---------------------------------
HELP Document for 'dist.java'...
---------------------------------


    The 'ORIGINAL' network for which the Distance Vector Algorithm (as used
    in the Routing Information Protocol [RIP]) has been implemented is shown
    below...


                             B
                           *   *                       
                   (10)  *       *   (20)              Node  |  Node No.   
                       *           *                 --------------------    
                     *               *        
                   *        (40)       *                A    ->   0
                  A  *  *  *  *  *  *   D               B    ->   1
                   *                   *                C    ->   2
                     *               *                  D    ->   3
                       *           *
                   (5)   *       *   (30)
                           *   *
                             C

    Values in brackets indicate the Link Propagation Delay(LPD) between the
    nodes in nanoseconds...

    Note : The number of nodes in the network are always constant at 4 nodes.


How to RUN 'dist.java'
----------------------

1. The 'dist.java' file is first compiled using JDK's 'javac.exe'. On
   compilation the 'DistVector.class' file is generated.

2. Now, using JDK's 'java.exe' , run the class file using (a/b/c/d/r) as
   arguments. Run 5 different DOS sessions under Windows 3.x or Win 95/98,
   each time using a different in-line argument. The 5 DOS sessions can be
   minimized, so that all of them can be easily viewed.

3. Each of the 4 DOS sessions (a/b/c/d) represent the 4 nodes of the network,
   namely STATION A/B/C/D respectively. The fifth DOS session represents the
   Routing Table Update Session, where changes can be made to the Link Propagation
   Delay between nodes or links can be deleted/restored.

4. The Link Propagation Delay between existing links can be changed by specifying
   a new value for the LPD or an existing link  can also be deleted.New links
   can be added by specifying the sender and the receiver and the progagation
   delay on that link. All this can be done at the Routing Table Update Session.
   When Routing Table Updating has to be done, all the stations (A/B/C/D) have
   to be set in the 'RECEIVE' mode. Stations can be set into the 'RECEIVE'
   mode by depressing the ESC key when prompted.

5. When any one station wants to transmit data, the other stations have to be
   set in the 'RECEIVE' mode. Stations can be set into the 'RECEIVE' mode by
   depressing the ESC key when prompted.

6. When transmission activity (either Data Transmission / Routing Table
   Updating) is over, the stations are brought back to the  'SEND' mode.

7. You can QUIT from any of the DOS sessions by pressing (CTRL+C) at any
   point of time.
