Network Control Program (DECnet)

FIRST DRAFT

Network Control Program (DECnet)

The Network Control Program (NCP) performs three primary functions: displaying statistics, controlling network components, and testing network components.

Using the DECnet-VAX NCP utility, an operator can display the status of DECnet activity at the local node. The user can choose to display statistics related to the local node, other DECnet-VAX nodes, and communication lines, including information on traffic and errors. Using the DECnet-VAX NCP utility, the local operator can also perform many network control functions such as reconfiguring the local node’s network parameters, starting and stopping lines, activating the local node, and down-line loading DECnet-11S systems.

NCP allows the user to perform a series of tests that aid in isolating problems. NCP can be used to send and receive test messages over individual lines either between nodes or through other controlled loopback arrangements. The messages can then be compared.

DECnet Phases, supported DEC Operating Systems, and DECnet Product Names

Phase I (1975)

• RSX-11M
• RSX-11D

Phase II (1978)

see:

• SPD10.78.1 DECnet Phase II Products V1.0 (March 1978)
• 10.78.02_7809_DECnet_Phase_II_Products (September 1978)
• 10.78.05_8006_DECnet_Phase_II_Products (June 1980)

• RSX-11M: DECnet-11M / DECnet-RSX
• RSX-11D: DECnet-11D
• RSX-11S: DECnet-11S (Phase???)
• IAS: DECnet-IAS
• RSTS/E: DECnet/E
• RT-11: DECnet-RT
• VAX/VMS: DECnet-VAX
• TOPS-20: DECnet-20

Phase III (1980)

• RSX-11M
• RSX-11M-PLUS
• IAS
• RSTS/E
• RT-11
• VAX/VMS
• TOPS-20

Phase IV (1982)

• RSX-11M/M+
• VAX/VMS
• ULTRIX
• MS-DOS
• TOPS-20
• RSTS/E