Virtual Terminals

[Art Berggreen]

Regarding the query about "Virtual Terminals":

I have seen the term "Virtual Terminal" used in a couple of different
ways.  The first usage is often also called "Psuedo Terminal" or
"Remote Terminal" and refers to termination of computer network
connections in such a way as to emulate a locally attached physical
terminal.  There are several protocols which define the content of
the network traffic involved in the terminal connection.  Examples
include CCITT X.29, DoDs TELNET and DECs new LAT protocol (there are
certainly many more).

The second usage of the term is in defining a conceptual, generic
terminal (therefore Virtual) which can be used as a standard template
for heterogeneous environments.  The behavior and data of a real
terminal is mapped into the (hopefully) equivalent virtual terminal
for use by other parts of the system.  DoDs TELNET protocol is based
on the concept of a Virtual Terminal definition.  Because of the
diversity of terminals (TTYs --> IBM 3270s) comprehensive Virtual
terminal definitions and support functions can get very complicated.  

    				"Art Berggreen"<Art at ACC.ARPA>

------