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

6947axA.fm

Primary

Ethernet LAN

SE

 

SE

Bridgei

 

zSeries 990

Token-Ringi

LAN

Secondary

Ethernet LAN

SE

SE

zSeries 990

Enterprise

LAN

Figure A-8 Ethernet only - two-path wiring scenario with additional connections

Token ring and Ethernet wiring scenario

The token ring and Ethernet wiring scenario, shown in Figure A-9,is intended for enterprises that have both token ring wiring and Ethernet wiring requirements. This scenario is included to provide the possibility of controlling the Support Elements from both a token ring Hardware Management Console and an Ethernet Hardware Management Console at the same time.

This wiring scenario is supported by the default set of adapters available with the Support Elements and the token ring adapter on the Hardware Management Console. The token ring adapter assumes the use of a 16 Mbit token ring facility. The Ethernet features assume the use of 10/100 Mbit Ethernet facilities, requiring the use of CAT-5 Ethernet cabling.

For this scenario, the three communication protocols (SNA, TCP/IP and NetBios) used in Support Element-to-Hardware Management Console communication are defined for both the token ring and the Ethernet adapters of the Support Elements. The token ring wiring is connected using the MAU as described in “Token ring only wiring scenario” on page 236. The Ethernet wiring is connected from the Support Elements to a customer-supplied local hub capable of 10/100 Mbit Ethernet rates.

The Hardware Management Consoles attached to either LAN will be able to automatically discover the Support Elements, assuming that the LAN network allows NetBios to flow between the devices. The Ethernet adapter will have to be assigned an address on a separate subnet from the token ring adapter.

Appendix A. Hardware Management Console (HMC) 241

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IBM 990 manual Token ring and Ethernet wiring scenario

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.