Networking overview

UUCP and cu

The UUCP package permits XENIX and UNIX systems to communicate as part of a remote network. The UUCP (UNIX-to-UNIX Copy) package consists of a group of programs that provide these capabilities:

remote file transfer (uucp)
remote command execution (uux)
mail to and from remote sites (via mail)

The UNIX system uses the HoneyDanBaer implementation of UUCP. Used primarily over phone lines, UUCP can connect with specific remote machines on a demand or scheduled basis, and by either dialing out or allowing other machines to call in.

UUCP uses a batch method to manage communications traffic, storing (or ``spooling'') requests for later execution when actual contact is made between systems. When UUCP commands are executed, work files and any data files needed are created in /usr/spool/uucp and its subdirectories. The program uucico scans these directories for the instructions contained in any work files and executes them. Although it is possible to execute commands immediately, most systems call other systems according to a daily schedule (usually during the evenings to reduce connection costs).

Configuring UUCP and cu

UUCP and cu configuration consists of:

Installing a modem on your system.
Setting the appropriate permissions and ownership on the modem's tty line.
Editing the inittab file to support the desired modem speed.
Adding entries into the UUCP Devices, Dialers, and Systems files to support the modem and specify which systems to call.
Using uutry to test connectivity with other sites.
Configuring the polling daemon to call systems at the desired times.

These topics are covered in ``Adding modems'' and ``Connecting to other computers with UUCP''.

Administering UUCP and cu

UUCP and cu administration consists of:

troubleshooting UUCP connections.
altering the polling schedule.
monitoring UUCP logfiles.

These topics are covered in ``Connecting to other computers with UUCP''.