DECnet over IP routing question

[Galen Tackett]

Suppose I had two DECnet Plus routing systems configured to use both the traditional DECnet IV transport and DECnet over IP. They would each have both a local LAN (is that redundant? :-) and a connection to the same IP-only router.

Can these two systems somehow route between their two LANs for systems that are running only DECnet IV?

[Volker Halle]

Galen,

I don't think so.

DECnet over IP works at the transport layer, not at the network layer. DECnet over IP connections are point-to-point between DECnet Plus systems, all routing of these connection is done in IP. An incoming Phase IV DECnet message cannot be 'forwarded' via DECnet over IP.

If you connect both DECnet Plus routing systems with one LAN interface to each of both local LANs, they should be able to route traffic from one LAN to the other.

If I haven't correctly understood your network topology, please consider to provide a network diagram (in an attachment).

Volker.

[Galen Tackett]

With a recent change in network security requirements, I'm hoping that we can persuade our client's Infosec people to let us use a switch between the two networks. This would be the best solution if they will let us.

Volker, the network topology I'm considering is a very simple one. I've tried to make a simple diagram, which is attached.

[H_Bachner]

Transparent routing won't work, but you should beable to use "poor man's routing", e.g.

$ dir locphv::remphv::remph4::

(locphv - the Phase V node on the local LAN, remphv - the Phase V node on the other side of the IP router, remph4 - the Phase IV system on the remote LAN)

Hope this helps,
Hans.

[Colin Butcher]

Why not just configure one (or two for redunancy if you wish) VMS systems as both DECnet and TCP/IP routers, then connect each to both LANs?

DECnet Phase IV routing will cope fine. TCP/IP OSPF routing should also cope fine.

Cheers, Colin (www.xdelta.co.uk).