6947ch01.fm

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

(when operating at 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)) features by offloading checksum processing to OSA-Express (in QDIO mode, CHPID type OSD)) for most IPv4 packets. This support is available with z/OS V1R5 and later as well as Linux on zSeries.

Token Ring

The OSA-Express Token Ring feature has two independent ports, each supporting attachment to either a 4 Mbps, 16 Mbps, or 100 Mbps Token Ring Local Area Network (LAN).

The OSA-Express Token Ring feature supports autosensing as well as any of the following settings: 4 Mbps half- or full-duplex, 16 Mbps half- or full-duplex, 100 Mbps full-duplex.

Note: The demand for Token Ring on mainframe continues to decline. Migration from Token Ring to an Ethernet infrastructure is recommended as part of long term planning for Local Area Network support.

OSA-Express ATM

The OSA-Express Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) features are not supported on z990. They are not offered as a new build option and are not offered on an upgrade from z900. This satisfies the Statement of General Direction in the hardware announcement dated April 30, 2002.

If ATM connectivity is still 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 and an ATM network.

OSA-2 FDDI

The OSA-2 Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) feature is not supported on z990. It is not offered as a new build option and is not offered on an upgrade from z900. This satisfies the Statement of General Direction in the hardware announcement dated October 4, 2001.

If FDDI connectivity is still 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 and a FDDI LAN.

Parallel channels and converters

Parallel channels are not supported on z990. Customers who wish to use parallel-attached devices with z990 must obtain a parallel channel converter box such as the IBM 9034, which may be available through IBM Global Services (IGS) or obtain a third-party parallel channel converter box such as the Optica 34600 FXBT. In both cases, these are connected to an ESCON channel.

For more information about Optica offerings, contact Optica directly:

http://www.opticatech.com/

1.3.8 Cryptographic

CP Assist for cryptographic function

The zSeries cryptography is further advanced with the introduction of the Cryptographic Assist Architecture implemented on every z990 PU. The z990 processor provides a set of symmetric cryptographic functions, synchronously executed, which enormously enhance the performance of the encrypt/decrypt function of SSL, Virtual Private Network (VPN), and data storing applications which do not require FIPS 140-2 level 4 security. The on-processor crypto functions run at z990 processor speed.

12IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM 990 Cryptographic CP Assist for cryptographic function, Parallel channels and converters, Token Ring, OSA-Express ATM
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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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