OS/2 Shareware BBS: 2 BBS/02-BBS.zip/v611docs.zip/VMAIN611.ZIP/VC9-AB

Text File | 1993-10-09 | 14KB | 288 lines

                                       VBBS 6.11 Documentation --9-B-1

            ╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
            ║ CHAPTER 9 ANNEX B        MULTINET      ║
            ╚════════════════════════════════════════╝

             The Multinetwork Master List
             ════════════════════════════
             The master list of allowable networks is a file named
             NETWORKS.LST, and is located in the VBBS 'Data' subdirectory.

             This master list is the only way for VBBS to identify the origin
             and destination of posts and e-mail, so it is a requirement
             that major networks be listed in the NETWORKS.LST file.

             The NETWORKS.LST file is an ascii file in following format:

             1,1,VirtualNET
             2,2,WWIVnet
             3,2,WWIVLink
             4,4,FIDOnet
             5,3,USEnet

             The NETWORKID comes first, followed by the NETWORKTYPE,
             and finally, the NETWORKNAME.

             To view the network entries in the NETWORKS.LST file, simply
             choose option 7, Network Configuration, on the VConfig menu.

            The Multinet Mail Tosser
             ═══════════════════════
            The multinet mail tosser is built directly into VBBS.
            No external mail tossers from third parties are needed,
            although VBBS can be configured to use them if desired.

            The tosser handles this process of distributing email
            and posts to the appropriate "pending" files for each
            network you are connected to. The tosser also handles
            the importation of incoming email and posts to the BBS,
            and the gating of posts between networks.

            Mail tosser operation is completely automatic and requires
            no special attention. Tossing may also, however, be invoked
            by command line switches or batch files called by external
            events to add flexibility. Please refer to the individual
            documentation for each network-specific interface for
            details on syntax and how this is accomplished. Such
            documentation is included in the zip file for each interface
            utility.

           Network-specific Interfaces
           ═══════════════════════════
            As of this moment, four basic network interface types
            may be used in conjunction with the VBBS multinet engine.
            These are as follows:
            VNET.EXE     for VirtualNET-type networks (type 1)
            VWW4.EXE     for WWIVnet-type networks    (type 2)
            VUUCP.EXE    for UUCP-type networks       (type 3)
            VFIDO.EXE    for FIDO-type networks       (type 4)

                                       VBBS 6.11 Documentation--9-B-2

            These utilities may be downloaded from any VBBS support
            board and are accompanied by specific installation
            instructions.

            Please note that these utilities are not crippled in
            any manner, however, you should register VBBS within sixty
            (60) days to avoid an interruption of service. Failure to
            register will inactivate all interface utilities automatically,
            with the exception of VNET.EXE, after the 60-day period.
            To avoid any inconveniences, please register VBBS as soon as
            possible.


           VConfig
           ═══════
           The multinet configuration is done by running option 7, Network
           Configuration, in VConfig. From the net configuration menu, you
           simply choose which network you want to add, and enter the
           appropriate information. It is very important to remember after
           running option 7 to select option 3, Database Configuration,
           and run the Sort Databases and Compile Network functions found
           there.

           Answer.net Configuration
           ════════════════════════
           ANSWER.NET, an ordinary ascii text file, should be created
           and placed in your VBBS 'Data' subdirectory if you are to
           interface with other networks successfully. You must have
           answer.net set up properly for VBBS to be able to correctly
           identify incoming network calls. In many cases, the incoming
           network call will use a macro to identify itself. The
           answer.net file is used by the multinet engine to
           acknowledge the network macro, identify the network, and call
           up the proper network interface utility after connecting.

           Note that VirtualNET type networks do NOT need to be configured
           in ANSWER.NET since type 1 networks are automatic. However,
           to detect types 2 through 4, you must "program" ANSWER.NET to
           be able to identify the incoming network from the string it
           sends.

           ANSWER.NET uses only three simple one-character commands: ">",
           "!", and "?".

           ">"     Sends a string. For example, >HELLO would transmit
                   HELLO

           "!"     Waits up to 2 seconds for a byte to come in

           "?"     Compares received byte to ascii code values
                   and calls up the appropriate network interface driver

          Here are some examples:

          ?78=2
          If received byte was 78 ("N"), then answer network #2 (WWIVnet)
          N N N N is the string that WWIVNet sends.
                                       VBBS 6.11 Documentation--9-B-3
          ?76=3
          If recevied byte was 76 ("L"), then answer network #3 (WWIVLInk).
          L L L L must be the string that WWIVLink sends and must be set
          up by your Link server using a macro.

          Here is an example ANSWER.NET, for a VBBS that is on WWIVnet
          only which you may use:
          !
          ?78=2
          ?32=2

          Here is an example you may use if you are on both WWIVnet and
          WWIVLink:
          !
          ?78=2
          ?32=2
          ?76=3

          Here is an example for a VBBS on USEnet:
          >UUCP
          !
          ?85=5

          Here is an example for a VBBS on USEnet, WWIVnet, and WWIVLink
          which may be used:
          >UUCP
          !
          ?78=2
          ?32=2
          ?76=3
          ?85=5

           Considerations for Wide-Area Networks
           ═════════════════════════════════════
           Because of VBBS' uniquely-designed multinet engine, starting
           your own new network is easier than ever before whether you
           are a business or an advanced system operator.  Here are just
           a few things to consider if you are contemplating this:

           A) You will need to decide on what type of network software
              you want to use for your new network:

              VirtualNET type
              WWIVnet type
              FIDO type
              UUCP type

              While the multinet engine will easily handle any type above,
              remember that the simplest network to run operationally is a
              VirtualNET type network. This requires no special setup of
              the answer.net file or macro setup on the part of the server,
              has support for update utilities, and other advantages.

           B) You will need to select a name for your network.

           C) You will be responsible for maintaining your network, such
              as producing its bbslist or nodelist, establishing
              connections, nominating ACs, etc.

                                       VBBS 6.11 Documentation--9-B-4

           D) You should have the following thought out in advance:

              Network Policy and Goals
              Network Application
              Advertising
              Administration

           E) Update utilities

              Update utilities let you, as network coordinator send out
              BBSLISTs and SUBSLISTs for the maintenance of your network.
              Custom update utilities for VirtualNET type networks are
              available from the VBBS author. For more information on how
              to start a VirtualNET type network, please refer to the
              LOCALNET section of this document.

           F) Inclusion in NETWORKS.LST

           Here are the guidelines followed in handling networks.lst.
           There are NO exceptions to this policy and every new
           network must meet the criteria.

           NOTE: Applications will only be accepted from the NC of the
           network or their designate.  Either the NC or the designate
           MUST be a registered VBBS sysop.

           1.  10 new LocalNet slots 90-99 have been created.
           2.  Systems starting a network SHOULD use a localnet slot
               while the network is growing and getting established.
           3.  Once a network has 25 clients outside of their areacode,
               they can request formal recognition and addition to the
               Master Networks.lst file.  They will then be assigned a
               permanent slot and the Networks List Co-Ordinator
               will do whatever he can to make the transition as fast and
               painless as possible, within reason.  This includes help
               with mass/direct mailings to notify the current subscribers
               to your net and co-ordination of a switch date to your
               permanent slot.
           4.  Networks meeting the criteria (verifiable) of #3 will be
               immediately assigned a permanent slot.  In accepting the
               permanent slot, the NC agrees to the following:

           A - Must write a Brief description of the network for inclusion
               in a text file distributed to all sysops monthly, listing the
               slot assigned, network name and a brief description of the
               network.
           B - Agrees to upload/send a zip file of what someone needs to
               join the network to 1@1803007 (Networks.lst Co-Cordinator)
               via VirtualNet, DirectMail (803-776-0323), Crash Fido Mail
               (1:376/142), or upload directly to my BBS.  This will allow
               anyone interested in a network to always be able to get an
               application package from my board.  This package should also
               include info on any restrictions the NC may specify as to
               accessing their net.

                                       VBBS 6.11 Documentation--9-B-5

           5.  Since Networks.LST is editable by anyone, and you can
               technically place your network in any slot not being used
               by your system, there stands a chance that people may not
               be able to join your net if you use the UUUCP slot and they
               are already in UUUCP.  Crossed messages will not be allowed.
               In the event of a problem with two networks using the same
               slot which is causing problems, the Networks.lst co-ordinator
               will require one of the nets to move to another slot.  The
               criteria used for this determination follows:

           A - Permanent Official Networks assigned a slot will always take
               precedence over one not officially recognized.
           B - Since having conflicts between Official Networks will be
               impossible, that leaves conflicts between localnet/empty
               slots to be resolved.  The criteria for this will be:
                     1 - Number of Systems in Network
                     2 - Length of time Network in Operation.
               The object here is to make the transition to another slot as
               painless to the involved parties as possible.  There will be
               no favoritism.  The system which best meets the criteria will
               be allowed to keep the slot, the other will be asked to move.
           C - The Networks List Co-Ordinator will do all within reason and
               his power to assist someone in moving their network to a
               non-conflicting slot.  After all, we are concerned here with
               the efficient operation of ALL networks and WANT them to
               succeed.

           Some other facts about the networks.lst file:

           1 - There IS a limit to the number of the networks that can be
               in networks.lst.
           2 - When editing networks.lst, do NOT leave any blank lines in
               it.  This will cause problems.  Delete all blank lines from
               the bottom.
           3 - Each registered SYSTEM/SYSOP will only be allowed ONE
               permanent network in the official master list, IF/WHEN
               they meet the criteria above.
           4 - There is a new sub which will be autosubscription called
               Networks.lst Information.  We will answer questions and
               give out information on networks.lst and on how the system
               works.

            For additional information, contact:

            1@1803007 VirtualNet
            803-776-0323 DirectMail
            Mac Saum
            Networks List Co-Ordinator