[Info-vax] DECnet Phase IV broken after VSI update

[Dave Froble]

On 10/29/2021 1:17 PM, Rich Jordan wrote:
> Asking here because the mechanics of asking VSI are not in place yet.
>
> We're doing testing for updating a customer system from an HP VMS V8.4 on RX3600 box to VSI V8.4-2L1 on an RX2800; same setup we were asking about disk partitioning before.  Starting with restoring clean image backups of the production box, we installed the upgrade, along with updating DECnet Phase IV, TCPIP, and the other relevant item on the installation media.  DECnet was working with the HP VMS version.
>
> Since then we can't get DECnet to work. TCPIP seems to be ok but the DECnet circuit remains on-synchronizing.  We have wiped the DECnet config and rebuilt it, same results.  It sees all four NICs on the RX2800, and we have tried making each one in sequence the active connection, with the same results.  We have confirmed nothing broke on the network by restoring the HP VMS version to another disk; works fine, and using a fresh install of VSI VMS on another disk; both have working DECnet..
>
> This is our first VSI update (as opposed to install).   I have a vague recollection of some kind of DECnet problem in early VSI days but have not found the reference yet.  Anyone have info or a link?
>
> Due to unavailability of some of the older software we really would prefer to stick with an upgrade over a fresh install and then try to get all their third party products working.   DECnet is strongly desired for the test and eventual move from the 3600 to the 2800; after that it won't matter.
>
> thanks
>

Recently I installed VSI VMS V8.4 2L3 on an RX2660 system.

DECnet is not working.

Using the iLO as the console, I get the following:

Message from user DECNET on ITANIC
DECnet event 4.7, circuit down, circuit fault
 From node 1.37 (ITANIC), 29-OCT-2021 13:52:32.73
Circuit EWA-1, Line synchronization lost


Ok, from a TelNet session (sorry Steve, I like TelNet for local sessions)
I decided to run STARTNET.COM, and DECnet came up and for the first time
worked on this system.

Then I decided to reboot and see what happens.  As soon as I got the iLO
into console mode, before logging in, DECnet died.

I haven't yet contacted VSI about the DECnet problem because I was a
bit busy doing stuff that didn't really need DECnet, though is
would have been nice to have it for VMS to VMS work.  But now it
has me interested.  Why would getting the iLO into console mode
cause a DECnet problem. if that is actually what happened?

-- 
David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
Dave Froble Enterprises, Inc.      E-Mail: davef at tsoft-inc.com
DFE Ultralights, Inc.
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