Communications Server for z/OS V1R7 TCP/IP Implementation, Volume 1: Base Functions, Connectivity, and Routing

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2006. All rights reserved. 101

Chapter 4. Connectivity

In today's networked world, the usability of a computer system is defined by its connectivity.

While there are many ways for TCP/IP traffic to reach IBM's mainframes, this chapter

discusses the most commonly used, and most important types of mainframe connectivity.

Detailed topics regarding these interfaces are provided, including useful implementation

information, design scenarios, and set up examples.

This chapter discusses the following.

4

Section Topic

4.1, “What we mean by connectivity” on

page 102

Discusses the network connectivity options supported

by z/OS Communications Server TCP/IP. Key

characteristics of VLAN implementation are also

described.

4.2, “Important and commonly used

interfaces” on page 105

Discusses the commonly used interfaces supported by

the IBM System z9 and zSeries servers that deliver the

best throughput and performance, offer the most

flexibility, and provide highest levels of availability.

4.3, “The common design scenarios for

connectivity” on page 113

Presents commonly implemented connectivity design

scenarios, their dependencies, advantages,

considerations, and our recommendations.

4.4, “How connectivity is implemented”

on page 121

Presents selected implementation scenarios, tasks,

configuration examples, and problem determination

suggestions.