.TOPIC:                                             
VNet, VirtualNET, MultiNet, and LocalNET

                         VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 9-1


	 ͻ
	  CHAPTER NINE      VNET, VIRTUALNET, MULTI-NET, AND  LOCALNET   
	 ͼ

		The VNET.EXE is part of the VBBS package.  It is the most
	 advanced Wide-Area Networking software in existence, providing
	 commercial and amateur networking installations a superior solu-
	 tion to any networking need.  For more information on VNET.EXE,
	 see Annex 1 of this chapter.


	 VirtualNET
	 

		VirtualNET is currently the largest of the hobbyist VNET-
	 based networks and, as of this writing, maintains over 600 net-
	 worked message areas that are shared internationally.
		Although there are many areas within the network, reflec-
	 ting a wide variety of interests, VirtualNET retains as its pri-
	 mary purpose the support of the VBBS/VNET software.  That 
	 nearly-famous support and the fast-growing network around it
	 have been online for nearly three years as of this writing.
		You will find VirtualNET easy to get into and a lot of
	 fun to participate in.  VirtualNET is friendly, casual, and
	 filled with a lot of great people inside what's become the
	 ever-increasing VirtualNET family (nearly 1300 networked
	 systems as of this writing).

		Join us!  Networking your BBS with VirtualNET is quick,
	 easy, and quite affordable due to the efficiency of the VNET
	 design.  Network "packets" are automatically compressed for
	 transmission, reducing the length of the transfer to 1/3 that
	 of sending uncompressed data.  The network software can make
	 full use of the new HS/Link bi-directional protocol, which
	 can make network transfers even more efficient.

		In addition, VirtualNET itself undergoes reorganizations
	 designed to minimize long-distance connections between "client"
	 BBSs and their "servers".  While these can occasionally get a
	 little hairy as systems are moved from one VirtualNET "region"
	 to another, they're a necessary part of VirtualNET's growth and
	 dedication to maximum efficiency.

	 --> IMPORTANT NOTE:  Although the software itself has a clearly
			      defined demonstration period which you are
			      expected to observe, registration is NOT
			      required to apply for a VirtualNET network
			      node assignment.

	 --> IMPORTANT NOTE:  VirtualNET, while proprietary to VNET and
			      VBBS by nature, is a separate entity from
			      the VBBS program.  The VirtualNET Network
			      Coordinator (NC) reserves the ultimate
			      right of admission or exclusion concerning
			      the VirtualNET status of any VirtualNET

                         VBBS 6.12 Documentation -- 9-2


			      BBS, sysop, or applicant, irrespective of
			      VBBS/NET registration status, etc.

		For more information on VirtualNET and the program, see
	 Annex 1 of this chapter.


	 The Multi-Net
	 

		The unique and developing VBBS "Multi-Net" allows VBBS
	 sysops the capability of maintaining up to 999 different compu-
	 ter networks simultaneously.  The Multi-Net is capable of han-
	 dling and nearly transparently "gating" private E-mail and net-
	 worked subs of VNET-, FIDO-, UUCP-, and WWIV-based networks and
	 others in an ever-expanding "Multi-Net".
		Utility programs that enable the use of these networks
	 -- VWW4.EXE, VFIDO.EXE, VUUCP.EXE, and more to come -- are
	 freely available to VBBS sysops and operative in the demo
	 version. They become inoperative if VBBS remains unregistered
	 after 60 days.
		A master network list file (NETWORKS.LST) is maintained
	 and administered; it includes formal "slots" for VNet-type
	 networks and completely sysop-configureable slots (15,19,90-99)
	 to use in conjunction with any of the above network utilities.

		In addition, up to 999 slots may be configured by sysops
	 who wish to create a local network of as few as two BBSes. There
	 is no maximum on the number of local network nodes permitted.
	 Please see LOCALNET.DOC for specific information.

		For more information on the Multi-Net, please see Annex 2 to
	 this chapter.   

