+================================= NMPı ==================================== ================== Network Modem Program, Second Generation ================ ===================== by Network Products Corporation ====================== ================= Table Of Contents ================= 1. NMPı Introduction and Overview A. NMPı B. NCSI C. Network Products Corporation 2. Shareware NMPı 3. Registering 4. Technical Support 5. Network Products Family of Gateways 6. Contacting NPC 7. Documentation Notes 8. NMPı Installation A. Installing from Network or Harddrive B. Installing from Floppy C. Installation Notes 9. Using the NMPı A. Loading the NMPı B. Loading NCSI 10. Testing the Communication Server 11. NMPı Named Ports 12. NCSI Utilities 13. Third-Party Communication Applications 14. NCSI and Windows 15. Further Information and Assistance 16. Developing for NCSI 17. License and Trademark Information 18. Registration Form ================================== 1. NMPı Introduction and Overview ================================== NMPı Shareware v2.12.73 The NMPı is a high-performance software communication server. The NMPı controls the COM port on a PC, allowing it's use from a different PC across the network. The NMPı allows the sharing and pooling of Modems, serial connections to host computers, or other asynchronous communication devices on a network. Virtually any asynchronous serial device attached to the COM port can be shared, thus saving the cost and difficulty of connecting a modem and telephone-line or host connection to every network workstation. When multiple NMPıs are used, or when a multiport communication server is used (like NPC's ACSı), groups of asynchronous devices can be pooled permitting a user to choose from a group of devices without the necessity of specifying a particular device. A common use of the NMPı is to share a single modem among many users. This modem may be used to access Electronic Bulletin Board Systems (EBBS), the Internet, or information services, like CompuServe or Lexis. The NMPı is easy to use. Simply run the NMP executable on a network workstation that has a modem and that workstation is now a network modem server. Run the NCSI client program and a NCSI-compatible application on a workstation that wants to use the modem on the modem server, and that workstation running NCSI can now communicate with that modem across the LAN. A single NMPı allows users to share a single COM port on a single PC among multiple client workstations. Multiple NMPıs can be utilized on a network, each running on it's own PC. There is virtually no limit to the number of NMPıs on a LAN, however each copy can control only a single COM port on the PC it is run on. The single COM port controlled by the NMPı can not be used by multiple client workstations simultaneously. When a single client is actively using the port, it is unavailable for use by other clients. After a client workstation is done using the port, it can be used by others. Connections can be established or released by the client application at any time. Multiple ports on a single PC can be shared using Network Product's ACSı. For speed, performance, features, and stability the NMPı has no peer. The current product is the result of over 10 years of product evolution. NCSI, an Industry Standard NCSI (Network Communication Services Interface), pronounced "NEX-see", is an Application Programming Interface (API) developed by Network Products Corporation. The NCSI TSR provides the client workstation with an interface to the NMPı network communication server. NCSI is an amazingly versatile program. Among other things, NCSI provides network users with naming services that allow the pooling of asynchronous communication resources. By using NCSI's naming service, a descriptive name can be assigned to a single port or group of ports, thus greatly reducing confusion over a port's function. Additionally a NCSI user can either choose from a virtual pool of asynchronous devices, or choose a specific device. Similar devices can be pooled together, letting a user choose a resource by the type. NCSI can support up to 9 simultaneous connections on the client workstation allowing the user to run multiple communication sessions concurrently. NCSI also provides higher data transfer rates than any other network asynchronous communication server interface. NCSI supports Novell's NetWare, Banyan Vines, and 100% compatible NetBIOS networks including Microsoft's LAN Manager, Windows-for-Workgroups, and IBM's PC LAN. NCSI is supported by a wide variety of communication applications, and does not rely on a proprietary Network Products application for use. Most commercial communication applications support NCSI. A list of supported applications is included in this archive. If you don't see your favorite application on this list, contact the manufacturer of your application; they may have a NCSI-compatible version. For an updated list, contact the NPC BBS at the number given below. NCSI provides the application designer with a standard interface for network asynchronous communication services. NCSI also supplies the application designer with primitives that allow server port parameters to be changed from within the application. NCSI has been licensed to some companies under it's own name, and also under other names. Some companies have attempted to make drivers that emulate NCSI's functionality, with limited success. NCSI is a very complex product, and is the premier client interface for sharing asynchronous and X.25 ports on a network. NCSI is the fastest, and most robust communication server interface available. Network Products Corporation Network Products Corporation (NPC) pioneered the field of asynchronous network communication servers. Formed in 1985, NPC is dedicated to developing products that provide essential connection capabilities between LANs and other devices. Network Products Corporation was the original OEM manufacturer and supplier of Novell's NACS/NASI communication server, Gateway Communication's G-Asynch communication server, and Evergreen's Flexcom server. NPC has provided communication server and other LAN technology to many other companies, both in the past and presently. ================== 2. Shareware NMPı ================== The NMPı is shareware. If you use it regularly you should register it. NPC and it's re-sellers have marketed the NMPı quite successfully for five years at $195! Shareware enables us to cut our marketing costs and increase our production, allowing us to offer the NMPı for only $49! Registered users get a professionally printed manual, the latest production software including software to run the NMPı as a dedicated or a non-dedicated server, Windows drivers with no nag window, and telephone technical support. The most current copy of the shareware version of the NMPı may be downloaded from NPC's BBS at (818) 441-6933. The EBBS supports v.32bis. Set your communication software for 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity. This shareware copy of the NMPı is fully functional. It contains everything necessary to establish a modem pool. =============== 3. Registering =============== To purchase a copy of the NMPı send a copy of the registration form along with payment to Network Products Corporation at the address supplied. A registration form is at the end of this document and also separately under the file name REGISTER.FRM. Users outside the continental United States should contact our sales department at 818-441-6504 for purchase and shipping information. ===================== 4. Technical Support ===================== Technical support for our shareware is ONLY supplied via our EBBS at 818-441-6933, by fax at 818-441-6894, or by CompuServe mail via ID 75300,1105. Internet email support is available at techsupport@networkproducts.com. Address questions on the EBBS to the SYSOP and you should receive a reply soon after posting your question or problem. Registered users receive free telephone technical support in addition to the electronic technical support. =========================================== 5. The Network Products Family of Gateways =========================================== Network Products makes servers for Advanced NetWare, NetBIOS, and Vines network operating systems. The NMPı is one of a family of modem sharing and network communications products available from NPC. Other products include the ACSı, a dedicated or non-dedicated communication server offering exceptional performance available from 4 to 32 port versions; the ACSı/SA, a self contained, 2 port, communication server that requires only a network connection site and AC power for operation, available for ethernet for NetWare IPX, Microsoft's LAN Manager, and Windows-for-Workgroups networks; and the XCSı, an X.25 gateway that provides network workstations access to an X.25 packet-switched network. For more information about NPC products, see the section on Contacting NPC. ================== 6. Contacting NPC ================== To contact NPC write or phone: Network Products Corporation 1440 West Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91105 (voice) 818-441-6504 (fax) 818-441-6894 (EBBS) 818-441-6933 (8,N,1,V.32bis) CompuServe 75300,1105 Internet mail techsupport@networkproducts.com sales@networkproducts.com web http://www.networkproducts.com ============================== 7. A Note About This Document ============================== Some text editors do not display the "second generation" designation after NMP correctly. The ı character is simply a super-scripted numeral 2 as in "squared" or "to the second power." The DOS program EDIT should have no trouble displaying or printing this document. You can print this document on many printers by copying the file to the printer port. The DOS command to do this would simply be: COPY README.TXT LPT1: ===================== 8. NMPı Installation ===================== The NMPı software can either be installed from a local hard drive, a network drive, or a floppy. Please read through this guide before installing the NMPı. Installing From a Hard Drive or a Network Drive 1. Be sure there is at least 2 megabytes of free space. 2. Create a temporary directory from which to work. 3. Place the NMP2.EXE file in this directory. 4. Execute the NMP2.EXE file from within this directory. This will create several sub-directories and files within the temporary working directory. 5. After un-archiving the NMP2.EXE file, run the INSTALL.EXE file. The installation program will guide you through the installation. Installing From a Diskette 1. If installing from a diskette, use a newly formatted high-density floppy. 2. Execute NMP2.EXE and specify the destination drive. Use the syntax "NMP2 A:" if the A: drive is desired destination drive. The files will un-archive to the diskette. 3. Change to the drive containing the newly created installation files and type "INSTALL" to start the installation. The installation program guides you through the installation. Installation Notes The installation program requires approximately 560K of free memory to execute. If this is not available, the configuration may not be complete and it may be necessary to run CCONFIG.EXE after the NMPı installation to configure the communication server properly. The installation program asks for three file location designations. The first is for the server itself, the second is for the client programs & utilities, the third is for the server configuration utility. For simplicity you can specify the same location for all files. If the same location is specified for all files, the NCSI client interface should be copied to a location available to all client workstations. During installation you have the option of testing the server. If you do, the program will start the server, start NCSI, and start BTTY. Once in BTTY type CONNECT PORT to connect to the port and then type some characters to see if they loop back. If characters appear, all should be well. To exit BTTY hit the f10 key. During installation you will be asked to specify your network operating system. While most installations are pretty clear, some people get confused about NetBIOS network operating systems. In general, the following network operating systems should be installed using the following LAN types: Lantastic NETBIOS Compatible Network (Datagram Services) Windows for Workgroups NETBIOS Compatible Network (Datagram Services) LAN Manager NETBIOS Compatible Network (Datagram Services) PC LAN NETBIOS Compatible Network (Datagram Services) LAN Server NETBIOS Compatible Network (Datagram Services) NT Server w/WFW Client NETBIOS Compatible Network (Datagram Services) DEC LAT NETBIOS Compatible Network (Session Services) DECNet NETBIOS Compatible Network (Session Services) Windows for Workgroups running on another network operating system should be installed for the type of network operating system it is running on top of. For additional information on installing the NMPı on specific networks, look in this archive for network-specific text files and check the Network Products EBBS Text File section. ================== 9. Using The NMPı ================== The NMPı communication server consists of two parts: the NMPı server itself (NMP.EXE) and the client interface TSR (NCSI.EXE). The NMPı should be loaded only on the machine with the modem. NCSI should be loaded on EACH machine that needs access to the NMPı communication server. Only one instance of the shareware NMPı can be started at a time on a single LAN. Multiple instances of the NMPı can run on the LAN only if: each one runs on it's own PC, and each one is a separate registered copy. Loading NMPı Load the workstation interface drivers normally used to access the network on the machine that will serve as the NMPı communication server. Make sure there is a modem attached and that it is turned on. Load the NMPı server by switching to the directory containing the NMPı server software and type: NMP The server will load in memory and stay resident. Be sure that the user running the machine hosting the NMPı does not run software that uses the same COM port that the NMPı is using. Do not load the shareware NMPı server software on more than one machine on a network. The NMPı may be removed from memory if it was the last TSR program loaded. Type the command SERV-REL. This will down the NMPı and remove it from memory if possible. Loading NMP2 under Windows Users who are not running real-mode network drivers and those desiring to conserve DOS session memory while running Windows on the NMP host machine can load the NMP from WINSTART.BAT. When loaded from WINSTART.BAT the NMP will be terminated if the host machine exits Windows. Loading NCSI NCSI should be loaded on every client workstation that requires access to the NMPı. NCSI should be loaded after loading the workstation interface drivers normally used to access the network. NCSI is the client workstation interface component that allows NCSI-compatible applications to use the NMPı server. NCSI does not need to be loaded on the NMPı server workstation unless that workstation also requires access to the shared modem. To load NCSI simply type: NCSI while in the sub-directory containing the NCSI executables. NCSI is a TSR interface and can be removed from memory by running the program NCSI-REL. NCSI can be loaded high, but it is best to avoid memory- optimization programs, as many misinterpret NCSI's memory needs. NCSI supports several command line switches that enhance and modify NCSI's operation: Type "NCSI -?" without the quotes to display a list of available switches. The syntax is simply NCSI, hyphen, and the command- line switch desired, as in the above example to display available switches. Some common switches are: c disables the NCSI command interpreter; most applications do not use the NCSI command interpreter, but some like BTTY do; check with the communication application manufacturer to see if this option can be used. Disabling the NCSI command interpreter lowers NCSI's memory requirements. n Sets NCSI users name. The user name will appear in CCONSOLE when a client connects to the port. v# Sets number of virtual circuits. By default NCSI supports up to nine virtual circuits on one client workstation. With nine virtual circuits a single user could connect to up to nine communication ports simultaneously on one client workstation. When using a single NMPı only one port is available, so this feature cannot be used. When multiple NMPıs or multiport servers are employed, certain DOS applications and applications in multi-tasking environments like Windows or Desqview can access multiple ports simultaneously. Reducing the number of virtual circuits allowed when multiple simultaneous connections are not a requirement lowers NCSI memory requirement. w Allows loading NCSI in a DOS "box" or "window" when using Microsoft Windows in 386-Enhanced mode. This is not required when loading NCSI prior to loading Windows. When loaded in this fashion, NCSI services will not be available to applications in DOS sessions. See the text file for additional information on running with Windows. After loading NCSI, load and run your NCSI-compatible application. The NMPı shareware includes a minimal communications utility named NTERM that is NCSI compatible. The network versions of most major communications applications also offer support for the NCSI interface. There is also a variety of remote- control and special-purpose applications that also use the NCSI interface. If your favorite application is not on the list, contact your software manufacturer to check availability of a NCSI compatible version. A list of NCSI compatible applications is included in this package. A copy of the current list is also available for download from the NPC BBS. Follow the instructions given above to access the NPC BBS. ===================== 10. Testing The NMPı ===================== 1. Load the NMPı on the workstation with the modem that will serve as the communication server. 2. Load NCSI on the client workstation that will access the communication server. 3. Load BTTY and at the NCSI 1:1> prompt type CONNECT [PORT_NAME] where [PORT_NAME] is the general or specific name on the NMPı server. If the name was not changed during installation the command would simply be CONNECT PORT. 4. If the connection to the port is successful, BTTY will report it is connecting to the port and leaving the command interpreter. 5. If a modem is connected to the port type AT and press enter to see if the modem responds "OK" or "0". If not, try typing ATZ or AT&F. If these do not work, check that the modem is on, that cabling is good, and that the NMPı is configured to access the correct COM port. If a device other than a modem is connected to the serial port, check for a login or other prompt from the host. ===================== 11. NMPı Named Ports ===================== NCSI searches for available ports by name. Each port on each communication server has a general name and a specific name. Any specific port can be used by specifying the specific name in the communication application accessing the server. When multiple servers or servers with multiple ports reside on the network, it is possible to simply use a port that is not in use, without knowing which are available. When multiple ports share the same general name, and the general name is specified in the communication application for use, NCSI will search for an available port and attach to it. It is possible to establish useful naming conventions such as "MODEM" and "MINI" to allow users to connect to a generic type of asynchronous service. Users don't need to know if a certain port is available, just that they want to use a "MODEM" or access the "MINI." When configuring the NMPı communication server, either upon installation or when using CCONFIG, the port names will show in the Asynch Port Configuration window with the convention GENERAL_NAME:SPECIFIC_NAME. ============== 12. Utilities ============== The NMPı comes with a set of utilities which provide great flexibility in the use of the NMPı. Major utilities provided include extensive on-line help that should assist with the use of the utility. The primary utilities are: CCONFIG, which configures the NMPı. Run CCONFIG.EXE in the same directory containing the NMP executables and configuration file. CCONSOLE, which allows the remote management and configuration of the NMPı server. The default supervisor password is the word "SUPERVISOR". CCONSOLE provides great flexibility and control of the NMPı operation. CCONSOLE can be used from any workstation on the network. NTERM, a limited NCSI-compatible terminal-emulation communication application. NTERM support VT-100 ANSI terminal emulation and XMODEM transfer protocols. NMPı/NCSI ports are chosen in NTERM's configuration menu. CLIST, lists NPC communication servers on the network. CLIST /A will show server ports on the network, their general and specific names and the status of the port. BTTY, a NCSI-compatible teletype emulator. Useful for testing the NMPı server because of its simplicity. Type HELP at the "NCSI 1:1>" prompt for help. Hitting the f10 key exits the program. NCSIport redirects Windows comm calls, allowing non-NCSI aware Windows comm applications, like TERMINAL, to work with NCSI. See the text file for instructions on its installation and use. ================================================= 13. Using Third-Party Communication Applications ================================================= Most commercial applications support NCSI. Even though NPC has worked closely with applications designers over the years, programmers are free to implement NCSI support in a variety of ways. Third-party applications that are NCSI-aware require setup to use the NMPı. Some applications support NCSI in slightly different ways. In general, choose a NCSI or NASI (Novell's name for NCSI) service instead of a COM port and specify a service by it's name. For information on using specific applications, refer to your application documentation or contact the manufacturer. Most applications that support NCSI put the NCSI-connection selector in the same spot as the COMn port selectors. For example, if a list is presented of available connection devices, it might look like this: COM1 COM2 COM3 COM4 NCSI/NASI INT14 The NCSI/NASI selection is the correct choice. Generally after choosing NCSI or NCSI/NASI, a dialog box will appear asking you to configure the ports or services you want to connect to. The "ports" or "services" are the names given the NMPı server ports. If it has not been changed, the NMPı port is called PORT (strangely enough). You can check your port names by using the utility CLIST and typing CLIST /A in DOS while the server is running. Some applications, like BTTY, make you type commands to connect to ports. In BTTY the command to connect to a port called PORT would simply be: CONNECT PORT ===================== 14. NCSI and Windows ===================== To use NCSI with a compatible Windows application, load NCSI prior to loading Windows or in WINSTART.BAT. See the text file on Windows and NCSI for more information on the options available. NCSI can be loaded in a DOS session in enhanced-mode Windows by supplying NCSI with the "-w" command-line switch. If using NCSI-compatible DOS applications while in Windows, place the VNCSI.386 file located on the NCSI Program Utilities diskette in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory and modify the SYSTEM.INI file so that the "network=" setting under "[386Enh]" section contains a comma after the last entry and then VNCSI.386. Windows COMM.DRV Redirection Many Windows applications that have not specifically been designed to operate with NCSI can also use the NMPı server. A Windows comm port redirector, NCSIport, is contained in the same sub-directory that contains the NCSI utilities BTTY, CLIST, etc. See NCSIport.TXT for more information. ======================================= 15. Further Information and Assistance ======================================= For additional information on using the NMPı, you may wish to consider registering your NMPı. Registered users receive unlimited technical support, a professionally printed manual, and the latest production software. For information on registering, please contact Network Products. Limited technical support for non-registered users is supplied through our EBBS. Send questions or messages to the EBBS Sysop. Notes on specific issues, like installing for Windows for Workgroups, are included in separate documents supplied in this archive. ======================== 16. Developing for NCSI ======================== NPC supplies developer's with a developer's kit that includes sample source-code in C, Basic, & Assembly which can be cut and pasted into the developer's own application. Technical assistance, co-marketing arrangements, and other services are also supplied by NPC. Please contact NPC for more information. ====================================== 17. License and Trademark Information ====================================== The NMPı name, software, and it's associated files are protected by the copyright laws of the United States and international copyright treaties. This software is a shareware version of commercial software available from Network Products Corporation and it's resellers and may be used only to determine suitability of the commercial software. You may reproduce and distribute copies of these files so long as all files including this README file are distributed together. No fee shall be charged for the copying or distribution of these files without written consent from Network Products. You may not receive any payment, commercial benefit, or any consideration for the reproduction, distribution, or use, either alone or in combination with any other software or hardware, of this software without written consent from Network Products Corporation. NMPı, ACSı, ACSı/SA, Asynchronous Communications Server, Second Generation, and Asynchronous Communications Server Second Generation/Stand Alone are trademarks of Network Products Corporation. NCSI, Network Modem Program, Second Generation, and XCSı are registered trademarks of Network Products Corporation. IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Lexis/Nexis is a trademark of Lexis/Nexis and Mead Data Central, Inc. CompuServe is a registered trademark CompuServe, Inc., an H&R Block company. All other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. THE FILE OR THE FILES CONTAINED THEREIN MAY NOT BE DISASSEMBLED, REVERSE- ENGINEERED, NOR ALTERED IN ANY WAY. EXCEPT AS RESTRICTED BY LAW, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMS CONTAINED IN THE FILE AND ALL ASSOCIATED FILES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18. ======================= NMPı Registration Form ======================= Name _________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ City _______________________________ State __________ Zip _____________________ Country ___________________ ---------------------------------------------- Qty. Price Total NMPı _____ @ $49 _____ Includes current production software, manual and unlimited technical support. Shipping and Handling for orders within the Continental U.S. _____ @ $7.25 _____ California residents add 8.25% sales tax _____ @ $4.04 _____ Other _____ Total Enclosed $ _______ International orders should contact Network Products for shipping and handling rates. Send a copy of this order form along with appropriate payment to: Network Products Corporation 1440 West Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, California 91105 U.S.A.