Preface

Network Services for MPE/iX based systems are provided by an HP data communications product named NS 3000/iX. This manual describes the system-level commands and utilities used to perform network operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting after the initial network configuration.

NS 3000/iX enables your HP 3000 Series 900 to communicate with other HP computer systems as part of a distributed network. These systems can be other HP 3000s, HP 9000s, HP 1000s, and PCs. Networks operating over NS 3000/iX links can be interconnected. When two or more networks are connected in this manner, the resulting network is called an internetwork. A network or internetwork can be created using one of the following NS 3000/iX links:

NS Point-to-Point 3000/iX Link
X.25 iX System Access
ThinLAN 3000/iX Link (includes the ThickLAN option for coaxial cable) and EtherTwist option for twisted-pair wiring.
Token Ring/iX Link
Fiber Distributed Data Interface/iX Link
HP-PB 100VG-AnyLAN Network Adapter
HP-PB 100Base-T Network Adapter

Special Note

MPE/iX, Multiprogramming Executive with Integrated POSIX, is the latest in a series of forward-compatible operating systems for the HP 3000 line of computers.

In HP documentation and in talking with HP 3000 users, you will encounter references to MPE XL, the direct predecessor of MPE/iX. MPE/iX is a superset of MPE XL. All programs written for MPE XL will run without change under MPE/iX. You can continue to use MPE XL system documentation, although it may not refer to features added to the operating system to support POSIX (for example, hierarchical directories).

Finally, you may encounter references to MPE V, which is the operating system for HP 3000s, not based on the PA-RISC architecture. MPE V software can be run on the HP 3000 (Series 900) PA-RISC in what is known as compatibility mode.

Intended Audience of this Manual

This manual is intended for those with data communications experience. Also required is knowledge of the MPE/iX operating system at the system supervisor level, and a familiarity with the SYSGEN dialogue, resource management, and console commands.

Organization of the Manual

You can use this manual as either a command reference or a user's guide, depending on your needs. It contains the following sections:

Chapter 1 “Overview of NS 3000/iX Operations” provides a general description of the operations and maintenance functions required for your NS network. It includes a table that can help you determine which tool to use to obtain specific information about your network.
Chapter 2 “Operating Your Network ” provides step-by-step instructions for starting and stopping network links and services and for verifying network connections and services.
Chapter 3 “Getting Information About the Network” provides step-by-step instructions for obtaining information about software version numbers, network configuration, link status, network status, Network Services status, and network performance.
Chapter 4 “Troubleshooting Process ” provides a generalized problem-solving strategy for identifying problems with the network's operation.
Chapter 5 “Common Network Problems ” provides strategies for dealing with interactive or programmatic problems, command errors, nodal problems, link problems, and software problems.
Chapter 6 “Using NETTOOL ” describes the NETTOOL diagnostic utility and provides step-by-step instructions for using each of the available diagnostics within NETTOOL.
Chapter 7 “Commands ” describes the MPE/iX commands for NS 3000/iX link products.
Appendix A “LINKCONTROL Command” defines the fields output by the LINKCONTROL STATUS command and its associated parameters.
Appendix B “Submitting an SR ” describes how to submit a Service Request (SR) and forward it to your HP Service Representative.

Related Publications

The following manuals may be of interest to you when working with the NS 3000/iX network services and link products:

For the NS 3000/iX Links

HP 3000/iX Network Planning and Configuration Guide
Configuring and Managing Host-Based X.25 Links
Using the Node Management Services (NMS) Utilities
NS 3000/iX NMMGR Screens Reference Manual
HP SNMP/XL User's Guide
Berkeley Sockets/iX Reference Manual
NetIPC 3000/XL Programmer's Reference Manual
HP36923A LAN 3000/iX Link and Terminal LAN Link Hardware Reference Manual
LAN Cable and Accessories Installation Manual
Central Bus Programmable Serial Interface Installation and Reference Guide
HP 28663A EtherTwist Hub Installation Guide

For the NS 3000/iX Services

Using NS 3000/iX Network Services

For Either the NS 3000/iX Links or Services

NS 3000/iX Error Messages Reference Manual

For the Distributed Terminal Subsystem (DTS)

Configuring Systems for Terminals, Printers, and Other Serial Devices
Using the OpenView DTC Manager

Preface

Technical documentation

» Table of Contents

» Glossary

» Index

Special Note

Intended Audience of this Manual

Organization of the Manual

Related Publications