In computer networking, DECserver initially referred to a highly successful family of asynchronous console server / terminal server / print server products introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and later referred to a class of UNIX-variant application and file server products based upon the MIPS processor. In February 1998, DEC sold its Network Products Business to Cabletron, which then spun out as its own company, Digital Networks (later known as Vnetek Communications), in September 2000.
DECservers were introduced in 1985. The first model was the DECserver 100. This and all subsequent DECserver models used the Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol which was/is also supported by many DEC operating systems including VMS, RSX-11, RSTS/E and Ultrix (an implementation of UNIX). All DECservers were designed to boot their operating systems across the network using DECnet MOP Maintenance Operations Protocol with later models supporting TCP/IP booting using bootp protocol. Later models also support booting from flash memory cards.
Model Option Numbers, Description and History
DECserver 100
The DECserver 100 Terminal Server was a network terminal switch for Ethernet Local Area Networks, providing a convenient method to logically connect up to eight DIGITAL asynchronous terminals to one or more service nodes (hosts) on an Ethernet. Through the use of a simple command, users could establish a logical connection, called a session, to any local service node that implemented the LAT protocol.
Model Number: DSRVA-** Ports: 8 DB25
Alternate product: DECserver 708, 8 ports DB9, DSRVW-R*
DECserver 200 The DECserver 200 was a network terminal switch for Ethernet Local Area Networks, providing a convenient method to logically connect up to eight Digital asynchronous terminals to one or more service nodes (hosts) on an Ethernet. The DECserver 200 also provided the capability to connect host systems that did not support the LAT protocol, Digital personal computers, and dial-out modems directly to ports on the server. The DECserver 200 implemented the Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol for communication with service nodes that implemented this protocol on the same Ethernet. There were two options of DECserver 200 hardware: the DECserver 200/MC, which contained RS-232-C lines with full modem control (DSRVB-AB) and the DECserver 200/DL, which contained DECconnect lines with data leads only (DSRVB-BB). The /DL version delivers these data leads through a single connector (similar to Centronics printer connection). A special cable connects the DECserver to a "harmonica", with the same style of mass-connector, plus 8 MMJ jacks, positioned close to the terminals to be connected.
Model Number: DSRVB-** Ports: 8 DB25 (/MC) or 8 MMJ (/DL)
Alternate product: DECserver 708, 8 ports DB9, DSRVW-R*
DECserver 250
The DECserver 250 was a network server for printers for Ethernet Local Area Networks, consisting of a single box that provided the following: (2) Digital Parallel printer ports, each of which used a male 37-pin connector, (4) EIA RS-232-C/CCITT V.24 asynchronous line interfaces for connecting three serial printers and one serial printer or terminal, and (1) Ethernet interface transceiver port. The DECserver 250 implemented the Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol for communication with service nodes that implemented this protocol on the same Ethernet. Software that ran on the DECserver 250 was down-line loaded over the network from a Phase IV DECnet load host.
Model Number: DSRVP-** Ports: 7 (see above)
Alternate product: None.
DECserver 300
The DECserver 300 Terminal Server was an Ethernet Communications Server for Ethernet Local Area Networks, providing a convenient method to logically connect up to sixteen digital asynchronous terminals to one or more service nodes (hosts) on an Ethernet. The DECserver 300 used MMJs (Modified Modular Jacks) for the attachment of asynchronous devices. The MMJ segregated a Data from a Voice connection. The DECserver 300 utilized the EIA 423-A electrical interface standard for local connections. EIA 423-A is compatible with the EIA 232-D interface and supports DTR/DSR (Data Terminal Ready/Data Set Ready) signals. EIA 423-A supports longer cable runs and higher signaling speeds. The DECserver 300 implemented the LAT protocol for communication with service nodes that implemented this protocol on the same Ethernet. The DECserver 300 also implemented the TCP/IP protocol suite for communication with host systems that implemented TCP/IP.
Model Number: DSRVF-** Ports: 16 DB25 or MMJ
Alternate product: DECserver 708, 8 ports DB9 or DECserver 716, 16 ports RJ45
DECserver 500/550
The DECserver 500 series server was an Ethernet Communications Server for Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs), configurable to provide 128 EIA-423-A or 64 RS-232 asynchronous port connections to DEC asynchronous terminals. Both RS-232, via the 8 port CXY08 Q-Bus communication option card, and EIA-423-A, via the 16 port CXA16 communication option card and EIA-422 16 port CXB16 communication option card could be mixed together in any combination from two to eight cards in one server. The DECserver 510 and 550 would also support CXM04 IBM 3270 Terminal option cards, but on VMS only. [1] The DECserver 500 series server provided a convenient method to connect logically up to 128 Digital asynchronous terminals to one or more service nodes (hosts) on an Ethernet. The DECserver 500 series server also allowed for ULTRIX host-initiated connections to asynchronous printers. The DECserver 500 series server implemented the LAT protocol for communication with service nodes that implemented this protocol on the same Ethernet. The 500 series differed from other DECservers in that the configuration was not stored in nonvolatile storage locally on the server itself, but rather downline loaded from a file on a MOP host. Configuration changes which needed to remain permanently had to be changed locally on the DECserver and also updated on the MOP host using the OpenVMS Terminal Server Configurator utility (SYS$COMMON:[DECSERVER]DS5CFG on VMS or /usr/lib/dnet/tsc on Ultrix) so that it would return the next reboot. The 500 and 550 models are based on the PDP-11/53 chipset with 512 kb or 1.5 mb of on-board ram and can be reverted to a full PDP-11/53 system with a PROM swap and console port re-wire.
Model Number: DSRVS-** Ports: up to 128
Alternate product: CXY08 = DECserver 708; CXA16 = DECserver 716, 732
DECserver 90L
Nicknamed Plain Old Terminal Server (POTS), the DECserver 90L ran ROM-based firmware and supported LAT only. Its stripped-down functionality left out ‘dedicated service’ and ‘preferred service’ features.
Model Number: DSRVD-** Ports: 8 MMJ; 1 BNC
Alternate product: DECserver 90M+
DECserver 90L+
The DECserver 90L+ terminal server was an eight line terminal server that supported terminals and printers. Each line or port could establish up to a maximum of four LAT sessions and one MOP session at a time. DECserver 90L+ supported the LAT protocol and was designed to work in a ThinWire Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN),
Model Number: DSRVG-** Ports: 8 MMJ; 1 BNC
Alternate product: DECserver 90M+
DECserver 90TL
Designed for asynchronous connections up to 57.6 kbit/s to UNIX, ULTRIX, VMS, DOS and multi-vendor network services. The DECserver 90TL supported TCP/IP protocols and several remote management systems.
Model Number: DSRVE-** Ports: 8 RJ45; 1 BNC
Alternate product: DECserver 90M+
DECserver 90M
There were three iterations of the DECserver 90M: DSRVH-M*, -A*, configured without Flash RAM; the DSRVH-N*, -D*, configured with 1 MB of Flash RAM; DSRVH-P*, -R* configured with 2 MB of Flash RAM. All supported expanded multi-protocol connections via LAT, Telnet, SLIP, TN3270, CSLIP and PPP. Also supported were remote-node and remote control applications as well as accounting event logging and audit trails.
Model Number: DSRVH-** Ports: 8 RJ45; 1 BNC; 1 RJ45 LAN
Alternate product: DECserver 90M+
DECserver 900MC
The DECserver 900MC is an asynchronous network access server with eight on-board V.34 modems.
Model Number: DSRVX-** Ports: 8 RJ45
Alternate product: None.
DECserver 900GM/GMX
The DECserver 900GM was a network access server that supported up to 16 full modem control ports, or 32 eight–wire partial modem control ports. The DECserver 900GMX was identical to the DECserver 900GM, except that it supported up to 8 full modem control ports, or 16 eight–wire partial modem control ports. The ports were used to connect asynchronous devices including terminals, printers, modems, or PCs to an Ethernet local area network (LAN). The DECserver 900GM was configured with four 68-pin D-connectors (two for the DECserver 900GMx), and provided full or limited modem control. Each port supported sixteen data rates from 75 bit/s to 115.2 kbit/s. The DECserver 900GM included 4 MB of standard memory, and could be expanded to 8 MB.
Model Number: DSRVY-** Ports:2-4 Type: 68-pin Champ connectors
Alternate product: DECserver 708, 8 ports DB9 or DECserver 716, 16 ports RJ45
DECserver 900TM
The DECserver 900TM is a 32-port network access server that connects asynchronous devices, including terminals, printers, modems, or PCs to an Ethernet local area network (LAN). The DECserver 900TM is configured with 32 MJ8 (RJ-45) connectors, and provides limited modem control with the 8-pin connectors. Each port supports sixteen data rates from 75 bit/s to 115.2 kbit/s. The DECserver 900TM includes 4 MB of standard memory, and can be expanded to 8 MB.
Model number: DSRVZ-** Ports: 32 RJ45
Alternate product: DECserver 732
DECserver 700-08
The original DECserver 700-08 (-A*, -B*) was replaced in 1993 with the –E* and –F* models. The original units ran DECserver 700 software and were configured with 1 MB of operational memory. The follow on units were configured with 4 MB of operational memory, an internal slot for a 2 MB Flash card and ran DNAS (DECserver Network Access Software). The –E* and –F* were retired in 2002.
Model number: DSRVW-A*, DSRVW-B*, DSRVW-E*, DSRVW-F* Ports: 8 DB25
Replaced by: DECserver 708, 8 ports DB9 or DECserver 716, 16 ports RJ45
DECserver 700-16
The original DECserver 700-16 was replaced in 1993 with the –G* and –H* models. The original units ran DECserver 700 software and were configured with 1 MB of operational memory. The –G* and –H* models were configured with 4 MB of operational memory, an internal slot for a 2 MB Flash card and ran DNAS (DECserver Network Access Software). The –G* and –H* were retired in 2001.
Model numbers: DSRVW-C*, DSRVW-D*, DSRVW-G*, DSRVW-H* Ports: 16 RJ45
Replaced by: DECserver 716; DECserver 732
DECserver 90M+
The DECserver 90M+ was introduced in 2003. A full function asynchronous device and remote access server, it provides eight local or remote asynchronous RJ45 connections over Ethernet LANs. Internal flash is 4 MB. Memory is 8 MB. This product also supports upgradeable ROM code. The DECserver 90M+ supports up to eight sessions per port. It runs DECserver Network Access Software (DNAS). Unlike the DECserver 90M models, the DECserver 90M+ does not have a BNC connector. Speeds were increased to 230.4 kbit/s.
Model number: DCSRV-** Ports: 8 RJ45
DECserver 708
This model was designed to replace the DECserver 700-08 and was introduced in 2003. It connects devices (such as printers, terminals, PCs, and modems) to local area networks (LANs). The DECserver 708 is Ethernet-based and supports 10BaseT Ethernet directly, and ThinWire Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 through an adapter. It supports Flash RAM capability and other nonvolatile forms of memory. The memory capability is factory installed. The Flash RAM is optional. The DECserver 708 can download the software image from the network or from the Flash RAM option if installed. The Flash RAM option allows for a boot/power up without having to download the image through the network. The DECserver 708 supports up to 4 MB of memory.
Model number: DSRVW-R* Ports: 8 DB9
DECserver 716
This model was designed to replace the DECserver 700-16 and was introduced in 2000. It supports throughput rates of up to 115.0 kbit/s per port. A front panel slot provides support for a flash memory card. It offers RADIUS, Kerberos, RSA SecurID, PAP, CHAP, and CBCP or standard dial-back. Multiple Telnet sessions per port. Multiprotocol support: IP, LAT, and Appletalk. Telnet, LAT, TN3270, Rlogin, LPD and DNS. Dial up protocols: SLIP, CSLIP and PPP with AUTOLINK.
Model number: DSRVW-J* Ports: 16 RJ45
DECserver 732
The DECserver 732 offers the same features as the DECserver 716, with 32 ports.
Model number: DSRVW-K* Ports: 32 RJ45
DECserver ConX4/ConX4P
Introduced in 2004, the ConX4 offers the same functionality as the DECserver 90M+ in a smaller port density configuration, with 10/100 LAN connectivity and port speeds to 230.4 kbit/s.
Model number: DSC04-** Ports: 4 RJ45
DECserver Operating Software: DNAS (DECserver Network Access Software) includes several software images that run on the different hardware units. The DECserver is configured at the factory to request the correct image at initialization.
As well as connecting terminals and being used as standard terminal servers, DECservers also support reverse connections (either LAT, or on later models Telnet) allowing them to be used as print servers or console servers.
The following are the filenames used for the firmware files that get downloaded by various DECserver terminal servers when they boot up and initialize:
Terminal Server Model | Memory requirement | Firmware Filename to be Downloaded at Terminal Server Boot Time |
---|---|---|
DECserver 90L+ | none | PROM-based; no firmware downloaded |
DECserver 90TL | 1 MB | MNENG1.SYS |
DECserver 90TL | 1 MB | MNENG2.SYS(Some descriptions say 4 MB is required) |
DECserver 90M | 1 MB | MNENG2.SYS (Some descriptions say 4 MB is required) |
DECserver 90M | 2 MB | MNENG3.SYS |
DECserver 90M+ | 4 MB | MNENG4.SYS |
DECserver 100 | PS0801ENG.SYS | |
DECserver 200 | PR0801ENG.SYS | |
DECserver 250 | DP0601ENG.SYS | |
DECserver 300 | SH1601ENG.SYS | |
DECserver 500 | DS5node-name.SYS | |
DECserver 700 | 1 MB | WWENG1.SYS |
DECserver 700 | > 2 MB | WWENG2.SYS |
DECserver 900TM | WWENG2.SYS |
These filenames are specified in a network request from the terminal server at boot time, to initiate a MOP download of the firmware.
On an Alpha, Itanium or VAX system running the OpenVMS operating system, these files are located in a directory named SYS$SYSROOT:[MOM$SYSTEM] which has system logical names of MOM$SYSTEM and MOM$LOAD if DECnet has been started.
The DECserver device's hardware address must be specified in the DECnet node database in order for the firmware file to be loaded. The firmware's filename is not specified in the DECnet database, it is found in a network request from the terminal server. If the firmware file does not exist in the MOM$SYSTEM directory at the time of a load request, the terminal server will not complete its boot process, and an error message will be displayed on the OpenVMS operator's console (and written to SYS$MANAGER:OPERATOR.LOG) and this message will give the name of the missing file.
AppleTalk is a discontinued proprietary suite of networking protocols developed by Apple Computer for their Macintosh computers. AppleTalk includes a number of features that allow local area networks to be connected with no prior setup or the need for a centralized router or server of any sort. Connected AppleTalk-equipped systems automatically assign addresses, update the distributed namespace, and configure any required inter-networking routing.
In telecommunications, RS-232 or Recommended Standard 232 is a standard originally introduced in 1960 for serial communication transmission of data. It formally defines signals connecting between a DTE such as a computer terminal or PC, and a DCE, such as a modem. The standard defines the electrical characteristics and timing of signals, the meaning of signals, and the physical size and pinout of connectors. The current version of the standard is TIA-232-F Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange, issued in 1997.
Data terminal equipment (DTE) is an end instrument that converts user information into signals or reconverts received signals. It is also called data processing terminal equipment or tail circuit. A DTE device communicates with the data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE), such as a modem. The DTE/DCE classification was introduced by IBM.
DECnet is a suite of network protocols created by Digital Equipment Corporation. Originally released in 1975 in order to connect two PDP-11 minicomputers, it evolved into one of the first peer-to-peer network architectures, thus transforming DEC into a networking powerhouse in the 1980s. Initially built with three layers, it later (1982) evolved into a seven-layer OSI-compliant networking protocol.
Systems Network Architecture (SNA) is IBM's proprietary networking architecture, created in 1974. It is a complete protocol stack for interconnecting computers and their resources. SNA describes formats and protocols but, in itself, is not a piece of software. The implementation of SNA takes the form of various communications packages, most notably Virtual Telecommunications Access Method (VTAM), the mainframe software package for SNA communications.
Attached Resource Computer NETwork is a communications protocol for local area networks. ARCNET was the first widely available networking system for microcomputers; it became popular in the 1980s for office automation tasks. It was later applied to embedded systems where certain features of the protocol are especially useful.
Modbus or MODBUS is a client/server data communications protocol in the application layer. It was originally designed for use with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), but has become a de facto standard communication protocol for communication between industrial electronic devices in a wide range of buses and networks.
HP Jetdirect is the name of a technology sold by Hewlett-Packard that allows computer printers to be directly attached to a local area network. The "Jetdirect" designation covers a range of models from the external 1 and 3 port parallel print servers known as the 300x and 500x, to the internal EIO print servers for use with HP printers. The Jetdirect series also includes wireless print server models, as well as gigabit Ethernet and IPv6-compliant internal cards.
The Sun Ray is a stateless thin client computer aimed at corporate environments, that was originally introduced by Sun Microsystems in September 1999 and discontinued by Oracle Corporation in 2014. It features a smart card reader and several models featured an integrated flat panel display.
A terminal server connects devices with a serial port to a local area network (LAN). Products marketed as terminal servers can be very simple devices that do not offer any security functionality, such as data encryption and user authentication. The primary application scenario is to enable serial devices to access network server applications, or vice versa, where security of the data on the LAN is not generally an issue. There are also many terminal servers on the market that have highly advanced security functionality to ensure that only qualified personnel can access various servers and that any data that is transmitted across the LAN, or over the Internet, is encrypted. Usually, companies that need a terminal server with these advanced functions want to remotely control, monitor, diagnose and troubleshoot equipment over a telecommunications network.
Local Area Transport (LAT) is a non-routable networking technology developed by Digital Equipment Corporation to provide connection between the DECserver terminal servers and Digital's VAX and Alpha and MIPS host computers via Ethernet, giving communication between those hosts and serial devices such as video terminals and printers. The protocol itself was designed in such a manner as to maximize packet efficiency over Ethernet by bundling multiple characters from multiple ports into a single packet for Ethernet transport.
A medium-dependent interface (MDI) describes the interface in a computer network from a physical-layer implementation to the physical medium used to carry the transmission. Ethernet over twisted pair also defines a medium-dependent interface – crossover (MDI-X) interface. Auto–MDI-X ports on newer network interfaces detect if the connection would require a crossover and automatically choose the MDI or MDI-X configuration to complement the other end of the link.
A digital subscriber line (DSL) modem is a device used to connect a computer or router to a telephone line which provides the digital subscriber line (DSL) service for connection to the Internet, which is often called DSL broadband. The modem connects to a single computer or router, through an Ethernet port, USB port, or is installed in a computer PCI slot.
Ethernet Powerlink is a real-time protocol for standard Ethernet. It is an open protocol managed by the Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group (EPSG). It was introduced by Austrian automation company B&R in 2001.
A network host is a computer or other device connected to a computer network. A host may work as a server offering information resources, services, and applications to users or other hosts on the network. Hosts are assigned at least one network address.
PATHWORKS was the trade name used by Digital Equipment Corporation of Maynard, Massachusetts for a series of programs that eased the interoperation of Digital's minicomputers and servers with personal computers. It was available for both PC and Mac systems, with support for MS-DOS, OS/2 and Microsoft Windows on the PC. Before it was named PATHWORKS, it was known as PCSA.
The Cisco 2500 series routers are a series of 19" rack mount access routers typically used to connect Ethernet or Token Ring networks via ISDN or leased serial connections. The routers are based on a Motorola 68EC030 CISC processor. This line of routers is no longer sold or supported by Cisco Systems. They were superseded by the Cisco 2600 series, which has also reached EOL now.
A VMScluster, originally known as a VAXcluster, is a computer cluster involving a group of computers running the OpenVMS operating system. Whereas tightly coupled multiprocessor systems run a single copy of the operating system, a VMScluster is loosely coupled: each machine runs its own copy of OpenVMS, but the disk storage, lock manager, and security domain are all cluster-wide, providing a single system image abstraction. Machines can join or leave a VMScluster without affecting the rest of the cluster. For enhanced availability, VMSclusters support the use of dual-ported disks connected to two machines or storage controllers simultaneously.
Dell Networking is the name for the networking portfolio of Dell. In the first half of 2013, Dell started to rebrand their different existing networking product brands to Dell Networking. Dell Networking is the name for the networking equipment that was known as Dell PowerConnect, as well as the Force10 portfolio.
The VT1000 was a monochrome X Window System computer terminal introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in April 1990. The VT1200 replaced the VT1000 later that year, consisting of a code update and a bump in the RAM from 1 to 2 MB. All of the VT1000 series communicated with their host computers over Ethernet, supporting TCP/IP as well as DEC's terminal-oriented Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol. They also included standard serial ports to allow basic terminal emulation, built into the ROM.