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Rules of Thumb
NetWare Asynchronous Communications Services v3.0 (NACS)
April 1992
By allowing users to share communications resources connected to a NetWare
server, the NetWare Asynchronous Communications Services (NACS) provides
asynchronous connectivity to multiple users on the NetWare LAN. To aid you
in configuring the NACS for optimal performance, reliability, and ease of
use, we asked our engineers what components they would use if they were
installing the NACS. Here's what they said.
Possible Applications of NACS
-----------------------------
Using the NACS, LAN users can share asynchronous resources residing on a
NetWare server, such as modem connections, X.25 Public Data Network (PDN)
connections, muxes, and direct asynchronous host lines, thereby eliminating
the need for separate modems or direct connections from individual
workstations.
Using various communications adapters installed in the NetWare server, NACS
allows users to transmit data at up to 115.2 Kbps, depending on the
capabilities of the adapter. NACS works in conjunction with Novell's
NetWare Asynchronous Services Interface (NASI), to support a variety of
communications packages and terminal emulators. For a list of known NASI
compatible applications, refer to "NASI Compatible Applications" below.
Supported NetWare Environments
------------------------------
NACS runs under the following versions of NetWare:
- NetWare v3.11
- NetWare Runtime v3.11
NACS can run on the NetWare server, alongside other NetWare services, such
as file and print services, database services, or messaging services.
NACS can also run under NetWare Runtime v3.11. NetWare Runtime v3.11 is a
special version of the Netware operating system for use with dedicated
communications servers and other NetWare applications. Like standard
NetWare v3.11, NetWare Runtime v3.11 lets you load NLMs and communicate
with network workstations. Unlike standard NetWare v3.11, it does not
provide file and print services.
If you anticipate heavy activity on the server running NACS, you can reduce
processing overhead by running NACS as a dedicated service on a Runtime
NetWare Server.
NetWare Runtime v3.11 is provided with the 8 port and 32 port versions of
NACS.
NACS and the NetWare Communication Services
--------------------------------------------
NACS is one of Novell's NetWare Communication Services, a family of
products that provide an integrated solution to LAN communication
requirements. To run the NACS, you first start the Communication Executive
(the control program for the NetWare Communication Services) and then
launch the NACS software.
NACS Product Versions
---------------------
NACS v3.0 comes in three versions:
- The 2 port NACS
- The 8 port NACS
- The 32 port NACS
2 port NACS
---------------
With the 2 port NACS, you can maintain two active NASI connections per
NACS. You can use standard serial ports installed in the server and/or you
can use ports provided by various communications adapters. For a list of
tested communications adapters that the NACS supports, see "Communications
Adapters". The 2 port NACS must run under either the standard version of
NetWare v3.11 or NetWare Runtime v3.11.
8 port NACS
---------------
With the 8 port NACS, you can maintain up to eight active NASI connections
per NACS. You can use standard serial ports installed in the server or
ports provided by various communications adapters. For a list of tested
communications adapters that the NACS supports, see Communications Adapters
below. The 8 port NACS must run under the standard version of NetWare
v3.11 or under NetWare Runtime v3.11. NetWare Runtime v3.11 is provided
with the 8 port version of the NACS product.
The 32 port NACS
----------------
With the 32 port NACS, you can maintain up to 32 active connections per
NACS. You can use standard serial ports installed in the server or ports
provided by various asynchronous communications adapters. For a list of
tested communications adapters that the NACS supports, see Communications
Adapters. The 32 port NACS must run under the standard version of NetWare
v3.11 or under NetWare Runtime v3.11. NetWare Runtime v3.11 is provided
with the 32 port version of the NACS product.
New Features
--------------------
NACS v3.0 has several new features, such as
- Dynamic reconfiguration
- Higher data rate support
- Hardware independence
- Local and remote management capabilities
- Security management
- Diagnostic tools
Dynamic Reconfiguration
-----------------------
NACS now runs as a NetWare Loadable Module (NLM), which allows greater
flexibility in running and configuring the NACS. NACS v3.0 includes a
series of asynchronous I/O drivers that also run as NLMs. Because these
modules can be loaded and unloaded without bringing down the NetWare
server, it is easy to reconfigure the NACS when you change the hardware
configuration on the server.
Higher Data Rate Support
------------------------
NACS v3.0 supports higher data rates than previous versions of NACS. NACS
v3.0 can transmit data at up to 115.2 Kbps per port, depending on the
capacity of the communications adapter used with the NACS.
Hardware Independence
---------------------
With the new architecture of the NACS software, you can now use a variety
of third-party communications adapters. This increased compatibility
provides greater flexibility in configuring and maintaining the NACS.
Local and Remote Management Capabilities
----------------------------------------
NACS v3.0 includes a NACS console that lets you configure the NACS and
monitor activity on the NACS as a whole or on individual ports. The NACS
console also lets you view a log file that summarizes activity on the NACS.
You can run the NACS console locally on the NetWare server or remotely
using Novell's RCONSOLE utility on a workstation connected to the LAN.
Security Management
-------------------
NACS v3.0 has improved security management features. Using the NetWare
system configuration utility (SYSCON) you can restrict access to an
individual NACS, to individual ports on a NACS, or to members of authorized
user groups. Access to the NACS console can be restricted to users with a
specified password.
Diagnostic Tools
----------------
NACS v3.0 includes new diagnostic utilities that let you test the operation
of the NACS and the operation of individual ports on the NACS. The NACS
availability test lets you test the availability of a particular NACS. The
NACS performance test lets you test the performance of a specific port on
the NACS. The NACS loopback test lets you test the connection for each
port. NACS also lets you maintain a trace file that shows data written
from and read to specific ports.
Hardware and Software Requirements
----------------------------------
NACS requires the following hardware and software.
NetWare Server Hardware
-----------------------
A NetWare server requires the following hardware to run NACS:
A 386 or 486 PC with appropriate disk and memory requirements as
described in "NetWare Server Memory Requirements" and in "Disk space
Requirements".
An appropriate LAN adapter. All certified NetWare v3.11 LAN adapters
are supported.
At least one standard serial port or one or more of the communications
adapters listed under "Communications Adapters".
Appropriate asynchronous communications hardware, such as modems,
multiplexers, or direct connections to asynchronous hosts.
NetWare Server Memory Requirements
----------------------------------
Use this procedure to determine the total amount of memory required
for a NetWare server running NACS.
If you are using NetWare Runtime v3.11, which ships with the 8-port
and 32-port version of NACS, the minimum recommended system memory is
6 MB. If you are using NetWare v3.11 in an integrated configuration,
use the following steps to determine the memory requirements for
running NACS.
1. Calculate the memory requirement for each volume.
For each DOS volume:
M = .023 X VOLUME SIZE (in MB) / BLOCK SIZE (default is 4)
For each volume with added Name Space:
M = .032 X VOLUME SIZE (in MB) / BLOCK SIZE (default is 4)
2. Add memory requirements for all volumes:
TOTAL VOLUME MEMORY = Msys: + Mvol1: + Mvol2:
3. Add 2 MB for the operating system and round the value to the next
higher integer. If the total is under 3 MB, use 4 MB for your NetWare
v3.11 memory requirement.
4. Regardless of the number of ports you will run on the NACS, add 2
MB to the value determined in Step 3 (to run NACS).
5. If you are running both NACS and Netware for SAA, add the amount
of memory required for the number of NetWare for SAA sessions to the
value determined in Step 4.
The following table shows typical memory requirements for the NACS with
various server configurations.
Memory Requirements for NACS
----------------------------
Runtime Server Running NACS* 6MB
Runtime Server Running NACS and NetWare for SAA with 64 Sessions* 8MB
tandard NetWare Server Running NACS* 6MB
Standard NetWare Server with 1 GigaB of Volume Space Running NACS* 8MB
* 2 port, 8 port, or 32 port versions
Increasing Memory
-----------------
NACS should run without any problems using the memory calculated using the
procedure outlined above. If you get messages indicating memory problems,
add additional memory to the server in 1MB increments.
Disk Space Requirements
-----------------------
The NACS software requires 3 MB of system volume space in addition to the
space required by NetWare v3.11 or NetWare Runtime v3.11.
Netware Server Software
-----------------------
A NetWare server requires the following software to run NACS:
NetWare v3.11 or NetWare Runtime v3.11
Workstation Hardware
--------------------
A workstation running NASI requires the same hardware as a regular NetWare
workstation.
Workstation Memory Requirements
-------------------------------
A workstation running NASI and a NASI application requires the following
memory.
1. From 32 to 51 KB of memory to run NASI, depending on the number of
connections used.
2. An average of 512 KB of memory to run application programs and NetWare
menu utilities. Some NASI applications may require additional memory on the
workstation. Consult the manufacturer's documentation for additional
information.
Workstation Software
--------------------
A workstation requires the following software to run NASI and NASI
applications. DOS v3.x, 4.x, or 5.x (IBM DOS or MS-DOS) or DR DOS v6.0
NACS Hardware Recommendations
-----------------------------
Server Hardware
---------------
NACS should operate on any NetWare v3.11 server tested and approved by
Novell Labs through Novell's Independent Manufacturer's Support
Program SM (IMSP). For more information on PCs that are suitable for
use as NetWare servers, contact your authorized NetWare reseller.
LAN Adapters
------------
NACS is designed to work with any LAN adapter that has been tested and
approved by Novell Labs through Novell's IMSP.
Communications Adapters
-----------------------
The NACS and NASI software can operate with the following tested
communications adapters:
> The Wide-Area Network Interface Plus Adapter (WNIM+ Adapter),
available from:
Microdyne Corporation
(800) 255-3967
The WNIM+ adapter is an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)-bus
adapter that provides four asynchronous ports that can run at up to
38.4 Kbps. An asynchronous I/O driver for the WNIM+ adapter is
provided with the NACS software.
> Standard serial ports (up to five). You can use up to two standard
serial ports with the 2-port NACS, and up to five standard serial
ports with the 8-port NACS and the 32-port NACS.
You can use the COM ports installed in the NACS for asynchronous data
communications. However, even at 2400 baud, data loss can occur. For
better performance, we recommend using extended serial port adapters
that provide flow control capabilities.
Additional Communications Adapters
----------------------------------
Currently, the following additional communications adapters are being
tested.
> The DigiCHANNEL PC/Xe Adapter, or the DigiCHANNEL MC/Xi adapter
available from:
DigiBoard
(800) 344-4273
The DigiCHANNEL PC/Xe adapter is an intelligent, high-speed
communications adapter for use with ISA-bus machines. The DigiCHANNEL
MC/Xi adapter is the microchannel version of the adapter. Both
adapters come in a 4-port version, an 8-port version, and a 16-port
version. You can run each port on the adapters at up to 115.2 Kbps. An
asynchronous I/O driver for the DigiCHANNEL adapters is provided with
the adapter.
> The Hayes Enhanced Serial Port (ESP) Dual Enhanced adapter or the
Hayes ESP for Microchannel adapter, available from authorized Hayes
distributors. For ordering information, contact:
Hayes Microcomputer Products
(404) 441-1617
The Hayes ESP adapters provide two extended serial ports. The ESP
Dual Enhanced adapter is for use with ISA-bus machines. The ESP for
Microchannel adapter is for use with MCA-bus machines. Using DMA
Enhanced mode (the preferred setting for the adapters) you can run
both ports on the adapters simultaneously at up to 38.4 Kbps or a
single port at up to 57.6 Kbps.
An asynchronous I/O driver for the Hayes ESP adapters is provided with
the adapters. You can also obtain the driver from one of Hayes
Microcomputer Products' customer bulletin boards. You can access the
bulletin boards by calling 1-800-US-HAYES or 404-HIMODEM.
> The Asynchronous Communications Interface (ACI), available from:
Newport Systems Solutions
(714) 752-1511
The ACI is a combination of hardware and software that allows you to
use either Newport Systems Solutions' Asynchronous NetWork Interface
Coprocessor (ANIC) board or their ANIC/MCA adapter. Both the ANIC
adapter and the ANIC/MCA adapter provide eight asynchronous ports,
each of which can run at up to 38.4 Kbps. The ANIC adapter is for use
with ISA bus machines, and the ANIC/MCA adapter is for use with Micro
Channel machines. An asynchronous I/O driver for the adapters is
provided with the ACI product.
> The X.25 Communications Interface (XCI), available from:
Newport Systems Solutions
(714) 752-1511
The XCI is a software and hardware package that allows you to transmit
data over an X.25 connection. The package includes either Newport
Systems Solutions' WNIC adapter or their WNIC/MCA adapter. Both the
WNIC adapter and the WNIC/MCA adapter are 2-port adapters that provide
X.25 connections at up to 38.4 Kbps per port. The WNIC adapter is for
use with ISA bus machines and the WNIC/MCA adapter is for use with
MCA-bus machines. An asynchronous I/O driver for the adapters is
provided with the XCI product.
The information provided regarding these adapters is subject to change.
Contact the vendors of the listed equipment prior to making your purchase
decision.
Modems
------
NACS v3.0 will work with modems that are supported by your NASI compatible
communications applications.
The following NASI applications are known to be compatible with NACS v3.0
and NASI v3.0.
Application Company Telephone Number
----------- ------- ----------------
ASCOM/IV, network v1.41 Symantec (800)222-2616
BLAST Professional DOS, v10.5 US Robotics Software (800)24BLAST
BLAST Professional Server, v10.5 US Robotics Software (800)24BLAST
Citrix Remote Link, v1.0 Citrix Systems (305)755-0559
Citrix MULTIUSER with NASI, v2.0 Citrix Systems (305)755-0559
CO/Session LAN II Triton Technologies (908)855-9440
CROSSTALK Mk. 4, v1.1 and above D.C. Assoc. (800)348-3221
CROSSTALK for Windows, v1.2 D.C. Assoc. (800) 348-3221
DynaComm Asynchronous, v3.00.28 Future Soft (713)496-9400
LEXUS 2000 LAN, v2.5 Mead Data Central (800)227-9597
On/LAN PC, v1.2x Novell (800) NETWARE
pcANYWHERE IV/LAN, v4.5 Symantec (800) 222-2616
poly-STAR/T, v2.31 Polygon Software (314)432-4142
PROCOMM PLUS, Network ver. Datastorm Technologies(314) 875-0530
Reflection/7+, v1.0 Walker,Richter,& Quinn(206) 325-4357
RELAY Gold/LAN, v3.0 Microcom, Inc. (800) 822-8224
Smartcom Exec, v2.1 Hayes Microcomputer (404) 441-1617
SmarTerm 340, v3.0 Persoft (800) 368-5283
Softerm PC, v2.0 and above Softronics (719) 593-9550
VsComm/LAN, v7.6 The M/H Group (312) 443-1222
WESTLAW /WESTMATE v2.2 West Publishing Co. (800) 937-8529
ZSTEM 340, LAN version 1.0.3 KEA Systems, Ltd. (604) 431-0727
In addition to the applications listed above, there are other applications
that should work with NACS and NASI v3.0. If you are considering
installing or purchasing an application that is not listed above, and
intend to use it with NASI, contact the manufacturer or your authorized
Novell reseller.
For information on becoming a NASI developer, call 1-800-NETWARE.
Performance Factors
-------------------
NACS should run satisfactorily on any of the server platforms listed under
"Server Hardware" with sufficient RAM installed in the server. Running in
our test labs, the 32 port version of the NACS product has performed well,
running on the standard Netware platform with file and print services.
If you are running file and print services on the standard NetWare server
and you have, for example, 250 simultaneous users, or you have other
CPU-intensive applications installed on the NetWare server, we recommend
running the NACS as a dedicated application on a separate server running
NetWare Runtime v3.11.
Data Transmission Speed
-----------------------
Each port on the NACS can transmit data at the maximum speed allowed by the
communications adapter. When you configure the ports for the NACS, the
NACS console displays only the data rates that are supported by the driver
that controls the port that you are configuring. This speed ranges from 50
bps to 115.2 Kbps. Likewise, the parity checking, stop bits, and data
character size selections for each port depend on the settings supported by
the driver. For information on the settings supported by your driver,
refer to the communications adapter vendor's documentation.
Running NACS v3.0 with Previous NACS Versions
----------------------------------------------
You can run NACS v3.0 and previous releases of NACS on the same LAN.
However, you cannot run previous versions of NASI (NASI v2.xx) and NASIv3
(the NACS v3.0 version of NASI) at the same time on the same workstation.
An application running under NASI v2.09 cannot access a NACS v3.0 server,
nor can an application running under NASI v3.0 access a NACS v2.09 server.
If workstation users start NASI 2.x, they can use an application that is
compatible with NASI v2.x. If users start NASI v3.0, they can use
applications that are compatible with NASI v3.0.
Some NASI applications are compatible with both earlier versions of
NACS/NASI and with v3.0.
Windows Support
---------------
Some NASI applications provide Microsoft Windows support. Several
applications have special windows versions. Some applications can be
installed as applications that can be launched from within Windows. Other
applications can be launched by toggling into DOS from Windows and can run
concurrently with Windows. For specific information about a particular
application, contact the manufacturer or your authorized Novell reseller.
Loading NASI Into High Memory
-----------------------------
If enough high memory is available, NASI can be loaded into "high" memory
(the 384 KB of address space above the 640 KB reserved for DOS) using DOS
extenders.
Novell, Inc.
122 East 1700 South Part Number
Provo, UT 84606 101-001128-001