6947ch01.fm

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

zSeries supports FCP channels, switches and FCP/SCSI devices with full fabric connectivity under Linux on zSeries. Support for FCP devices means that z990 servers will be capable of attaching to select FCP/SCSI devices, and may access these devices from Linux on zSeries. This expanded attach ability means that customers have more choices for storage solutions, or may have the ability to use existing storage devices, thus leveraging existing investments and lowering total cost of ownership for their Linux implementation.

The 2 Gb capability on the FICON Express channel cards means that 2 Gb link speeds are available for FCP channels, as well.

The Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) capability, supporting attachment to SCSI devices in Linux environments, was made generally available in conjunction with IBM TotalStorage® Enterprise Tape System 3590, IBM TotalStorage® Enterprise Tape Drive 3592, IBM TotalStorage Enterprise Tape Library 3494. For VM guest mode, z/VM Version 4 Release 3 is required to support Linux/FCP. When configured as a CHPID type FCP, FICON allows concurrent patching of Licensed Internal Code without have to configure the channel off and on.

The required Linux level for this function is SLES 8 from SUSE. This support allows a z990 system to access industry standard devices for Linux, using SCSI control block-based Input/Output (I/O) devices. These industry standard devices utilize Fixed Block rather than Extended Count Key Data (ECKD™) format. For more information, consult the IBM I/O Connectivity Web page:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/zseries/connectivity/#fcp

FICON CTC function

Native FICON channels support CTC on the z990, z890, z900, and z800. G5 and G6 servers can connect to a zSeries FICON CTC, as well. This FICON CTC connectivity will increase bandwidth between G5, G6, z990, z890, z900, and z800 systems.

Because the FICON CTC function is included as part of the native FICON (FC) mode of operation on zSeries, a FICON channel used for FICON CTC is not limited to intersystem connectivity but will also support multiple device definitions. For example, ESCON channels that are dedicated as CTC cannot communicate with any other device, whereas native FICON (FC) channels are not dedicated to CTC only. Native mode can support both device and CTC mode definition concurrently, allowing for greater connectivity flexibility.

FICON Cascaded Directors

Some time ago, IBM made generally available the FICON Cascaded Director function. This means that a native FICON (FC) channel or a FICON CTC can connect a server to a device or other server via two (same vendor) FICON Directors in between.

This type of cascaded support is important for disaster recovery and business continuity solutions because it can provide high availability and extended distance connectivity, and (particularly with the implementation of 2 Gb Inter Switch Links), has the potential for fiber infrastructure cost savings by reducing the number of channels for interconnecting the two sites.

The following directors and switches are supported:

￿CNT (INRANGE) FC/9000 64-port and 128-port models (IBM 2042)

￿McDATA Intrepid 6064 (IBM 2032)

￿McDATA Intrepid 6140 (IBM 2032)

￿McDATA Sphereon 4500 Fabric Switch (IBM 2031-224)

10IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 manual Ficon CTC function, Ficon Cascaded Directors
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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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