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

6947ch01.fm

￿IBM TotalStorage SAN Switches 2109-F16, S16, and S08

￿IBM TotalStorage Director 2109-M12

FICON Cascaded Directors have the added value of ensuring high integrity connectivity. Transmission data checking, link incidence reporting, and error checking are integral to the FICON architecture, thus providing a true enterprise fabric.

For more information on Cascaded Directors, consult the I/O Connectivity Web page:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/zseries/connectivity/ficon_cascaded.html

OSA-Express

With the introduction of z990 and its increased processing capacity, and the availability of multiple LCSSs, the Open Systems Adapter family of local area network (LAN) adapters is also expanding by offering a maximum of 24 features per system (versus the maximum of 12 features per system on prior generations). The z990 can have 48 ports of LAN connectivity.

You can choose any combination of OSA features: the OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet LX (FC1364), the OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet SX (FC1365), the OSA-Express 1000BASE-T Ethernet (FC1366), or OSA-Express Token Ring (FC2367). You can also carry forward your current z900 OSA-Express features to z990, OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet LX (FC 2364), OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet SX (FC 2365), OSA-Express Fast Ethernet (FC 2366), and OSA-Express Token Ring (FC 2367).

Gigabit Ethernet

The OSA-Express GbE features (FC1364, and FC1365) have an LC Duplex connector type, replacing the current SC Duplex connector. This conforms to the fiber optic connectors currently in use for ISC-3 and the FICON Express features shipped after October 30, 2001.

1000BASE-T Ethernet

The z990 supports a copper Ethernet feature: 1000BASE-T Ethernet. This feature is offered on new builds and replaces the current OSA-Express Fast Ethernet (FC 2366), which can be brought forward to z990 on an upgrade from z900.

1000BASE-T Ethernet is capable of operating at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) using the same Category-5 copper cabling infrastructure that is utilized for Fast Ethernet. The Gigabit over copper adapter allows a migration to gigabit speeds wherever there is a copper cabling infrastructure instead of a fiber optic cabling infrastructure.

OSA-Express Integrated Console Controller (OSA-ICC):

An additional function of the OSA-Express 1000BASE-T Ethernet feature is its support as an OSA-Express 100BASE-T Ethernet Integrated Console Controller. This function supports TN3270E and non-SNA DFT 3270 emulation and means that 3270 emulation for console session connections are integrated in de z990 via a port of the 1000BASE-T Ethernet feature.

Checksum Offload for Linux and z/OS when QDIO mode:

A function introduced for the Linux on zSeries and z/OS environments, called checksum offload, provides the capability of calculating the Transmission Control Protocol/User Datagram Protocol (TCP/UDP) and Internet Protocol (IP) header checksums.

Checksum verifies the correctness of files. By moving the checksum calculations to a Gigabit or 1000BASE-T Ethernet feature, host CPU cycles are reduced.

Improved performance can be realized by taking advantage of the checksum offload function of the OSA-Express Gigabit Ethernet, and OSA-Express GbE or the 1000BASE-T Ethernet

Chapter 1. IBM zSeries 990 overview 11

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IBM 990 manual Gigabit Ethernet, 1000BASE-T Ethernet, OSA-Express Integrated Console Controller OSA-ICC
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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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