On-Line #10 12 ноября 1995

Фидо

E-MAIL - Information about the network Fidonet.

                 E-MAIL


           Information about the network FidoNet



   FidoNet is currently the world's largest amateur computer 
network. This network is characterized in that organization of 
the so-called node is not required to have special equipment - 
dostatochngo have a computer class PC and modem. Despite the 
modest resources, networking opportunities are enormous: the 
exchange information between the nodes of the Americas, Europe 
and Australia. Given the possibilities of modern 
communications, the baud rate is not shocking - the message 
gets to its destination within 1-2 nights. But if we remember 
that the transmission of the correspondence is only one (!) 
hour per day (the remaining time is for other purposes), then 
the result is not so bad. 


   The idea is based on the use for communication between nodes 
in the existing telephone network. Most sites are BBS (Bulletin 
Board System) - electronic mailbox accessible to all owners of 
computers and modems. In the BBS, users can leave messages, 
exchange programs and etc. Most of the day the network is 
assigned a job BBS. 


   Obviously, the normal operation of such a huge body
as the worldwide computer network would not have been possible 
without some structure. Gradually, as they expand, FidoNet also 
became "respectable" organization. From the simple amorphous 
network, which everyone could directly connect with each, she 
turned into a hierarchical structure. 


   The main element of the network is "The Knot" (NODE). Node 
can be properly equipped computer, figuring

list NodeList, which is one of the official documents FidoNet 
and published every Friday (unformed Network ZX - an analogue 
of such a sheet file ph_vXXX.W). 


   Each node is connected SysOp - "operator node, t.e.chelovek,
responsible for ensuring that site worked well and without 
conflict (the relative to other nodes).



   Group of nodes located in close proximity to each
another (often in the same city or even region), is
"Network" (NET). Within the network, data is exchanged by means 
of direct telephone links between nodes, and with the world - 
through a dedicated unit, called the "patron" (HOST) network. 


   Network, located within a state (in Europe) or
another large area, together with the nodes, not belonging to 
any network (for example, because of its distance from other 
nodes) form a "region" (REGION). In contrast to the network, 
the region does not mediate the exchange of messages. He has 
been involved in the dissemination of official documents 
FidoNet, but also deals with issues of an administrative nature 
in its territory. 


   The next level in the hierarchy is the "zone" (ZONE). Area
roughly corresponds to the continent. Communication within the 
band performed on the same principles, and the exchange between 
the zones is through the selected nodes called "gateways" 
(ZONEGATE). Each gateway communicates with only one of the 
outer zones. 


   At the head of each level is "Focal Point" (NET, REGION,
ZONE COORDINATOR). He is responsible for ensuring that "his" 
structure has worked most beneficial for themselves and all 
FidoNet way. The Coordinator reports all changes in the 
structure of the coordinator of a higher level (so that 
information could enter in the near future edition of the node 
list) and passes the information received from him information 
coordinators and hosts of the lower levels. The coordinator is 
also involved in the settlement of conflicts between operators 
and the set of nodes of any other cases. 


   FidoNet has its own charter, which is called POLICY. In
This document defines the framework of network structure, 
responsibilities and rights of operators and coordinators of 
the nodes, etc. . 


   In addition to the statute, there are technical standards 
(Fido Technical Standard Committee), defining in particular, 
communications protocols, the format of the messages 
transmitted over the network and etc.



   FidoNet - a form of communication that does not require any 
specialized knowledge: reading the relatively simple 
communications program and being able to use the phone and 
keyboard, you can achieve such results, which Until recently, 
it was no dream. 


   The registration procedure in the network is extremely 
simple: you choose the closest point to my sysop, call him and 
ask if you can register. If you are denied because of congestion

BBS, you will be given a different system operator's site.


   Then you answer the questions (personal data than are 
interested in, etc. The operator must know with whom he is 
dealing). 


   Then you assign the number and address on the network 
(network address) and You are already registered!



   The connection with FidoNet you only through your
node (through a BBS, which you are registered). E-mail you
address is already assigned to the conditional (network) 
address.            But it's not on the Spectrum!

-------------------------------------------------- -------------
      An illustrative example of a network (similar to FidoNet):

                 "Region"
                   BBS (Server)
                    BoB@msk.ru



    "Node" Area 1 "node" Area 2

       BBS 456 221 --- ---- BBS
    vasya@vasya.msk.ru sasha@san.msk.ru



    Correspondent: Correspondent:



    vovan1@vasya.msk dzhon1@san.msk



    pahan2@vasya.msk sergey2@san.msk



   The convenience of such organizations is obvious. Enough to 
send the letter only on his BBS, without clogging the text of 
another and without worrying about further transmission. The 
main thing here - to specify the correct destination. 


   Since the reduced addressing can be effective only
where the names of firms (in this example: vasya and san) are 
officially registered and recurrence is possible, there is 
another option, used for commercial (paid) network (it is the 
most successful suited for network ZX-SPECTRUM):



   Network e-mail addresses may be digital, then the desired 
address can be found in the catalog online. 


   Below is a simplified version of the graphic for one of the 
state. For example the network node number (BBS):               
       ZX-(095): 2234567                  City node number



  Then the network address of the recipient site: ZX-(095): 
2234567:1011515.                  City

            node number
           number of subscriber nodes


   After receiving a letter with this address you can 
immediately see who it is Received: from another party or by 
the system operator. If, for example, you want to send a 
message to any subscriber, but it is not at home or contact him 
impossible - to submit to BBS, which is listed on the service 
(registered) this a subscriber (not necessarily in his 
district). 


   Naturally, in international networks, for brevity of writing 
used by conventional codes of States, cities, sites and users. 
This is only option (very useful for network ZX-Spectrum in 
Russian). 


   May we all someday be united, we agree, we take
final standard, "povyazhem" network and will do exits
(It is just subject to the standard) on a network of large 
computers? 


   But ... we are still too few - it is easier to call each 
other. -------------------------------------------------- 
------------- P.S. And you can do the existing STATUS QUO, 
rewriting and toys megademy through BBS, whom she FIG needs, 
such Network ...? Write to the ON-LINE or Alex-BBS, discuss!


                    BBS 164-1684; 22.45-7.00
                         Aleksey@alex.msk.ru
                         On: SCHEDULE (in BBS)