SNA Server attach to Mainframe

[ckerr]

We currently attach our SNA servers to our Mainframe using Bustech channel cards, we are wanting to get rid of the channel cards and attach another way. Has anyone attached thru a Cisco router using a CIP card, or any other ideas on a connection to the mainframe.

 

[Starboy]

I would like to connect pc desktops to an Advanced system 36 midrange using dlc. Does anyone know what the preequisite software components are on the midrange system ?

 

[markharr]

There are lots of ways of connecting your SNA Server to your mainframe. I personally have not worked with the Cisco CIP cards, but I don't think they are all that cheap! There are less expensive methods without any great performance penalty.

Most modern CMOS mainframes have an integrated token-ring, ethernet, fast-ethernet, FDDI or ATM adapter. These are called an Open Systems Adapter (OSA). See here for a link: http:
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http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/zseries/library/specsheets/g2214429.html

You can then use the OSA directly from the SNA Server, or software of your choice, directly to that device in the computer room using SNA protocols. Then use the client to give TCP/IP connectivity outside of the computer room.

 

[Guest_imported]

I have a microsoft sna server connecting to the mainfram "via" a token ring adapter, what do I need to do to have it connect "via" OSA

 

[markharr]

A little misunderstanding. An OSA is just another network adapter. It is a collective name given to a whole lot of different types of network adapters.

So, the Token Ring card may be an OSA, or it may be in a specialized communications device such as a 3745 Front End Processor (FEP) or a router that is channel attached to the mainframe.

From the SNA Server user's point of view, it isn't important which one it is.

If you have a specific question, reply to this or start a new thread.

 

[MPERRY]

If you choose to send it through the router, what option do you pick for your connection - the 802.2??? If anyone has it set up to go through their router, I would be interested in chatting!!!! Attempting to do that now, but I am not familiar with either the router set up or Host Integration server set up??!!!
Thanks

 

[markharr]

The router needs to be setup as a channel attached connection to the mainframe. In case you don't know what that means, channel attached means that it is plugged directly into the mainframe's bus. Analogous to a PCI card being plugged in to a PC. It is somewhat complex to configure and not often done.

This is what the original poster was doing with the Cisco CIP (Channel Interface Processor). Expensive but works well.

In other words, not every router is configured for this.

In this case, you would configure SNA Server/HIS to talk using 802.2 using the MAC address of the router as the destination address.

There is more to this. You need to talk to the VTAM Systems Programmer at your site for further assistance in configuring your SNA Server as there is information that will vary from site to site.