The significance of the existence of routers is to provide two important mechanisms, routing and forwarding, to connect more than two different networks.

The concept has been around for a long time, for example in ARPAnet as an interface information processing machine, and a multi-function minicomputer plays this role.

And like Tang Huan, the full-time router launched in the form of a separate main chassis with several interfaces is the first in the market.

In fact, this NWS500 router is essentially a computer without keyboards, mice, monitors and other input and output devices, and it is equipped with a 20MHz RISC architecture processor Holder-L and 1MB of main memory, as well as other special chips optimized for routing and forwarding mechanisms.

However, the research and development of routers is by no means just a transformation of the existing system of computers, such as the support of communication protocols, routing table algorithms, etc., are all groundbreaking projects.

Fortunately, although the current Internet development situation is full of flowers, it is not too complicated to start, as long as Tang Huan finds a suitable entry point, he can enter the new gold industry.

……

Seeing that the time was almost up, Tang Huan walked onto the stage, looked around at everyone and said with a smile: "I estimate that the concept of routers is much more obscure than personal computers, so before the formal introduction, let's talk to everyone casually, if there is any problem, just bring it up on the spot." ”

Someone immediately pointed to the LOGO behind Tang Huan that looked like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and asked, "Tang, do you attach great importance to this router product?" Set up a company to operate. ”

"Of course." Tang Huan nodded solemnly, raised his hand and introduced, "NetWorldSystem, Inc. - CEO of NW Systems Inc. It will be led by the founder of 3COM, Robert. Metcalfe came to serve. He is a real expert who understands computer networks. ”

Robert. Metcalfe smiled after gesturing. A reporter from a computer professional magazine asked curiously, "We all know that the technology and products promoted by 3COM are Ethernet, does that mean that the NWS500 router supports the interconnection between Ethernet?" ”

"It's more than that." Tang Huan explained in an accentuated tone: "To be precise, the NWS500 router supports TCP/IP networks. At present, there is no problem with connecting to ARPAnet over Ethernet. But other network types, such as IBM's Token Ring, as well as CSNET, CDnet, BITNET, NSFnet, etc. As long as TCP/IP is implemented, the NWS500 router also supports interconnection between them. Moreover, the NWS500 router supports software system upgrade services to adapt to the rapid development of network technology. ”

Tang Huan stretched out two fingers, "In my opinion, as long as there are TCP/IP and NWS500 routers, the nodes of universities scattered all over the United States, even including the nodes of universities in Europe, can be connected into a whole of resource sharing." ”

Tang Huan picked up the product manual again and shook it, "As of now." There are four versions of TCP/IP: v1, v2, v3, and the most stable v4. 1975 year. TCP/IP communication between the two networks was tested between Stanford University and the University of London. In November 1977, TCP/IP testing between the three networks was conducted between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway. It can be said that all parties have carried out a lot of practical and effective verification work for TCP/IP to put into practical application. Based on these, the NWS500 router supports the v4 version of TCP/IP. In addition, Vientiane running on Fangyuan servers and workstations, and FreeDOS running on Fangyuan personal computers will implement TCP/IPv4 support at the operating system level this year. ”

With the boom in the IT industry, there are more and more professional media and journalists.

When Tang Huan mentioned the operating system, a reporter asked: "AT&T was forcibly dismantled by the Department of Justice, and as compensation, it was granted permission to enter the computer field for development, and it is also carrying out operations in this regard, for example, it has begun to tighten the license for Unix from Bell Labs, prohibiting universities from using Unix source code, and even learning in lectures." As a high-level operating system that also supports multi-tasking and multi-user, will Vientiane's authorization policy change? Will Vientiane compete with Unix in the future? ”

"We have taken note of the situation. Personally, I am willing to support free licensing for educational purposes. However, from the perspective of a commercial company, the actual operation is more complicated and needs to be carefully studied. ”

Tang Huan replied with a deep groan, "As for the competition, in addition to the official version of AT&T, there are several other versions of Unix, including Berkeley's BSDUNIX, and I believe that more variants will emerge." Therefore, competition is inevitable, but not necessarily with AT&T. ”

"Don, I'm using services like Pacific BBS, Exchange mail system, and even playing EA's online game MUD from time to time." A reporter, who still had a lot of pimples on his face, asked with great interest, "What would it be like if the whole of America were connected to the Internet?" Will the usage fee be reduced? Are the services you provide now profitable? ”

"Thank you for supporting our products." Tang Huan smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "To be honest, I also think that the current way of connecting to the Internet through the telephone public switching network is a bit expensive, but this is limited by objective conditions." I'll tell you another trade secret, Pacific BBS, Exchange mail system, EA's MUD, not yet profitable, we are exploring the way for other peers. ”

In the midst of laughter, Tang Huan continued: "I believe that with the interconnection and development of various networks, the cost of use will definitely be reduced, and the services that can be provided will be more diversified, such as BBS and MUD, which will form a virtual community closer to reality." ”

……

After Tang Huan completed the humorous and meticulous communication session, Robert . Metcalfe, David. Boggs, Ladia. Pollman and others began to introduce the NWS500 router, a new product that opened the Internet era, from a technical point of view.

The reporters in the audience kept recording. There is no doubt that these contents will become the most weighty reports in various professional magazines, and cheer for Tang Huan's layout. (To be continued......)