Chapter 9. Networking concepts

If you would like more information on networking topics, review the following:

vAdvanced Peer-to-Peer Networking support

vAdvanced Program-to-Program Communications

vDependent LU Requester Support (DLUR)

vHigh-performance routing (HPR)

vInternet packet exchange support

vSystems Network Architecture

vTCP/IP

Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking

Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) is one type of data communications support that is provided by the AS/400 system. This support routes data in a network between two or more advanced program-to-program systems. The systems do not need to be directly connected in the same network or adjacent networks.

The APPC/APPN support handles all of the SNA protocol requirements when your system is communicating with a remote system that uses the LU session type 6.2 and node type 2.1 architectures. The remote system can be any of the following systems:

vAS/400 system

vSystem/36

vSystem/38

vIBM personal computer

vDisplaywriter

vSeries/1

v5520 Administrative System

vRISC System/600 (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)

vDPPX/370 (Distribute Processing Programming Executive

vOne of the following host systems:

System/370

System/390

30XX processor

43XX processor

9370 system

Another system that supports the appropriate level of architecture

The AS/400 APPN support is an enhancement to the SNA Node Type 2.1 architecture that supplies networking functions. These enhancements are easy-to-use, are dynamic; and give control of the network to the peer systems that make up the network. APPN provides you with the following advanced functions:

vDistributed directory services

vDynamic route selection that is based on user-specified values

vIntermediate session routing

vRouting of data by using transmission priorities.

With the exception of intermediate session routing, HPR builds on and uses these APPN functions. For more information on HPR, see high-performance routing.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998, 2001

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IBM AS/400 manual Networking concepts, Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking

AS/400 specifications

The IBM AS/400, now known as the IBM iSeries, is a midrange computer system that has been a cornerstone of enterprise computing since its introduction in 1988. Designed to provide a robust platform for business applications, the AS/400 is celebrated for its reliability, scalability, and integrated database capabilities.

One of the key features of the AS/400 is its Integrated Operating Environment, which blends hardware and software resources seamlessly. This integration allows businesses to execute diverse workloads, ranging from traditional applications to modern web-based services, all on a single platform. The operating system, OS/400 (now IBM i), offers a rich set of APIs and tools for developers, simplifying application development and management.

Another standout characteristic of the AS/400 is its built-in database, DB2 for i. This powerful relational database management system allows for efficient data handling and provides advanced features such as support for SQL, XML, and JSON, making it easier for businesses to manage their data and integrate it with other systems. The database's tight integration with the operating system enables high performance and security.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400 can accommodate small businesses as well as large enterprises, with the ability to support hundreds of users simultaneously. Its architecture allows for easy upgrades in hardware, meaning that organizations can scale their systems without replacing the entire infrastructure.

Security is another critical attribute of the AS/400. With a sophisticated security model, it offers built-in user authentication, access control, encryption, and auditing capabilities to protect data and applications from unauthorized access.

The AS/400 also supports multiple programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, Java, and PHP, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the development tools that best fit their needs. This diversity helps maintain legacy applications while also developing new ones that leverage modern technologies.

Moreover, the platform supports both traditional green-screen interfaces and modern graphical user interfaces, allowing organizations to transition smoothly into contemporary user experience paradigms.

Overall, the IBM AS/400 stands out as a resilient, flexible, and secure computing platform that enables organizations to effectively manage their business operations, streamline processes, and adapt to changing market demands. Its unique combination of integrated features and capabilities ensures that it remains relevant in today's fast-paced technology landscape.