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- What is the ROSE X.25 Packet Switch?
-
- The ROSE Switch is the first Amateur Packet Networking program that
- uses the International Standard protocol for packet networks, CCITT X.25.
-
- The program is meant to be installed in place of the EPROM found in a TNC-2
- (or Clone) packet controller. It is not meant for User Terminals, but for
- Network Facilities such as a Digipeater, a NET/ROM, or TheNet EPROM.
-
- ROSE X.25 Packet Switch offers the following features:
-
- * Hop-by-Hop Acknowledgements between Switches - provides reliability
- and higher throughput.
-
- * On-line Information - Information/Help bulletin.
-
- * FCC and foreign PTT acceptable AX.25 Level 2 SOURCE and DESTINATION
- Identification - the call signs of both the station of
- origination and termination appear at each end of the connection.
-
- * Proper Transmitter Licensee Identification - Switch always
- identifies its transmissions with its own call sign, not the call
- sign of ANY user. Call signs traverse the network without ANY changes.
-
- * Backbone is Fully Transparent to Users - Can add or remove Switches
- in the backbone, change call signs, bands/frequencies without
- having to inform users or modify BBS forwarding files.
-
- * True Implicit Addressing - Only need to know the address of the
- desired exit point of the network, not all the intermediate
- steps.
-
- * Network Determined Routing - Network manager determines best path,
- eliminating need for broadcasting of routing information to other
- switches.
-
- * Dynamic Route Selection - Network will automatically attempt
- alternative paths to remote switches, based on information that
- the Network Manager provided.
-
- * Predetermined Network Paths - Network manager tells each switch
- which paths to use, will not attempt impossible links because
- another switch was heard during a band opening.
-
- * Support for Emergency Operations - A switch can be added to the
- network to provide service from the afflicted area without
- modifications to the existing network.
-
- * Security System for Remote Control - authentication of user who
- requests to view or modify configuration.
-
- * Common Hardware base among vendors - The ROSE X.25 Packet Switch
- runs on ANY TNC-2 compatible TNC, (TAPR TNC-2, AEA PK-80, MFJ
- 1270, Pac-Comm TNC-200 Tiny 2, Micro-Power, as well as the Pac-
- Comm DUAL Port DR-200)
-
- * Full Radio Support on Asynchronous Port - The Asynchronous port of
- a TNC can be attached to a 202, or any other modem with an RS-232
- interface and Radio, providing a dual port system. The second
- port is AX.25 using the Asynchronous Framing Technique (AFT) that
- was proposed by Toby Nixon of Hayes, which is pending CCITT
- adoption as the accepted method for sending X.25 over
- asynchronous links.
-
- * Multi-Synchronous Ports using TNC's - Since the Asynchronous port
- has full radio support it also can support one or more switches
- via a special (commonly available) RS-232 cable.
-
- * Complete Remote Configuration - All configuration is done over the
- air, many parameters can also be burned into the EPROM.
-
- * Battery Backed Up Configuration - All configuration and routing
- information is retained when the power is removed. No need for
- manual intervention when power is restored.
-
- Thomas A. Moulton, W2VY
- (201) 478-7919
- W2VY@KD6TH
-