User`s guide

DC 900-1516D 17

Chapter

Product Overview

The Protogate ICP2432 data communications product allows PCIbus computers run-

ning the VMS operating system to transfer data to other computers or terminals over

standard communications circuits. The remote site need not have identical equipment.

The protocols used comply with various corporate, national, and international stan-

dards.

The ICP2432 product consists of the software and hardware required for user applica-

tions to communicate with remote sites. Figure 1–1 is a block diagram of a typical sys-

tem configuration. Application software in the VMS system communicates with the

ICP2432 by means of the Protogate-supplied device driver.

The ICP controls the communications links for the user applications. The user applica-

tion writes commands and data to the ICP in the form of packets. The user application

also reads responses and data from the ICP in the form of packets. All packets conform

to the format described in Chapter 5.