Janus/Ada implementation of a star cluster network of personal computers with interface to an EHTERNET LAN allowing access to DDN resources

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates the viability of implementing a local area network connecting a star cluster of Z-100 personal computers to an ETHERNET local area network and allowing access to a wide area network, ARPANET, through a host on ETHERNET, the VAX 11-780 minicomputer operating under UNIX. The system allows local file and message transfer in port-to-port and broadcast mode between Z-100's on the star network and remote login and file transfer to computers that are hosts on ETHERNET or are accessible through ARPANET. The microcomputers in the cluster can share expensive resources such as laser printers, the Gemini multi-level secure system, the ETHERNET medium, and the network control processor. Components of the system are programmed in the Janus/Ada programming language for both the Z-100 microcomputers and the Intel 86/12A single board computer.