HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS Alpha and OpenVMS I64, Version 8.3

HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS Alpha and OpenVMS I64, Version 8.3 SPD 50.45.19
Downline Task Loading
Initial task images for loadable systems can be stored
on OpenVMS file system devices and loaded into re-
mote nodes. Programs already executing on loadable
systems can be checkpointed to the host OpenVMS file
system and later restored to main memory in the node.
These features simplify the operation of network sys-
tems that do not have mass storage devices.
Upline Dumping
Memory images of adjacent nodes connected by HP
DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS can be written or dumped
into a file on an OpenVMS system. This facility provides
assistance in troubleshooting in the event of a system
crash. This facility is also supported for HP server prod-
ucts.
Mail
The OpenVMS Mail utility allows transmission of text
messages between users on systems supporting MAIL-
11. The HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS software allows
users to exchange mail with users of other DECnet-Plus
and/or DECnet Phase IV systems.
Phone
The OpenVMS Phone utility allows users to send and
receive data interactively from one user’s terminal to
another user’s terminal. DECnet-Plus allows users on
different systems in the same DECnet-Plus network to
exchange information.
OpenVMS Cluster Alias
HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS supports the ability to
access nodes in an OpenVMS Cluster using a separate
alias node address, while retaining the ability to address
each node in the cluster individually. Not all network
objects can be accessed using this mechanism. The
maximum number of nodes supported for a cluster alias
is 92. Refer to the OpenVMS Cluster SPD (29.78.xx)
for relevant restrictions.
DECnet-Plus no longer requires a cluster member to
be configured as a router. Clusters in a DECnet-Plus
environment require a reachable IS-IS compliant router
on the LAN.
Network Management
Network management is provided with the Network Con-
trol Language (NCL). Network management implements
the DECnet-Plus layered model, based on the HP hier-
archical structure called Enterprise Management Archi-
tecture (EMA).
Users can access NCL through either a command
line interface or a graphical user interface (GUI) called
net$mgmt. The GUI allows network managers to view
the status of network components and control those
components from a Motif-based window interface.
The HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS network manage-
ment software allows system and network managers to:
• Control and monitor the operation of a network and
provide information related to network traffic and per-
formance
• Configure network operating parameters
• Start up and shut down network components as
needed
• Detect and isolate network problems, and return the
network to service once repaired.
In addition, the network management software can pro-
vide information, warning network managers of faulty
or failing network components, both hardware and soft-
ware.
Network Command Language (NCL) is provided as a
utility to the network manager to perform the operations
described above.
Network managers can also use NCL to test specific
components of the network. NCL enables transmission
and reception of test messages either between systems
or through controller loopback arrangements. The mes-
sages can then be compared for possible errors. NCL
helps users isolate network problems.
HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS provides network event
logging to a terminal device, disk file, or remote system.
NCL users can enable and disable the event logging
facility as well as optionally filter specific events.
NCL uses the DNA Common Management Information
Protocol (CMIP), which permits entity management from
a single location anywhere in the DECnet-Plus network.
The Common Trace Facility (CTF) allows the network
manager to collect and display information about spe-
cific protocol exchanges between systems.
HP DECnet-Plus for OpenVMS supports an ISO CMISE
application programming interface (API) conforming to
the service definitions in ISO 9595. The API allows for
development of applications that can communicate with
other management applications conforming to ISO 9595
on remote nodes in the network.
DECnet-Plus supports the NCP Emulator for remote
management of Phase IV DECnet systems.
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