In this section, we will cover the fundamental concepts of networking within the OpenVMS environment. Understanding these basics is crucial for configuring and managing network services on OpenVMS systems.

1. Network Topology: The arrangement of different elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network.

   • Bus: All devices share a single communication line.
   • Star: All devices are connected to a central hub.
   • Ring: Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a ring.
   • Mesh: Devices are interconnected, providing multiple paths for data.

2. Network Protocols: Rules and conventions for communication between network devices.

   • TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the foundational protocol suite for the internet.
   • DECnet: A suite of network protocols created by Digital Equipment Corporation for networking their systems.

3. IP Addressing: Assigning unique addresses to devices on a network.

   • IPv4: 32-bit address, e.g., 192.168.1.1.
   • IPv6: 128-bit address, e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

4. Subnetting: Dividing a network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks.

   • Subnet Mask: Defines the network and host portions of an IP address, e.g., 255.255.255.0.

5. Routing: The process of selecting paths in a network along which to send network traffic.

   • Static Routing: Manually configured routes.
   • Dynamic Routing: Routes are automatically adjusted based on current network conditions.

To view the current network configuration on an OpenVMS system, you can use the TCPIP SHOW INTERFACE command.

This command will display information about the network interfaces, including IP addresses, status, and other relevant details.

To configure a static IP address on an OpenVMS system, you can use the TCPIP SET INTERFACE command.

In this example:

• WE0 is the network interface.
• 192.168.1.10 is the static IP address.
• 255.255.255.0 is the subnet mask.

To add a static route, use the TCPIP SET ROUTE command.

In this example:

• 192.168.2.0 is the destination network.
• 192.168.1.1 is the gateway IP address.
• 255.255.255.0 is the subnet mask.

1. Use the TCPIP SHOW INTERFACE command to view the network interfaces on your OpenVMS system.
2. Identify the IP address and status of each interface.

Solution:

Review the output to identify the IP addresses and statuses.

1. Configure a static IP address 192.168.1.20 with a subnet mask 255.255.255.0 on the interface WE0.

Solution:

1. Add a static route to the network 192.168.3.0 with a gateway 192.168.1.1 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

Solution:

• Incorrect Subnet Mask: Ensure the subnet mask matches the network configuration to avoid connectivity issues.
• Gateway Configuration: Verify the gateway IP address is correct and reachable.
• Interface Naming: Use the correct interface name (e.g., WE0) as per your system's configuration.

In this section, we covered the basics of networking on OpenVMS, including key concepts, practical examples, and exercises. Understanding these fundamentals is essential for effectively managing network configurations and troubleshooting network issues on OpenVMS systems. In the next section, we will delve into TCP/IP configuration, building on the concepts learned here.