DLPI Programmer's Guide

Chapter 1 27
Introduction to DLPI
DLPI Services
DLPI Services
The various features of the DLPI interface are defined in terms of the
services provided by the DLS provider and the individual primitives that
may flow between the DLS user and DLS provider.
HP DLPI supports two of the three modes of service: connection and
connectionless. HP DLPI does not support acknowledged connectionless
service. The connection mode is circuit-oriented and enables data to be
transferred over an established connection in a sequenced manner. The
connectionless mode is message-oriented and supports data transfer in
self-contained units with no logical relationship required between units.
DLPI also includes a set of local management functions that apply to all
modes of service.
DLPI supports the XID and TEST services that appear in the following
table. The DLS user can issue an XID or TEST request to the DLS
provider. The provider will transmit an XID or TEST frame to the peer
DLS provider. On receiving a response, the DLS provider sends a
confirmation primitive to the DLS user. On receiving an XID or TEST
frame from the peer DLS provider, the local DLS provider sends up an
XID or TEST indication primitive to the DLS user. The user must
respond with an XID or TEST response frame to the provider.
In addition, raw mode service is now supported. Raw mode allows the
DLS user to send and receive packets with complete LLC and MAC
headers.
Table 1-1 provides information about the DLPI services that are
described in the following sections.