🚀 go-pugleaf

We have a VAX 6320 with a small Pathworks LAN running over Thinwire
Ethernet; this is in one building.  The 6320 and two DECserver 500s
are connected to a DELNI that's connected to a DESPR.  I plan to
eventually remove the DELNI from that configuration, I think.  We'd
like to extend our Ethernet in two different ways as cheaply as
possible (of course).

I have two configuration questions for those of you who know about
Ethernet.

   o  The building housing the above LAN is connected to another
      building via fiber optic cable, but it's not being used yet.
      We have a Novell LAN in that building, as well as a DECsystem
      5100 and a VAX 11/785.  We'd like to extend the 6320 LAN to
      include at least the DECsystem and the 11/785, with the Novell
      LAN being a nice added bonus.

      The question: if we buy two Fiber Media Access Units (DEFLM-AA)
      as advertised on page 105 in the new DECdirect catalog, can we
      connect the 6320 and the remote systems without purchasing any
      additional equipment (routers, bridges, etc.)?  If so, do you
      have any suggestions for configuration?  The remote building is
      about 500 feet away; the Pathworks LAN is currently about at its
      length limit.  Approximately 200--300 feet run between the
      DECsystem and the 11/785; the DECsystem is currently connected
      to the Novell LAN.

      It appears that the DEFLM would let us go from Ethernet -> DEFLM
      -> fiber -> DEFLM -> Ethernet.

   o  We have another Novell LAN (Thinwire Ethernet) in the same building
      as the 6320.  It too has reached its maximum length.  Naturally,
      we'd like to connect the Novell LAN and the Pathworks LAN.  Will
      that work if the DESPR is replaced with a DEMPR?  How about just
      connecting a gateway to the DELNI now?  Would that work?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.  No one around here
(including our DEC reps) has had much experience with the limits of
Ethernet.

Hunter
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Hunter Goatley, VMS Systems Programmer, Western Kentucky University
goathunter@WKUVX1.BITNET, 502-745-5251