Network management

Networking software/hardware Digital Equipment has announced a range of software and hardware products, including an LSI-11 bus interface, Ethernet servers and a fibre-optic Ethernet repeater. LSI-11 and PDP-11 board microcomputers using LSI-11 bus architecture can now be linked to Ethernet local area networks with the DEQNA communications controller. Using the H4000 transceiver and associated cabling for connection to the Ethernet coaxial cable, the DEQNA operates at 10 Mbit/s. Up to 1 023 devices on the Ethernet cable can be served by the DEQNA. Three communications servers are now available for Ethernet networks, a Decnet adaptive router, a gateway for Decnet/X.25 connections and a gateway for connecting Ethernet LANs to IBM SNA networks. The Decnet adaptive router enables hardware and software interconnection between different Phase IV Decnet networks and the linking of Phase III and Phase IV networks to allow Phase III users to access Ethernet LANs. This removes the need for Phase III users to assign computer resources for communications purposes, which would result in restrictive communications overheads. The router/X.25 gateway links Digital's Ethernet networks to other Decnet nodes via X.25 packetswitched data networks. The Decnet nodes can be on either Ethernet LANs or wide area networks. The router/X.25 gateway is a freestanding table-top unit, and can be used with the X.25 networks of the USA, Canada, the FRG, the Netherlands, the UK and France. The Decnet/SNA gateway, connecting Ethernet LANs to IBM SNA architecture, allows VAX computers to communicate with SNA networks. Gateway management, remote job entry, 3270 terminal emulation and program-to-program communications are all supported by the device. The Ethernet remote repeater

vol 7 no I february 1984

incorporates fibre-optics and enables 500 m segments of Ethernet coaxial cable to be connected together. This allows an Ethernet LAN to be extended to more than one building and to incorporate additional network nodes. Phase IV Decnet software now extends across the range of PDP-11 Unibus and LSI-11 bus mini- and microcomputers, providing support for both large networks and Ethernet LANs. An 'end node' version of Decnet software offers full Decnet support with the exception of routing. Data can originate and terminate at the node running this software but data destined for other nodes cannot transmit it. (Digital Equipment Co. Ltd., Digital Park, PO Box 110, Reading, Berks. RG2 0TR, UK. Tel: 0734 868717, Tx:

848327/8)

[]

Network management Paradyne has recently launched its Analysis 5500 series of advanced network management systems. The 5500 series will support system of up to 900 lines, but is suitable for all sizes of networks. The Central Diagnostic Processor (CDP) is capable of supporting up to six local or remote diagnostic front-end processors. Configurations are available to support up to 20 local or remote operator terminals and printers. The diagnostic tests available include modem self tests, loopback tests, line parameter graphics, bit and block error rate tests, analogue parameter monitor and unattended network tests. (Paradyne (UK) Ltd., Paradyne House,

William Street, Windsor, Berks. SL4 1BB, UK. Tel: 07535 56712) []

This multiplane plug board matrix panel programming system providing patching within systems has been developed by Oxley Developments. The Controlox system has been designed to provide cost-effective hardware for configuring and reconfiguring terminals of distributed processing systems. The system is a development of a patchboard principle, and is a passive device which provides the ability to switch computer I / 0 channels to any number of signal lines without signal corruption. It is immune to radiation, which can destroy semiconductor-type switches controlled by software. (Oxley Developments Co. Ltd., Priory Park, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9OG, UK. Tel: 0229 52621) []

49