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1 MAIL014
RHODES UNIVERSITY COMPUTING CENTRE
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Proposal to Establish Email Links within the
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Region of Southern Africa
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26 June 1989
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1. Introduction
2. Methods of Connection - Concepts
2.1. The IBM RSCS Network running VM
2.2. An IBM RSCS Network using RFC 822 format
2.3. A Vax running VMS and JNET
2.4. A Cyber running NJEF
2.5. A Generalised RSCS Package
2.6. A PC running Fidonet
2.7. A Generalised Email System
3. Methods of Connection - Technicalities, Costs
3.1. The IBM RSCS Network running VM
3.2. An IBM RSCS Network using RFC 822 Format
3.3. A Vax running VMS and JNET
3.4. A Cyber running NJEF
3.5. A Generalised RSCS Package
3.6. A PC running Fidonet
3.7. A Generalised Email System
Appendix A: Addresses
Other Documents
1 1. Introduction
---------------
There must be few academics indeed who would challenge the
usefulness of a network for email. Perhaps usefulness is a
severe understatement - no important research can be done
without easy communication between workers in that discipline,
and there is absolutely no doubt that a major carrier of this
communication is email. That it is cost-effective is beyond
question.
So why then are there so few email links within the Southern
African Region? The only one that we are aware of is between
Botswana and Rhodes. The technical problems are not severe,
someone has solved them already. The brains, talent and drive
in the region are more than sufficient to get networking
established. Perhaps the only reason is that no one is taking
the intiative.
We at Rhodes University intend to do something to improve this
situation, because there is little evidence of anyone else doing
anything. The importance of this cannot be overstated - it is a
key to all sorts of things, but in particular it is a key to
getting the research workers in the region onto the
international scene. We hope that co-operative research
ventures will take place within the region, and that recognised
experts in research would be willing to take up post in the
region, or spend some time visiting, knowing that they can stay
at the cutting edge of their fields because of the ease of
contacts with the rest of the research world.
2. Methods of Connection - Concepts
-----------------------------------
The MAIL system on the Cybers at Rhodes has been designed for
ease of connection of remote sites. There are seven different
types of email connections possible at the moment, viz:-
to an IBM RSCS network running VM
to an IBM RSCS Network using RFC 822 format
to a Cyber running NJEF
to other RSCS packages
to a Vax running JNET
to a Fidonet PC
to a generalised email system
1 2.1. The IBM RSCS Network running VM
------------------------------------
This uses message standards that IBM have defined. It is built
around the VM NOTE system. This is in use on the link from the
Cyber at Rhodes to the universities in the northern region of
the RSA, who all run the VM operating system. The link from
Rhodes is on a dedicated circuit to the University of the
Witwatersrand, although we operated very successfully via a
dial-up link for about 16 months.
The email arrives on the Rhodes Cyber, is munged into suitable
format, and is deposited into the MAIL files. It is then
relayed via our international gateway, but it would be
preferable (not essential) for the IBM VM systems to send mail
to the standard known as RFC 822 in order to get this relay to
work.
Mail that is sent from the Rhodes Cyber to a VM computer arrives
at the 'reader' queue of the VM computer. What happens to it
next is site dependent.
The Cyber mail creates email to RFC 822 standards, but forwards
it to RSCS standards. Thus by looking at the contents of the
message (not at the control information), it is possible to
identify it as coming from the Cyber, but that is to be expected
and is indeed essential. The receiving IBM system has no
difficulty in delivering this email in its RSCS form, because
the control information is added correctly by the Rhodes Cyber.
2.2. An IBM RSCS Network using RFC 822 format
---------------------------------------------
We believe that the Rhodes MAIL system will handle this sort of
traffic. If this is not the case, it will be a trivial exercise
to correct the situation. As yet, no IBM sites in the RSA
create such email, so it has not been tested. The Vax JNET
package (see below) is the closest thing to this, and the MAIL
system interchanges email perfectly with the Vax.
We are absolutely confident that we can get such a link working
in very little time, at very short notice.
2.3. A Vax running VMS and JNET
-------------------------------
This link was the first non-IBM host to be connected to the
Rhodes Cyber, and is in daily use on a dedicated link.
Connection was put into production mode on 18 January 1988, and
has never given any trouble.
International email is routed via the Rhodes Cyber. This
extension required absolutely no modifications to anything on
the Vax, it dovetails in automatically.
It is a straightforward exercise to connect any other Vax to
this system. The remote Vax needs only to have the JNET package
over and above the VMS operating system. This package is
available across the range of Vax systems.
1 2.4. A Cyber running NJEF
-------------------------
This is fact how the Rhodes Cyber operates, so there is no
reason for it not to work on any other Cyber.
2.5. A Generalised RSCS Package
-------------------------------
The IBM RSCS protocol is implemented on a wide variety of
computers. A list is obtainable, for example, from the Bitnet
Network Information Centre, Bitnic. In essence, any package
that works on Bitnet (or its European equivalent, Earn), should
work to the Rhodes Cyber.
Note that this package might not be sufficient for your site.
The RSCS system merely transfers files, it does not provide
mailboxes or any other mail facility, and you will probably need
these other facilities.
2.6. A PC running Fidonet
-------------------------
Of all the methods, this is the simplest. A PC running the
Fidonet package started to carry live international traffic to
and from the Rhodes Cyber on 2 February 1989. The software that
does this is available at no charge (it is freeware). Any
individual can run this privately from a PC. A hard disk is
essential, but the space demands are not severe.
2.7. A Generalised Email System
-------------------------------
There is a system on the Rhodes Cyber that allows all mail to be
forwarded in a generalised way. When no specific protocol is
available, then mail may be sent across a simple serial link.
It is sensible to use the Kermit or Xmodem protocols, to prevent
errors from occuring. The remote computer needs to produce mail
to this standard (this is not difficult to do), and it must be
able to inject mail into its local mail system. This is
normally not too difficult either.
This system is currently being used to connect an ADDS Mentor
and a Unix Tower.
1 3. Methods of Connection - Technicalities, Costs
------------------------------------------------
This section describes some of the technicalities of the
different methods of establishing a connection to the Rhodes
Cyber, and gives and indication of the cost components.
There are certain things common to all methods. The most
important is a commitment at the particular site to undertake
the work associated with this connection, but there are other
more mundane things. These include:-
a local emailing system accessible to researchers
some technical skills
a realisation that some effort must be made by the
person responsible
3.1. The IBM RSCS Network running VM
------------------------------------
All that is required is:-
a 2400 baud sync dial-modem connected to the VM computer
a sync port on the computer network
a telephone that can dial to Grahamstown (0461) 27272
There is a point at which dial-up costs exceed the costs of a
dedicated link, and so it would be replaced. The local PTT
should be approached for obtaining these costs.
The ideal way to have these connections is on a 9600 baud
dedicated link - this sets the upper bound of the costs.
However, traffic volumes are the criteria. Allow for the
possibility that another site might connect to you, and this
will increase the volume of traffic. That other site in turn
could have a chain of sites routing their mail through it, which
then goes through your site. Such traffic MUST be forwarded, it
cannot be discarded.
Experience at Rhodes has indicated that at a university of 3500
students, about 40 units of telephone calls are made a day
(tarrifs are from SAPT, where one unit corresponds to a local
call).
There is no software cost, as the VM system has a built-in email
system (NOTE), and the RSCS facility is available. The IBM MVS
or VSE operating systems do not necessarily have RSCS, although
it is available from IBM. These systems will probably require a
mailer program in order to send email - such a program would be
obtained from another IBM site. (eg Columbia University).
1 3.2. An IBM RSCS Network using RFC 822 Format
---------------------------------------------
The connection costs are identical to that for handling VM
email.
There will be some cost associated with obtaining an RFC 822
package. It should be readily available, and no doubt there are
several different packages. With the right contacts, it should
be possible to pick one up for the cost of the mailing of a
tape.
Places to look would be at network control centres, or at sites
that are on Bitnet or Earn.
3.3. A Vax running VMS and JNET
-------------------------------
The connection costs are identical to that for handling VM
email.
The VMS system should have an email system operational - this is
the usual state of affairs. JNET integrates into this email
system, and it is simple to install.
The costs of the JNET software are available from the vendor.
(See appendices).
3.4. A Cyber running NJEF
-------------------------
The connection costs are identical to that for handling VM
email.
The Cyber does not have an email package, so one will have to be
obtained. Rhodes University wrote its own, and is prepared to
distribute this at a nominal cost. On-site help and
installation is possible, indeed may be necessary, as the
package has been extended to do more than simple mail - it has
gateways and the like.
The Control Data RSCS package is called NJEF, and is pricey.
However, there may be a special educational deal available.
This package will operate via an NPU (needs a sync CLA) or
through CDCNET (needs one port of a 4-port LIM).
1 3.5. A Generalised RSCS Package
-------------------------------
The connection costs are identical to that for handling VM
email.
Check with your computer vendor as to the cost and availability
of such a package, and the cost and availability of the hardware
necessary to run it. Some computer vendors charge exhorbitant
prices for this - the best thing to do here is to make sure that
you buy more sensibly next time. (ie throw out that vendor,
move to one that is keen to have their customers participate in
networks).
3.6. A PC running Fidonet
-------------------------
This is by far the cheapest and simplest method of all, for a
small site.
The PC must have a hard disk. Further, an async (ie serial)
port on the PC, and a modem and unbarred telephone line are
required. The modem must match that in use at Rhodes. The
current price of a Saron modem is R684, and this is perfectly
adequate.
Mail can be sent via the Settler City Fidonet, (0461) 27241,
which is currently operating a V.22 bis modem. This modem is
about to be upgraded to a V.32 modem that will be able to
communicate with a V.22/V.22 bis modem as well.
Rhodes has configured a start-up kit of three (360 Kb) floppy
disks that will allow communication to the Rhodes Fidonet PC.
Using these, a more sophisticated link can be established.
Contact the Rhodes Computing Centre (+27 461 22023 x 279) (or
fax +27 461 25049) for details.
International email is relayed via the Settler City Fidonet.
Charges might be raised for this. The cost of international
email is about one-tenth of the cost of an international fax.
All major email networks are reachable from Fidonet.
Fidonet allows for one PC to act as a hub, and then local PCs
route their email via this hub. This is extremely efficient, as
the email gets batched and packed and ARC'd. Also, only one PC
need make the long-distance calls. Thus it is possible for an
organisation to allow many of its PC users to participate in
email via Fidonet - each PC needs to have a modem and telephone
to dial to the hub PC.
Fidonet comes with an email editor and all the necessary
software as a freeware package. Typically at any one site,
someone gets involved with Fidonet at the hacker level, and thus
contributes to extending the facilities, although they are quite
comprehensive.
1 3.7. A Generalised Email System
-------------------------------
The Rhodes MAIL system has been set up with a generalised
interface. Thus an 'unusual' computer could interchange email
fairly simply, given that it can do the following:-
. connect to the Rhodes Cyber (sync, async, X.28, many options
are possible)
. run a script file (ie issue some simple commands and react to
the responses)
. agree on a reliable protocol with the Rhodes Computing Centre
(eg Kermit, Xmodem, CDC's CONNECT) to allow the interchange of
mail files in a straightforward format
. interact with the local email system - ie identify email to
be routed via the Rhodes Cyber, and accept email from it for
delivery to the local users
The costs components are not possible to quantise, but they are
similar to all of the other options. There will be:-
data communication traffic costs
modems, PADs or similar
email system for your computer
developing the interface to the Rhodes MAIL system
It is our belief that the cost of developing such an interface
to the Rhodes Cyber is very low, given that mail can be
extracted from and injected into your own computer.
1 Appendix A: Addresses
---------------------
A.1 Rhodes University.
---------------------
The Director, Computing Services
Rhodes University
P O Box 94
GRAHAMSTOWN 6140
Republic of South Africa
email: ccml@rures
ccml.rures@f19.n490.z2.fidonet.org
A.2 JNET Software
-----------------
Joiner Associates Inc
3800 Regent Street
P O Box 5445
Madison
Wisconsin
53705-0445
USA
A.3 Columbia Mailer
-------------------
Anonymnous FTP to cuvma.columbia.edu.
A.4 Kermit
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Anonymous FTP to cu20b.columbia.edu
A.5 SRI-NIC, for RFCs
---------------------
SRI International
Network Information Systems Center
333 Ravenswood Avenue, EJ276
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Other Documents
---------------
MAIL015 - Connecting a COMPUTER to the RURES Mailer, available
from the Rhodes University Computing Centre.
1 MAIL014 Ends (swf 9 73; sj y)