Color 64 Network

Before enabling Network, read this entire chapter carefully.

Important Notice to New Color 64 BBS Owners

If you have just begun running Color 64 BBS, or have not yet started, do NOT enable Network at this time.

You should first become thoroughly familiar with the operation and structure of Color 64 BBS before introducing networking. Network configuration and troubleshooting require a solid understanding of the system’s internal behavior. Attempting to use Network prematurely can result in confusion and difficult-to-diagnose problems.

Additionally, do not enable Network unless you already know which system(s) you intend to network with. At least one node must be entered through the NET SETUP program before the system can start when Network is enabled. Without a configured node, the system will not initialize properly.

8.1a Networking Updates & Improvements

Version 8.1a includes several updates and refinements to networking functionality:

More user-friendly node editor within NET SETUP
Telnet-friendly operation
Removal of billing setup and display (Billing files and records still exist)
- User balances are no longer checked when sending messages
- Charge rates and user balances are not displayed

If billing functionality is required, a version with billing enabled can be provided separately.

Hardware Requirements

Network operation requires a fast method of loading overlays within the BBS environment. Slow disk access can cause timing-related failures.

The following hardware configurations are known to meet the required performance level:

Commodore REU series
Xetec Lt. Kernel hard drive system
CMD hard drive system with either JiffyDOS or RAMLink
VICE emulation configured to emulate one of the above

A potential candidate not yet fully tested is the Commodore Ultimate Elite II. With JiffyDOS implementation and higher clock speeds, it may meet the necessary performance requirements.

Fast loading is required not only for local performance, but also to maintain proper timing between networked nodes. The system contains precise timing routines that expect overlays and processes to complete within specific intervals. If those expectations are not met, the network may not function correctly.

Aside from the performance requirements listed above, Network 64 is fully compatible with all hardware supported by Color 64 BBS.

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