In computer networking, DECserver initially referred to a highly successful family of asynchronous console server / terminal server / print server products introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and later referred to a class of UNIX-variant application and file server products based upon the MIPS processor. In February 1998, DEC sold its Network Products Business to Cabletron, which then spun out as its own company, Digital Networks, in September 2000. As of January 2008, Digital Networks began doing business as Vnetek Communications, and continues to manufacture, market, sell, and service DECservers.
DECservers were introduced in 1985. The first model was the DECserver 100. This and all subsequent DECserver models used the Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol which was/is also supported by many DEC operating systems including VAX/VMS, OpenVMS, RSX-11, RSTS/E and Ultrix (an implementation of UNIX). All DECservers were designed to boot their operating systems across the network using DECnet MOP with later models supporting TCP/IP booting using bootp protocol. Later models also support booting from flash memory cards.
Model Option Numbers, Description and History
DECserver 100
The DECserver 100 Terminal Server was a network terminal switch for Ethernet Local Area Networks, providing a convenient method to logically connect up to eight DIGITAL asynchronous terminals to one or more service nodes (hosts) on an Ethernet. Through the use of a simple command, users could establish a logical connection, called a session, to any local service node that implemented the LAT protocol.
Model Number: DSRVA-** Ports: 8 DB25
Alternate product: DECserver 708, 8 ports DB9, DSRVW-R*