6947ch03.fm

Draft Document for Review April 7, 2004 6:15 pm

Adapter interruptions apply to a z990 FICON Express channel when in FCP mode (FCP CHPID type), which supports attachment of SCSI devices in a Linux for zSeries environment.

z990 FCP SCSI IPL feature enabler (FC 9904)

This optional z990 feature (FC 9904) allows Linux on zSeries operating system IPL from a SCSI or FCP disk. Both IPL of logical partition images and z/VM guests are supported.

Using this feature, Linux logical partitions can be started and run completely from SCSI or FCP disks. Further, a standalone dump program can be loaded from such a SCSI or FCP disk in order to dump the contents of a logical partition, and the dump data can be written to this same disk.

z990 FCP concurrent patch

FICON channels, when configured as CHPID type FCP, support concurrent patch allowing application of new Licensed Internal Code (LIC) without requiring a configuration off / on. This is a zSeries exclusive FCP availability feature, available with FICON Express feature codes 2319 and 2320.

3.4.4 OSA-Express adapter

Following is a discussion of the connectivity options in the OSA-Express environment. The

z990 supports the following OSA-Express features:

￿OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Long Wavelength (LX), feature code 1364

￿OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Short Wavelength (SX), feature code 1365

￿OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Long Wavelength (LX), feature code 2364

–Brought forward on an upgrade only

￿OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) Short Wavelength (SX), feature code 2365

–Brought forward on an upgrade only

￿OSA-Express 1000BASE-T Ethernet, feature code 1366

￿OSA-Express Fast Ethernet, feature code 2366

–Brought forward on an upgrade only

￿OSA-Express Token Ring, feature code 2367

Note: if FDDI or ATM connectivity is desired, a multiprotocol switch or router with the appropriate network interface (for example, 1000BASE-T Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet) can be used to provide connectivity between the z990 server and an FDDI or ATM network.

A z990 server can support a maximum of 24 OSA-Express features (48 ports).

Table 3-10 OSA-Express features support

 

 

Number of

Maximum number

 

CHPID

Config.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I/O feature

Feature codes

Ports

Ports

 

I/O

PCHID

rules

Ports

definition

 

 

 

notes

 

 

per card

increments

slots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSA-E Gbit Ethernet

1364/1365

2

2

48

24

yes

OSD

1, 2, 3

LX/SX

(2364/2365)

 

 

(24)

(12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSA-E 1000BASE-T

1366

2

2

48

24

yes

OSE, OSD,

1, 2

Ethernet

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

Page 111 Page 113
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IBM manual OSA-Express adapter, Z990 FCP Scsi IPL feature enabler FC, Z990 FCP concurrent patch
Page 111 Page 113

990 specifications

The IBM 990 series, often referred to in the context of IBM's pioneering efforts in the realm of mainframe computing, represents a unique chapter in the history of information technology. Introduced in the late 1960s, the IBM 990 series was designed as a powerful tool for enterprise-level data processing and scientific calculations, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing computing capabilities.

One of the main features of the IBM 990 was its architecture, which was built to support a wide range of applications, from business processing to complex scientific computations. The system employed a 32-bit word length, which was advanced for its time, allowing for more flexible and efficient data handling. CPUs in the IBM 990 series supported multiple instructions per cycle, which contributed significantly to the overall efficiency and processing power of the machines.

The technology behind the IBM 990 was also notable for its use of solid-state technology. This provided a shift away from vacuum tube systems that were prevalent in earlier computing systems, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the hardware. The IBM 990 series utilized core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the magnetic drum memory systems that had been standard up to that point.

Another defining characteristic of the IBM 990 was its extensibility. Organizations could configure the machine to suit their specific needs by adding memory, storage, and peripheral devices as required. This modular approach facilitated the growth of systems alongside the technological and operational demands of the business environments they served.

In terms of software, the IBM 990 series was compatible with a variety of operating systems and programming environments, including FORTRAN and COBOL, enabling users to access a broader array of applications. This versatility was a significant advantage, making the IBM 990 an appealing choice for educational institutions, research facilities, and enterprises alike.

Moreover, the IBM 990 was engineered to support multiprocessing, which allowed multiple processes to run simultaneously, further increasing its effectiveness in tackling complex computing tasks.

In summary, the IBM 990 series represents a significant advancement in computing technology during the late 20th century. With a robust architecture, versatile configuration options, and a focus on solid-state technology, the IBM 990 facilitated substantial improvements in data processing capabilities, making it a cornerstone for many businesses and academic institutions of its time. Its impact can still be seen today in the continued evolution of mainframe computing.
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