Simple Message-based Techniques

Abstract

Character-based networks are orientated around unintelligent terminals and centralised computer systems. The simple message-based systems covered in this chapter involve more intelligent terminals that are capable of more complex communication, but still involve the use of a central computer system. There are two types of device used mainly on message-based networks, these are ‘page mode’ VDUs and remote job entry stations. At the end of the chapter there is a brief discussion of distributed computing, which is a natural extension of this type of network.