Interoperability with IBM Host Systems

IBM host systems use a different network architecture, Systems Network Architecture (SNA), than does Windows 2000 Professional. Therefore, in order for Windows 2000 Professional–based computers to communicate with IBM host systems, either a gateway device to interpret the two different network protocols or a common network protocol is required.

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Note

For a general description of SNA, see IBM Systems Network Architecture later in this chapter.

To connect to IBM hosts by using a gateway device, you must have a local area network (LAN) protocol on Windows 2000 Professional and a gateway that provides the translation between the LAN protocol and the IBM host protocol or data stream. SNA Server is a gateway that provides this translation service. Figure 26.1 illustrates how SNA Server acts as the gateway between IBM hosts and Windows 2000 Professional.

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Figure 26.1 Host Connectivity Through SNA Server

Table 26.1 lists the LAN protocols that are supported for access to an IBM host system through an SNA Server.

Table 26.1 SNA Server LAN-to-Host Protocols

Protocol

Description

Client Requirements

Microsoft Networking (Named Pipes)

Microsoft application programming interface (API) that is used for communication between Microsoft Networking–based computers.

SNA Server components or third-party host emulation software. Any Windows 2000 Professional LAN protocol.

Novell NetWare (IPX/SPX)

Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX) protocol. Primarily used for access to NetWare resources.

SNA Server components or third-party host emulation software. IPX/SPX protocol.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Protocol that is designed for the Internet and wide area networks (WANs).

SNA Server components or third-party host emulation software. TCP/IP protocol.

Banyan Vines

Banyan Virtual Integrated Network Service (VINES). Proprietary protocol that is used to connect to Banyan networks.

SNA Server components or third-party host emulation software. Banyan IP protocol.

To connect to an IBM host without SNA Server providing the gateway services, you must ensure that both Windows 2000 Professional and the IBM host have the same protocol installed and configured. Figure 26.2 presents an example of direct connectivity between Windows 2000 Professional and the IBM host.

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Figure 26.2 Direct Connectivity to an IBM Host

Common network protocols that can be implemented on IBM host systems and Windows 2000 Professional–based computers for direct communication, without using a gateway, are listed in Table 26.2.

Table 26.2 Common Network Protocols

Protocol

Description

Client Requirements

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A protocol that is designed for the Internet and WANs.

Third-party host emulation software that supports direct TN3270 or TN5250 connectivity. TCP/IP protocol.

DLC

Data Link Control or 802.2. A non-routable LAN protocol that is used primarily for host connectivity.

Third-party host emulation software that supports DLC connectivity. DLC protocol.

SDLC

Synchronous Data Link Control. A WAN protocol that is used for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections.

Third-party host emulation software that supports SDLC connectivity. SDLC adapter. Synchronous modem. SDLC protocol.

Coax

A direct cabling point-to-point connection for IBM mainframe access.

Third-party host emulation software that supports Coax connectivity. Coax adapter.

Twinax

A direct cabling, point-to-point connection for AS/400 access.

Third-party host emulation software that supports Twinax connectivity. Twinax adapter.