home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Fresh Fish 8
/
FreshFishVol8-CD1.bin
/
new
/
comm
/
bbs
/
4d-bbsdemo
/
docs
/
text
/
14.network_multiline
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-12-28
|
3KB
|
86 lines
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