xberri@arecibo.aero.org (Jason E. Berri) (03/23/90)
Well, here is MY summary of responses to my query on TCP/IP-LAT terminal
servers! First of all, thanks to all those who replied to my query a few
weeks ago. I didn't get as many replies as I would of liked, but beggars
can't be choosers, eh?
Here is some background information on our site. Currently, we have 4
DecServer 200's on a LAN consisting of Vaxen, Suns, PC's, and MAC's (pretty
typical I suspect). The DecServer users are restricted to LAT connections
to our VMS Vaxen and a few direct connections to Non-LAT hosts (suns) via
DecServer ports. I would like to give them the capability of connecting to
*any* TCP/IP host as well as any LAT host with out changing the DecServer
200 interface they are used to. So I set out in search of either a
dual-protocal server to replace my DecServer 200's or one of the new
"protocol servers" that sit on the network and translate between TCP/IP and
LAT.
I managed to get two demo units to evaluate so far: a Xyplex Maxserver 1800
and an Able NPS/100. As stated in the other summary, the Xyplex unit is a
16 port dual protocol server that self-loads from a 3.5 inch floppy (the
Maxserver 1500 loads from a vax via MOP protocol, ala the DecServer 200).
Impressions: nice unit, command interface virtually identical to the
DecServer, software appears mature, requires I replace my DecServers to gain
the dual-protocol functionality I want. The Able NPS/100 is a network
protocol server that sits on the network and translates between LAT and
TCP/IP. Impressions: just out of beta-test thus software is immature,
non-decserver command line interface, poor documentation, difficult to
configure the software, requires you log into the unit to use the protocol
translation.
Based on the replies to my query and the discussion so far on comp.os.vms, I
will try to obtain a Datability VCP-1000 next. Looks like this box does
exactly what I want (i.e. Allows my current DecServers to connect to TCP/IP
hosts).
Here are the replies I received, enjoy.
-Jason
Jason Berri
INTERNET: berri@aerospace.aero.org or berri@arecibo.aero.org
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From: J.James Belonis II <belonis@milton.u.washington.edu>
I use Xyplex 1500 and am satisfied.
Its DCL-like command line editing is nice.
Features seem to be increasing nicely with
new versions of software.
J.James Belonis II, U of Washington Physics Computer Cost Center Manager
belonis@phast.phys.washington.edu
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From: "Terry M. Combs" <COMBSTM%APPSTATE.BITNET@ncsuvm.ncsu.edu>
We are using the DATABILITY terminal servers at present. We have a couple of
servers with the dual functionality. The servers (128 port and 32 port) are
primarily used for LAT and are not exactly stable. DATATBILITY is looking at
the problems, and I feel will soon fix the problem of the server crashing once
or twice a day. The original DATABILITY server software was rock solid, but
the introduction of LAT made the server a little less stable.
I am not slamming the product, only telling you how it is at present. Our
direction has been to standardize on DATABILITY as our comm vendor. The box
loads/boots in 5 seconds, since it has all software on board the server. It is
also 1/3 the price of a comparable configuration in DECserver 200s. The TCP
supports routing, nameservice, and TELNET, with printer support to follow in a
couple of months. We feel this is a good way to go, since it makes us less
dependent on DEC and their fickle approach toward trying to corner the market.
The service so far has been very good.
.
- Terry
Bitnet: COMBSTM@APPSTATE
Internet: COMBSTM@Conrad.Appstate.Edu
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From: skaggs@nsslsun.gcn.uoknor.edu (Gary Skaggs)
Jason, we've had a Datability Vista VCP-1000 terminal server here since
last summer. The LAT part of the server works very, very well. In
talking with the Datability people during the fall regarding a very
annoying problem (this server is not without faults), I was told that
they will *real soon now* be releasing a dual protocol chip. We needed
badly to unload our VAX that is serving as the TCP/IP gateway so I ordered
the upgrade chips. When I received them (Version 2.17), I installed them
late in the evening and all went well until about noon the following day.
At that time, I received an error message that I'd never seen before, the
server rebooted and cleared all users. NOT GOOD!
I called my good contact at Datability and told her what happened. She then
told me that the software people had called and told her that whenever anyone
mistypes and enters a destination resource, it will reboot the system. Big
hole in software! They said that the fix (Version 2.18) will be out *real
soon now*. It's been two weeks. Oh, well.
It still does what we need for it to do and the price is reasonable.
We've made this bed and we're going to lie in it. Will let you know how
it goes when the fix comes in.
______________________________________________________________________________
Gary Skaggs Internet: skaggs@nssl.gcn.uoknor.edu
National Severe Storms Laboratory (The Tornado People)
"The Government can speak for itself (usually), and NO, I don't want to be
like Gary England (Amway(tm) salesman and 'meteorologist') !"
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From: mpm@proteon.com (Mike P. McDonough)
Jason,
I just wanted to express my interest in the results of your query regarding
multi-protocol servers. I am quite familiar with the Interlan NTS's running
LAT/TCP but as a recent Interlan (Racal Interlan this year) employee I won't
comment on the product.
Mike McD
mpm@proteon.com
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From: "Larry MacNeill - UCHSC Medical Computing Ctr, 303-270-5166"
<LARRY%FIJI@VAXF.Colorado.EDU>
We, too, are shopping for dual protocol terminal servers (with a faint
hope of finding OSI supported as well). I speak for at least one group
expressing interest in the opinions you gather. Will you post a summary?
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From: rwWright@lbl.gov (Russ Wright)
We are using 6 Hughs Lan Systems 4208 terminal servers. They are cheap
(under $1600 list) and seem to work well for both TCP and LAT.
The only number I have is our local sales person, Mike McMahan -
(415)966-6153.
Russ Wright
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
rwWright@lbl.gov
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From: uunet!amdcad!pepsi!remaker@CS.UCLA.EDU (Phillip A. Remaker)
cisco is doing one soon. And we love their terminal servers, so you may want
to check with them, depending on how soon you need it.
They'll be glad to give you a sales pitch at 1800553nets.
-P
--
Phillip A. Remaker A.M.D. M/S 167 P.O. Box 3453 Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3000
remaker@amdcad.amd.com Cutting Edge Networking...Close to the Jugular...
"It's only work if someone makes you do it." -Calvin
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From: Jeff Carroll <carroll@atc.boeing.com>
I have just bought some dual-protocol servers from Lantronix and am
pleased with them despite the problems I have had. The first two died within
24 hrs of power up, but Lantronix shipped me new ones in next day UPS (insist
on it). The hardware I have now works well, is smaller than any other on the
market, and is much cheaper than any other dual-protocol server on the
market (at $1500 for 8 ports).
The software I have is not quite mature, but there is a new release
which I don't have yet (new releases are available via Kermit xfer at up
to 9600 baud from their VAX; they're working on FTP access).
If you don't need a huge number of ports in one location, this
is a very attractive product. The server is light enough to hang on a
wall (desk, partition) from a couple of Velcro strips (not included).
I have the phone number at the office. Email me if you need it.
Jeff Carroll
carroll@atc.boeing.com
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From: Avri Doria <avri@interlan.interlan.com>
I would be intersted in the results of your query.
Avri Doria avri@interlan.com
Racal InterLan interlan!avri@uunet.uu.net
Boxborough MA, 01719 {sun,ima,mit-eddie}!interlan!avri
TEL: (508) 263-9929 FAX: (508) 263-8655 or 263-0856
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From: Mark Towfigh <towfiq%interlan.interlan.com@RELAY.CS.NET>
Racal InterLan makes one. I use it every day, and I'm quite satisfied.
You can find out more from our pre-sales staff at 1-800-LAN-TALK.
Hope this helps,
Mark
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From: "Richard DeJordy, x4029" <RAD@math.ams.com>
Hi,
I was wondering if you could either post or mail me a summary of the information
you receive regarding TCP/Ip LAT terminal servers.
Thanks.
Richard DeJordy American Mathematical Society
Systems Programmer P.O. Box 6248
Providence, RI 02940
RAD@MATH.AMS.COM (401) 455-4029
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From: Bob Albrightson <bob@jvncb.csc.org>
cisco Systems of Menlo Park CA makes a miltiprotocol terminal server that
runs lat and rlogin/tcp and telnet/tcp.
-bob
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From: <NADI%VUVAXCOM.BITNET@CORNELLC.cit.cornell.edu>
We are currently using the VISTA box ( VCP-1000 ) from DATABILITY which solved
some of our connectivity problems. We have it configured with 2 NPT cards
(Network Protocol Translator). This gives us 32 lines for protocol conversion
from LAT to TCP/IP (on either direction).
This box is used to show and provide access to all the TCP/IP services you want
terminals connected to your LAT DECservers to access.
We are still using "Reverse LAT" between some of our DECservers (LAT) and
3COM servers (TCP/IP) to access the TCP/IP hosts.
The DATABILITY VCP-1000 has been running for about a month in our site.
We are very pleased with it. The other good points about it are:
Your users can access the TCP/IP services like any LAT service.
You will have a clean disconnect (not guaranteed with Reverse LAT).
A single box can give you up to 64 LAT<--->TCP/IP translation lines.
An excellent technical support.
Nadi Najib
nadi@vuvaxcom (bitnet)
nadi@villanova.edu (csnet)
(215) 645 4852 (AT&T)
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From: John Dorn <graphon@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Try lantronix in Laguna Hills California.
ther make a 8 and a 16 line LAT/tcp/ip box it is small and inexpensive.
list is $1695 and $2495.
Works good too.
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