborted program at pass 0, initialization section, PC 00009652
DS>
To correct this error and confirm the system, use the following commands:
SYSGEN>SET MAXBUF 1600
SYSGEN>WRITE ACTIVE
SYSGEN>EXIT
$RUN ENSAA

DS>ATTA DW730 HUB DW0
DS>ATTA UNA11 DW0 XEA0 774510 120 5
DS>SEL ALL
DS>RUN EVDWC

NIE>UNSAVE
12 Entries have been added to the node table
(this command uses the existing node table)
NIE>MESSAGE SIZE 1500
NIE>BOUNCE N1
Starting bounce - 1500 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test ok

5-15

SAMPLE ERROR MESSAGE #2
The following error message was encountered trying to run NIE with service enabled.
$MC NCP
NCP>CIR UNA-0 STATE OFF
NCP>CIR UNA-0 SERVICE ENABLE
NCP>CIR UNA-0 STATE ON
NCP>EXIT
$RUN ENSAA

DS>ATTA DW730 HUB DW0
DS>ATTA UNA11 DW0 XEA0 774510 120 5
DS> SEL ALL
DS>RUN EVDWC
.. program: NI EXERCISER EXTENDED, revision 2.0, 1 test, at 16:29:27.19
Testing:XEAO
******NI EXERCISER EXTENDED- 2.0**************
Pass 0, Initialization section, error 10, 7-MAR 1986 16:29:27:.71
System fatal error while testing XEA): Error starting NI channel.
Cannot start loopback (MOP) , channel.
Device already allocated to another user.
There were 0 (dec) bytes transferred.
I/0 Status Block status = 00000000 (hex)
******End of System fatal error number 10**********
.. Aborted at pass 0, Initialization section, PC 00007CB7
DS>EXIT
To correct the error do the following:
$ MC NCP
NCP>SET CIR UNA-0 STATE OFF
NCP>SET CIR UNA-0 SERVICE DISABLE
NCP>SET CIR UNA-0 STATE ON
NCP>EXIT

5- 1 6

SAMPLE ERROR MESSAGE #3
The following error message occurs when no device is attached.
DS>RUN EVDWC
.. Program: NI EXERCISER EXTENDED, revision 2.0, 1 test, at 16:33:01.02.
??No units to test, none selected with device types UNA11, LUA11
DS>
To correct the problem the user must do the attaching in the Diagnostic Supervisor as follows:
DS>ATTA DW730 HUB DW0
DS>ATTA UNAI l DW0 XEA0 774520 120 5
DS>SEL ALL

5-17

5.7 TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS
The two problems discussed in this section show the use of NIE as a network troubleshooting tool. When
running NIE, there is no need to turn off DECnet or LAT-11. This allows the system to stay up and
running on the network.
NOTE
Service, however, must he disabled on the node running the NIE.

PROBLEM # 1

Customer at Node N2 cannot communicate with Node N4.

MKV86-0548

Figure 4

Network Configuration for Problem # 1

5-18

Probable troublehooting method. After starting NIE the following commands can be used:
NIE> U N SAV E (Loads "saved" node table)
NIE> BOUNCE/N 1,N3
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test ok
Proves that N2 can talk to N1 and N3.)
NIE> BOUNCE/N4
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test timed out
*******NI EXERCISER EXTENDED - 2.0*****************
Pass 0, initialization section, error 100 25-NOV-1985 09:51:41.59
System fatal error while testing XEAO: Error looping packets.
BOUNCE command
ASCII data pattern
Packet frame length = 512 (dec) bytes
Pass 0
******End of System fatal error 100*******************
This should indicate that something is wrong with N4 or the path to N4. A check of the DELNI unit
shows that the Mode Selection switch is in the LOCAL position. Put switch in GLOBAL position. Check
network using NIE as follows:
NIE> BOUNCE/N 1,N3,N4
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test ok
Problem solved.

5-19

PROBLEM #2
Customer at Node N 1 cannot talk to Node N4.

MKV86-0549

Figure 5

Network Configuration for Problem #2

5- 20

Probable troubleshooting method using NIE. After NIE is running use the following commands.
NIE>UNSAVE
NIE>BOUNCE/N2,N3,N4
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test timed out
*******NI EXERCISER EXTENDED - 2.0******************
Pass 0, initialization section, error 100, 25-NOV-1985 09:41:51.59
System fatal error while testing XEAO: Error looping packets.
BOUNCE command
ASCII data pattern
Packet frame length = 512 (dec) bytes
Pass 0
******End of System fatal error 100********************
NIE>BOUNCE/N2
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test ok
Go to N3 and run NIE.
NIE>UNSAVE
NIE>BOUNCE/N4
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test ok
NIE>BOUNCE/N1,N2
Starting bounce - 512 bytes, ASCII data pattern..Test timed out
*******NI EXERCISER EXTENDED - 2.0***************
Pass 0, initialization section, error 100, 25-NOV-1985 09:45:51.19
System fatal error while testing XEAO: Error looping packets.
BOUNCE command
ASCII data pattern
Packet frame length = 512 (dec) bytes
Pass 0
******End of System fatal error 100*****************
Test results show that nodes on either side of the repeater can communicate; nodes cannot communicate
across the repeater.
This indicates that the repeater linking the two segments. is the probable cause.

5-2 1

5.8 NCP OVERVIEW
This is a brief overview of three basic NCP commands. In-depth information on NCP can be obtained
from the NCP Reference Manual (AA-Z425A-TE). The commands described below allow the user to
loop within or between nodes and to set circuits for running NIE.

LOOP NODE
FUNCTION
The LOOP NODE command tests a specified node (other than the executor node) in the network by
causing test blocks of data to be transmitted to the node. The parameters are optional and can be entered
in any order.
FORMAT
NCP>LOOP node - component [parameter][...]
PARAMETERS
ACCOUNT
Identifies the user's account for access control verification for the designated node.
COUNT
Number of blocks to be sent during loopback. Range = 1 through 65,535 (decimal). Default - l.
LENGTH
Specifies length (in bytes) of the blocks to be sent during loopback. Range = I through 65,535.
Default = 40.
PASSWORD
Identifies the user's password for access control verification for the designated node.
USER
Specifies the user's identification for access control verification for the designated node.
WITH
Specifies the type of binary information to be sent during testing. The three types of data that can be
sent are:
MIXED
ONES
ZEROS
EXAMPLE
NCP> LOOP NODE LAUREL

5-2 2

LOOP CIRCUIT
FUNCTION
The LOOP CIRCUIT command tests a specified circuit in the network by transmitting test blocks of data
over the specified circuit. Parameters are optional and can be entered in any order.
FORMAT
NCP>LOOP circuit-component[parameter][...]
CIRCUIT-COMPONENT - Identifies the circuit for loopback testing.
PARAMETERS
ASSISTANT PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Ethernet physical address of the node that will be loopback assistant for Ethernet third party loop
testing. Must be included if HELP is used in this command. Cannot be a multicast address.
ASSISTANT NODE
Can be used instead of PHYSICAL ASSISTANT ADDRESS.
COUNT
Specifies the number of blocks to be sent during loopback testing. Range = 1 through 65,535.
Default = l.
HELP
Indicates assistance to be provided during Ethernet loopback testing by the assistant node. Three
types are:
TRANSMIT
RECEIVE
FULL
If HELP is specified, ASSISTANT PHYSICAL ADDRESS or ASSISTANT NODE must be
specified.
LENGTH
Specifies length (in bytes) of blocks to be sent during loopback testing. Range = 1 through 65,535.
Default = 40.
NODE
Identifies the destination node to be used for loopback testing. Can be used instead of PHYSICAL
ADDRESS parameter.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Identifies the Ethernet physical address of the destination node in Ethernet loopback testing.

5- 2 3

WITH
Specifies type of binary data to be sent during testing. Three types are:
MIXED
ONES
ZEROS
Default = MIXED
EXAMPLES
NCP>LOOP CIRCUIT UNA-0 PHYSICAL ADDRESS AA-00-04-00-FF-04
NCP>LOOP CIRCUIT UNA-0 NODE 224
NCP>LOOP CIRCUIT UNA-0 PHYSICAL ADDRESS AA-00-04-00-12-02
ASSISTANT NODE GULL HELP RECEIVE

SET CIRCUIT
FUNCTION
The SET CIRCUIT command is needed to set circuit characteristics for running NIE.
FORMAT
NCP>SET CIRCUIT UNA-n STATE OFF
(circuit not in use)
NCP>SET CIRCUIT UNA-n SERVICE DISABLED
(circuit may not perform any service functions)
NCP>SET CIRCUIT UNA-n STATE ON
(circuit is available for normal use)

5-2 4