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- Chapter 14: Networking and Multi-Line
-
-
-
-
- 14.1 Overview
-
- 4D-BBS has the ability to handle multiple callers at the same time.
- This is accomplished by running multiple copies of the program, each
- servicing a specific line. These can be dedicated null modem, normal dial
- up modem, or local. Following is information on the specifics needed to
- run multiple copies of 4D-BBS.
-
- 14.2 Start Up
-
- When you start up each copy for multi-line operation, you must specify
- different serial devices to use for each invocation of 4D-BBS. If you run
- two copies of 4D-BBS with the same serial device, they will confuse each
- other, and neither of them will be able to use the serial device.
-
- To specify an alternative serial device, use the "-s" and "-u" command
- line parameters. For example, if you have a A2232 multi-serial board, you
- can start two lines by using the following example.
-
- run 4D-BBS <NIL: >CON:12/382/700/50/4D-BBS0_Window/INACTIVE"
- run 4D-BBS -u2 <NIL: >CON:12/432/700/50/4D-BBS1_Window/INACTIVE"
-
- The first line does NOT need the "-u" CLP and will be using the
- internal serial port. The second line specifies serial.device unit 2
- should be used. Both of these when run will open up a window on the
- workbench to display their status. This is not necessary, but can come in
- handy for problem solving when used with the verbose CLP.
-
- 14.3 Data File Conflicts
-
- 4D-BBS will try up to 30 times to open a file when a DOS error of 202
- (file is in use) occurs. 4D-BBS was written to only have a file lock open
- for as short a time as possible, but errors can still arise. We are still
- addressing this problem, and could handle this situation different in the
- future.
-
- 14.4 Running a Local Only Copy of 4D-BBS
-
- Using the "-os" command line parameter, you can run a local onetime
- copy of 4D-BBS. This will NOT open any serial devices, and terminate after
- the local user logs off. This command can be run while another user is on
- the BBS without disturbing the on-line user.
-
- 14.5 Communications and scripts
-
- When someone logs onto 4D-BBS, the BBS itself will look to see if any
- other copies of the BBS are running WITH THE SAME BASE AREXX PORT NAME AS
- ITSELF. This is a very important concept to understand. When you want to
- run multi-line, and have each line aware of the other, you MUST use the
- same ARexx name when staring up each copy. 4D-BBS itself will handle
- changing the ARexx port names so each BBS has a unique ARexx port name.
- Failure to do this will result in each copy of 4D-BBS not recognizing
- another copy.
-
- If you want to log on locally without a user knowing, you can change
- your ARexx port name to something different, and the user will not be
- notified of your actions.
-
- Below is a list of actions which will trigger the BBS to send out
- commands to other copies of the BBS running concurrently.
-
- Action Command
-
- Posting a message Update high pointer for that sub-board
-
- User Logs On Announce user's logon
-
- Update system call information
-
- 14.5.1 Scripts
-
- Certain functions automatically execute a specific ARexx script
- whenever that function is successfully completed. Currently this list is
- small, but new functions and scripts will be added on demand.
-
- Function ARexx Script Name
-
- Posting a message 4DAfterPost.Rexx
- Chat Request 4DChatReq.Rexx
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