snorthc@NSWC-G.ARPA (08/23/88)
BLAST stands for Blocked Asynch protocol (I think) it is usually done over serial lines. It is proprietary, but the company does have implementations for a bunch of HW. BLAST gives something on the order of ZMODEM file xfer rates, 2 - 3 times Kermits. The only way I can see to run BLAST over TCP/IP would be to establish [Da Telnet session and run it over that session. No matter what the problem, it wuld seem there is a better solution. Hope this helps Stephen Northcutt (snorthc@nswc-g.arpa) Standard disclaimer applies
mcc@ETN-WLV.EATON.COM (Merton Campbell Crockett) (08/24/88)
I remember getting a number of brochures (sp) several years ago on BLAST. My memory may be faulty; however, as I recall they were offering an ISO 1745 based protocol package using options A, B, and C. Option C being the transparent mode with a CRC for longitudinal integrity using either CRC-16 or CRC-CCITT (ISO 2145?). Basically, a souped up IBM Bisynchronous Serial Communications (BSC) protocol with a generic nameplate. It would be a good replacement for SLIP over a long haul, multi-drop, and/or store and foreward link--uses standard well-formed packets which can be supported by chips such as the 68521 rather than a roll your own home-brew protocol. Merton Campbell Crockett EATON Information Management Systems System Software Manager 31717 La Tienda Drive, Box 5009 AN/GYQ-21(V) Program Westlake Village, CA 91359 Internet: mcc@etn-wlv.EATON.COM Easynet: DECWRL::mcc@etn-wlv.EATON.COM
monty@hcx1.SSD.HARRIS.COM (08/25/88)
There is a product called BLAST (and BLAST II) sold by Communications
Research Group (800-242-5278 or 504-923-0888). It is an asynchronous file
transfer package akin to XMODEM and Kermit. Their literature claims it is far
more robust ("error-free" read error correction) and higher performance than
either of the above. It is full duplex and uses a sliding window protocol and
one spot in their literature says it is X.25 and ISO compatible so maybe the
sliding window stuff is borrowed from X.25.
I don't think it has anything to do with TCP/IP at all although you could
probably run it over a Telnet or Rlogin connection.
Our company sells it on our Un*x boxes, I personally have never used it so
cannot verify or deny its functionality or performance.
Hope this helps.
Monty.