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Introduction
Protocols
1 - 5
1.3 Protocols
A network protocol is a method of communicating over the Ethernet.
Each protocol specifies a certain arrangement of data in the Ethernet
packets, and provides different services for its users. The MSS supports
the following protocols:
•
TCP/IP
Support includes Telnet, Rlogin, UDP, and DNS. The Telnet
terminal protocol, supported on most UNIX systems, is an easy-
to-use interface that creates terminal connections to any network
host supporting Telnet. Rlogin is a protocol that allows users to
initiate a TCP/IP login session. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is
a connectionless protocol that results in smaller packet headers,
no session overhead, and the ability to send to multiple hosts.
The MSS also supports the use of Domain Name Servers (DNS),
allowing a network nameserver to translate text node names into
numeric IP addresses.
The MSS also implements basic Simple Network Management
Protocol (SNMP) functionality. SNMP commands enable users,
usually system administrators, to get information from and
control other nodes on a local area network (LAN), and respond
to queries from other network hosts. The MSS allows
configuration of one community name with read/write access.
•
IPX/ SPX (NetWare)
The MSS provides IPX/SPX access to the serial device from
NetWare and any other IPX/SPX nodes. It allows users to
download system files from NetWare hosts and log into the MSS
via NetWare for remote configuration.
The MSS supports all four NetWare frame types: Ethernet v2,
Native mode, 802.2, and 802.2 SNAP.
•
Local Area Transport (LAT)
LAT is a protocol developed by Digital Equipment Corporation
(DEC) for local network connections and is supported on most
DEC operating systems. The MSS provides logins to remote hosts
and host-initiated connections, as well as access to the MSS serial
port from LAT hosts.