Chapter 3. Connectivity 97
Extended distance can be achieved using single mode (9 micron fiber) cables or trunks with
channel extenders/repeaters. This is referred to as the e
xtended distance feature (XDF) when
used between ESCON Directors.
A combination of the following products can be used to extend the ESCON link distance:
򐂰 ESCON Directors (9032 or 9033).
9032 model 5 is currently orderable. 9032 models 2, 3 and 4, as well as 9033 model 1,
have been withdrawn from marketing.
򐂰 ESCON Directors (9032) using XDF ports and single mode (9 micron) cables or trunks.
򐂰 ESCON Remote Channel Extender (9036) using single mode (9 micron) cables or trunks.
The 9036 models 1 and 2 have been withdrawn from marketing.
򐂰 IBM Fiber Saver (2029) Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexer.
The IBM Fiber Saver (2029) has been withdrawn from marketing. Alternative products are
the Nortel OPTera Metro DWDM, Cisco 15540 and 15530 DWDM.
򐂰 IBM Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexer (9729).
The 9729 models 001 and 041 have been withdrawn from marketing. Alternative products
are the Nortel OPTera Metro DWDM, Cisco 15540 and 15530 DWDM.
It is important to remember that the throughput of an ESCON channel is a function of
distance. As the distance between an ESCON channel and a control unit increases, the
performance decreases, with significant droop occurring at distances beyond 9 km (5.6
miles).
For further information, see the following manuals:
򐂰
IBM zSeries Connectivity Handbook
, SG24-5444
򐂰
ESCON I/O Interface
, SA22-7202
򐂰
ESCON Channel-To-Channel Adapter
, SA22-7203
򐂰
Input/Output Configuration Program Guide
, SB10-7029
򐂰
ESCON Channel-to-Channel Reference
, SB10-7034
򐂰
Introducing Enterprise Systems Connection
, GA23-0383
򐂰
Introducing the ESCON Directors
, GA23-0363
򐂰
Enterprise Systems Connection (ESCON) Implementation Guide
, SG24-4662
򐂰
Planning for the 9032 Model 5
, SA22-7295
3.4 Fibre Connection channel
This section describes the high bandwidth z900 server channel, Fibre CONnection (FICON).
It was first introduced on the G5/G6 servers in response to the requirement for higher
bandwidth and increased connectivity. The FICON channel matches customer data
storage/access requirements and the latest technology in servers, control units, and storage
devices. FICON channels allow faster and more efficient data transfer, while at the same time
allowing customers to use their currently installed single-mode and multimode fiber optic
cabling plant.
Note: The actual maximum end-to-end distance may be limited by specific
characteristics of the attached control units and devices.

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