What is the ROSE X.25 Packet Switch?

The ROSE Switch is the first Amateur Packet Networking program that
uses the International Standard protocol for packet networks, CCITT X.25.

The program is meant to be installed in place of the EPROM found in a TNC-2
(or Clone) packet controller.  It is not meant for User Terminals, but for
Network Facilities such as a Digipeater, a NET/ROM, or TheNet EPROM.

ROSE X.25 Packet Switch offers the following features:

     *  Hop-by-Hop Acknowledgements between Switches - provides reliability
          and higher throughput.

     *  On-line Information - Information/Help bulletin.

     *  FCC and foreign PTT acceptable AX.25 Level 2 SOURCE and DESTINATION
          Identification - the call signs of both the station of
          origination and termination appear at each end of the connection.

     *  Proper Transmitter Licensee Identification - Switch always
          identifies its transmissions with its own call sign, not the call
          sign of ANY user. Call signs traverse the network without ANY changes.

     *  Backbone is Fully Transparent to Users - Can add or remove Switches
          in the backbone, change call signs, bands/frequencies without
          having to inform users or modify BBS forwarding files.

     *  True Implicit Addressing - Only need to know the address of the
          desired exit point of the network, not all the intermediate
          steps.

     *  Network Determined Routing - Network manager determines best path,
          eliminating need for broadcasting of routing information to other
          switches.

     *  Dynamic Route Selection - Network will automatically attempt
          alternative paths to remote switches, based on information that
          the Network Manager provided.

     *  Predetermined Network Paths - Network manager tells each switch
          which paths to use, will not attempt impossible links because
          another switch was heard during a band opening.

     *  Support for Emergency Operations - A switch can be added to the
          network to provide service from the afflicted area without
          modifications to the existing network.

     *  Security System for Remote Control - authentication of user who
          requests to view or modify configuration.

     *  Common Hardware base among vendors - The ROSE X.25 Packet Switch
          runs on ANY TNC-2 compatible TNC, (TAPR TNC-2, AEA PK-80, MFJ
          1270, Pac-Comm TNC-200 Tiny 2, Micro-Power,  as well as the Pac-
          Comm DUAL Port DR-200)

     *  Full Radio Support on Asynchronous Port - The Asynchronous port of
          a TNC can be attached to a 202, or any other modem with an RS-232
          interface and Radio, providing a dual port system.  The second
          port is AX.25 using the Asynchronous Framing Technique (AFT) that
          was proposed by Toby Nixon of Hayes, which is pending CCITT
          adoption as the accepted method for sending X.25 over
          asynchronous links.

     *  Multi-Synchronous Ports using TNC's - Since the Asynchronous port
          has full radio support it also can support one or more switches
          via a special (commonly available) RS-232 cable.

     *  Complete Remote Configuration - All configuration is done over the
          air, many parameters can also be burned into the EPROM.

     *  Battery Backed Up Configuration - All configuration and routing
          information is retained when the power is removed.  No need for
          manual intervention when power is restored.

Thomas A. Moulton, W2VY
(201) 478-7919
W2VY@KD6TH