Gold Medal Software 3/Gold Medal Software - Volume 3 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso/misc/hod004.arj/FILE3.004

Text File | 1994-04-15 | 21KB | 439 lines

        INTRODUCTION TO PACKET RADIO -- Part 12
        by Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ

In this article we're going to look at the White Pages.  Not your
local telephone directory, but the packet radio directory known as
"White Pages".  You help supply the information for "WP", and you can
also use it to find the home BBS, QTH and zip code of your friends on
packet.

"White Pages" was initially designed by Eric Williams, WD6CMU, of
Richmond, California.  It's a database of packet users showing their
name, home BBS, QTH and zip code.  It's updated and queried by packet
message, allowing stations from all over the world to take advantage
of it.  Hank Oredson, W0RLI, later added a WP feature to his packet
bulletin board software.  As users enter their name, home BBS, QTH
and zip code into the BBS user file, the software automatically
assembles a message once a day containing all of the latest user
information and sends it to the WD6CMU White Pages.  Hank has now
expanded the WP feature, and each BBS running the W0RLI software can
now elect to operate its own White Pages database.  Each BBS,
however, continues to send a daily "WP" update of new or changed
information to the WD6CMU White Pages.  You can easily make use of
the packet White Pages information, both at your local BBS and at
WD6CMU.

If your BBS is operating with its own WP database, you may make
inquiries of it using the "P" command.  Simply enter P followed by
the callsign you'd like information about.  If you wanted information
on WB9LOZ, for example, you would enter: P WB9LOZ.

Information from the WD6CMU White Pages is obtained by sending a
message to "WP @ WD6CMU".  You can also update the database with new
information.  One message can contain several lines, including a
combination of queries and updates.  Since the messages are read and
answered by the WP software, not a person, each line must have the
correct format.  One of the following formats must be used:
     <callsign> QTH?
     <callsign> @ <BBS> <zip code> <name> <QTH>
     DE <callsign> @ <BBS>
The first form is a query.  It will cause a message to be returned to
you giving the home BBS, QTH and zip code of the person with the
given callsign.  If the information is not available from the WP
database, the return message will tell you so.  The second form adds
or changes the entry for the given callsign, and the third form
provides a return address for the requested information.  Replies
will be sent to the originating station at the BBS specified.  If the
return address line is not given, the WP program will attempt to
determine the originating station and BBS from the message headers.

Here are some examples of messages to the WD6CMU White Pages
database:  Suppose you wanted to know the home BBS of K9AT.  You
would send a message to WP like this:
(Your BBS) W6BBS>
SP WP @ WD6CMU
Enter title of message:
Query
Enter text:
K9AT QTH?
DE N6XYZ @ W6BBS
(Control Z)
Capital and lower case letters may both be used within the message.

If you wanted to update or add information to the White Pages, you
would send a message like this:
(Your BBS) W6BBS>
SP WP @ WD6CMU
Enter title of message:
Update
Enter text:
N6XYZ @ W6BBS 94199 John San Francisco, CA
AD6ZZ @ WB6ABC 94015 Anne Daly City, CA
DE N6ZYX @ W6BBS
(Control Z)
When updating or adding an entry to WP, you should make sure that the
information is accurate.

Here's an example of a message that has both queries and updates:
(Your BBS) W6BBS>
SP WP @ WD6CMU
Enter title of message:
Update/Query
Enter text:
K9AT QTH?
WA6DDM QTH?
N6XYZ @ W6BBS 94199 John San Francisco, CA
AD6ZZ @ WB6ABC 94015 Anne Daly City, CA
DE N6ZYX @ W6BBS
(Control Z)

Just like all other packet messages, messages addressed to WP @
WD6CMU are forwarded from BBS to BBS toward their destination.  When
a message containing new or updated information passes through a BBS
operating the W0RLI WP program, he sotarerecognizes the WP format
and extracts the information from the message for its database.  The
W0RLI WP program also collects data from any WP responses it sees and
from the message headers of every message that passes through.  In
addition, if a BBS operating with the W0RLI WP sees a query, it will
respond with any pertinent information that it has available.  As a
result, you might receive more than one response to your WP query.

The information on each call in a W0RLI WP database is usually
deleted in 60 to 90 days if it's not updated.  This keeps each local
database current and at a manageable size.  The WD6CMU White Pages
directory retains the data for a longer period of time.

It is important to note here that when you check into a new BBS, you
should always enter the same information that you have at previous
times.  Choose ONE BBS as your home BBS, the one where you want all
of your messages delivered, and enter that callsign every time you're
asked.  If you enter two or more different BBS calls at various
times, your mail could end up being sent from BBS to BBS.

When a message arrives at the destination given in the "@ BBS"
column, the latest software now checks the White Pages information to
make sure the message was delivered to the right place.  If it finds
that you have a different BBS listed as your home BBS, it will insert
the new BBS callsign and send the message on its way.  You may never
get it.

If you move or change your home BBS, you should then make sure that
you update the information for your call in the White Pages database.
If you use a BBS with W0RLI software, the BBS will send a WP message
for you if you use the NH, NQ and NZ commands to update the infor-
mation.  If these commands aren't available on your BBS to make the
changes, you'll have to send a message update yourself to WP @
WD6CMU.  Making sure that the information in the White Pages is
correct will help to get your messages delivered to the correct BBS.

- - - -
INTRODUCTION TO PACKET RADIO - PART 13
by Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ

In this article,  let's do some reviewing.  I'm going to present a
short quiz on packet, covering the basics that I've presented in the
past 12 columns.  Let's see how well you can answer the following
questions without looking back at the past articles.  In Part 14,
I'll discuss each question and give you the correct answers.

1. What are the three TNC modes of communication?
    a. Connect, Converse, Terminal
    b. Command, Converse, Terminal
    c. Command, Converse, Transparent
    d. Command, Connect, Transparent

2. What TNC command is used to set the transmit path for beacons and
   CQs?

3. What is the TNC command CHECK used for?

4. While you're connected to another station, what command is used to
   monitor other traffic on the frequency?

5. If you saw one of the following lines on your screen when in
   monitor mode, what would the asterisk indicate?
     W6ABC-3>N6XYZ,W6PW-1*: Hi Bob
     W6ABC-3>W6PW-1*>N6XYZ: Hi Bob
   (Displays vary with various TNCs, so both common types are shown.)

6. Why do the NET/ROM and TheNet nodes improve communications?

7. If you're connected to a station in New Mexico using NET/ROM or
   TheNet, how do you disconnect?

8. If N6ZYX-2 connected to you via a NET ROM or TheNet node, what
   would the SSID of the station become at your end of the connection?

9. When you're connected to another station, what are the two most
   probable causes for packets not to be received by the other station?

10. There are several basic commands used on a packet bulletin board
    system.  Indicate what you would enter to perform the following:
      a. Receive a list of messages.
      b. Download a file in the General (ID G) directory called
         FCCEXAMS.89.
      c. Enter a private message to Jim, WA6DDM, who uses the W6PW BBS.
      d. Read message 7134 with complete headers.
      e. Find out what stations have been heard on port B.

11. To send an NTS message via packet addressed to Tom Smith, 123 Main
    Street, Keene, NH 03431, telephone [phone], what would you
    enter at the BBS prompt?

12. If a message has a STATUS of BF, what does that indicate?

13. If you received a message from a friend in Chicago that had been
    forwarded to your home BBS through four other BBSs and the message
    had a Date/Time of 0316/2245 when you listed it, which of the
    following is a TRUE statement?
      a. The message was written at 2:45 pm on March 16.
      b. The message was entered into the BBS by your friend at 2245
         on March 16.
      c. The message was forwarded by your friend's BBS in Chicago at
         2245 on March 16.
      d. The message was received at your home BBS at 2245 on March 16.

14. If you wanted to send a message to your friend John, W4IP, but you
    didn't know what the call of his home BBS was, what could you do to
    try and find out what the call is?

15. BONUS: What is the maximum value for MAXFRAME?  If you're working
    a station on 30 meters and are sending a lot of retries, should you
    increase or decrease MAXFRAME?

Well, how did you think you did?  We'll take a close look at these
questions and more in part 14 of this series.

- - -
INTRODUCTION TO PACKET RADIO - PART 14
by Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ

How did you do on the review quiz in the previous part of this series?
If you haven't taken it, you might want to read part 13 and take the quiz
before reading any further.

Here are the correct answers and the series part number where you can read
more about the subject:

1 - Answer C is correct.  The three TNC modes of communication are Command,
Converse and Transparent.  Command mode is for communicating with the TNC.
The Converse mode is for normal QSOs, connects to a BBS or mailbox, etc.
and Transparent mode is used for binary file transfer.  (Part 2)

2 - The UNPROTO command is used for setting the transmit path for both
beacons and CQs. (Parts 3 and 11)

3 - The CHECK command is used for setting a timeout value in your TNC.
If set to a value other than zero, the TNC will attempt to recover a
connection after a certain specified time if nothing is received from the
other station.  This command is used in combination with the AX25L2V2
command.  (Part 11)

4 - The MCON command (Monitor while CONnected) is used to monitor other
traffic on the frequency while you're connected to another station.
(Part 4)

5 - When monitoring, the asterick indicates the station that you actually
hear the packet from.  The MRPT command must be ON for the monitor display
to show digipeaters.  (Part 4)

6 - NET/ROM and TheNet nodes improve communications because packets are
acknowledged from your station to the first node, and then node to node
to the destination.  A packet doesn't have to reach the destination
before an ack is returned.  (Parts 6 and 7)

7 - When using NET/ROM or TheNet (no matter who you're connected to) you
disconnect by going to command mode on your TNC and sending a D, just like
at other times.  The fact that you're using several nodes or are connected
to a distant station makes no difference.  The network will take care of
disconnecting all stations and links.  (Parts 6 and 7)

8 - N6ZYX-2 would appear as N6ZYX-13 if he connects to you using a node.
The nodes change the SSID using the formula 15-N.  (Part 6)

9 - The two most probable causes for a packet not to get through are
collisions with other packets on the frequency and noise due to weak
signals.  (Part 10)

10 - BBS commands:
  a. To receive a list of messages: L
  b. To download a file in the General (G) directory called
     FCCEXAMS.89, you'd enter DG FCCEXAMS.89
  c. To enter a private message to Jim, WA6DDM: SP WA6DDM @ W6PW
     (The "@ W6PW" is not needed if you're using the W6PW BBS.)
  d. To read message 7134 with headers: RH 7134
  e. To find out what stations were heard on port B of the BBS, you'd
     enter JB
 (Part 5)

11 - If you wanted to send a message to Tom Smith, 123 Main Street, in
Keene, NH  03431, you would enter the following at the BBS prompt >
ST 03431 @ NTSNH               (Part 8)

12 - A message with a STATUS of BF means that the message is a bulletin
and that it has been forwarded to all stations that are supposed to
receive it from the BBS you're using.   (Part 9)

13 - Answer D is correct.  The date/time of a message is the time the
message was received at the BBS you're using.  Please note that the
date/time of a message does not indicate local time, zulu time, UTC,
GMT, or whatever.  It indicates the time that that BBS is set to.  Most
BBSs are now set to zulu time (UTC, GMT), but many still use local time.
When you read a message, you should be able to get the date and time
the message was written from the message header.  (Part 9)

14-To find the call of the HOME BBS of your friends, use the White
Pages Directory.  If the BBS you're using has the WP feature enabled,
you will find the P command to be useful, otherwise send an inquiry
to WP.  (Part 12)

15-BONUS: The maximum value for MAXFRAME is 7.  MAXFRAME is the number
of packets transmitted by your TNC contiguously, and the number of unack-
nowledged packets the TNC can have outstanding.  You decrease MAXFRAME
when conditions are poor.  Your TNC will send fewer packets at one time,
so there will be less information to collide with other packets on the
frequency and less chance of information being wiped out by noise.
(Part 11)

There is no passing grade on the quiz.  It was designed for you to check
your general packet knowledge, and you'll have to be your own judge of that.

- - -

INTRODUCTION TO PACKET - Part 15
by Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ

W0RLI, N6VV, and VE3GYQ have devised a scheme called HIERARCHICAL
ADDRESSING.  With hierarchical routing designators we have an opportunity
to improve traffic routing.  No longer will a missing call in a BBS for-
warding file cause a message to remain unforwarded, sysops will no longer
have to burn the midnight oil trying to keep their forward files up to
date, and messages will move much more directly toward their destination.

The format for hierarchical routing is:
  addressee @ BBScall.#local area.state-province.country.continent.

It might look complicated, but it's not.  First, note that each section of
the format is separated by a period.  Codes used for the continents and
countries are standards, now accepted throughout the world.  You should be
able to find a list of them in the file section of your BBS.  State and
province codes are the recognized two-character codes established by the
American and Canadian Post Offices.  These may be found in the Callbook,
your phone directory, or any zip code listing.  The code for local area or
county is optional, since most of you have no idea what code is being used
back in upper New York state or in Iowa City, IA.  If you know it, use it,
since it will help get the message closer to where it's going.  The code
for Northern California is #NOCAL, and the code for Southern California is
#SOCAL.  You should use the appropriate one in your signature line.  For
messages going outside of the US  or Canada, the local area is optional
and the state is eliminated.

Using the hierarchical format, here are some routing examples:
                  WB9LOZ @ W6PW.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
                  N6KZB @ KD6SQ.#SOCAL.CA.USA.NA
                  KC3XC @ N4QQ.MD.USA.NA
                  JA1ABC @ JA1KSO.#42.JPN.AS
                  VK4AHD @ AX4BBS.AUS.AU

You'll note that the local area code is preceded by the octothorpe #.
(Now, how's that for a $5 word?)  The reason is that the Japanese
network, and possibly other areas, want to use routing numbers for the
local area/county code, which could get confused with zip and postal
codes.  Using the # on all local area codes will eliminate forwarding
problems.

We need to emphasize two very important points: hierarchical addressing
DOES NOT indicate a forwarding PATH, and ONLY ONE BBS call should be
included in the address.  A list of BBS calls separated by dots will
not get your message to its destination.  The addressing scheme is said
to be one area inside another area.  Using my hierarchical address as
an example, WB9LOZ @ W6PW.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA, here's how you would describe
the address: "WB9LOZ at W6PW which is in Northern California which is in
California which is in the USA which is in North America".

There are several BBS programs that implement hierarchical addressing
now, including the W0RLI, AA4RE and WD6CMU software.  Check the ID
block you receive when you log into your BBS.  If it has an H in it,
such as [RLI-9.07-CH$] or [4RE-02.4-HM$], your system supports it.

This next section explains how the BBS software uses the hierarchical
addressing scheme.  We first have to understand how the software goes
about matching items in the "@ BBS" address with items in the forward
file.  For an example, let's say that we send a message to Tom, W3IWI,
who operates his own BBS and is located near Baltimore, Maryland.  We
would enter:
    SP W3IWI @ W3IWI.MD.USA.NA
If the only entries in the forward file are California BBSs plus a list
of state abbreviations, let's see how the message would be forwarded.  The
first thing the software does is attempt to find a match between the items
in the forward file and the left-most item in the address field.  In our
case, it would not find W3IWI.  If there isn't a match, it then moves to the
next section to the right.  It would find MD and that match would allow the
message to be forwarded.  If it had found the call W3IWI, that entry would
take precedence (because it is more left in the field than MD) and would of
course also ensure delivery.

Here are some comments from the ones who devised the hierarchical addressing:

"There is another added benefit to this scheme.  It involves Gatewaying
between the BBS world and other networks, such as TCP/IP via SMTP.  Much
of the pioneer work in setting up the gatewaying protocols has been done
by NN2Z, N3EUA, and PA0GRI, amongst others.  The W0RLI BBS package
allows for the forwarding of mail between the BBS world and the SMTP
world.  Of note is the fact that the WA7MBL package has allowed such
message exporting and importing for some time now.  This means that we
can take advantage of the the TCP/IP host-names and their domain or
hierarchal format for forwarding.  Thus it is possible to send mail from
the BBS to VE3BTZ as [e-mail] or from SMTP to
[e-mail] and not have any ambiguity.

"We expect that WA7MBL will also be implementing hierarchal routing in
the near future.  This system is still compatable with older style
systems, as a system that handles hierarchal forwarding identifies with
the H feature letter: [RLI-8.00-CH$].  If it does not get an appropriate
response, it uses the left-most item in the "@ BBS" string as the "@
BBS" for the message.

"The authors hope that this paper will serve as a starting place for
improved message routing by means of implicit routing.  Low-level (VHF)
BBSs need only maintain state or province or country codes for distant
BBSs, and route such traffic to their nearest HF Gateway.  In turn, the
HF station routes it to the desired state, where the receiving Gateway
station would have a detailed list of the BBSs it serves."

Comments from W0RLI, N6VV and VE3GYQ.

73, Larry, WB9LOZ @ W6PW.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA

INTRODUCTION TO PACKET RADIO - PART 16
By Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ

In the previous 15 parts of this series, this column has covered all
of the basics of packet radio - from setting up your TNC and making
your first QSO, to using digipeaters and Net/Rom.  Many of the TNC
commands have been explained, including the best settings for normal
packet use.  I have discussed the procedures used for logging into a
packet Bulletin Board System or Mailbox, and have given you informa-
tion on how to list, read and send messages, download and upload
files, and use other features available. I've talked about the
general message format, the reasons for limiting the number of
digipeaters you use, calling CQ on Net/Rom and a variety of other
topics.

More articles will be written as new developments are made and old
features are updated.  There are several programs available for
making special use of packet, such as TCP-IP, Tex-Net and Conference
Bridging, and high speed modems are just around the corner.  Perhaps
we'll take a look at those topics in the months ahead.  Right now
I'm not familiar enough with them to write about them.  I'm interes-
ted in getting on the air with TCP-IP, so I might get into that next.

If you have any comments on this series, have any questions on the
topics discussed, or want to suggest new topics for discussion in
future articles, please leave a message for me.  I hope that you've
found this series to be informative and helpful in making packet more
enjoyable.

73, Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ @ W6PW