Chapter 10. Common networking standards

These topics introduce the types of common networking standards that are supported by the AS/400 system. See the following topics for more information:

vLocal area network standards

vWide area network standards

Local area network standards

A LAN (local area network) is a communications system that allows interconnection and the sharing of resources between independent devices within a moderately sized geographic area. These topics introduce the types of local area networks that are supported by the AS/400 system:

vAsynchronous transfer mode (ATM)

vDDI (distributed data interface) networks

vEthernet

vToken-ring

vWireless networks

ATM on AS/400

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) provides a very fast and flexible network protocol. When used with LAN emulation, you can run token-ring and Ethernet on ATM to take advantage of ATM’s superior speed, throughput, and flexibility.

ATM LAN emulation connects LAN clients at multi-megabit-per-second speeds over distances previously possible only with a wide area network (WAN). LAN emulation makes client connections as they are needed, without configuring the physical path between the end systems. Switching is the mechanism by which the network completes connections from one device to another.

The AS/400 asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network interface (NWI) describes everything that is common across the ATM physical interface. Each AS/400 ATM input/output adapter (2809 or 2810) may have one network interface attached. A single line description attaches to the NWI. The line description can define either an Ethernet or token-ring local area network (LAN) emulation client by using switched virtual circuit connections, permanent virtual circuit connections, or direct connections.

For more information on ATM, see the topic ATM on AS/400.

Distributed data interface network

FDDI is an optical fiber-based local area network (LAN) that uses the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 3T9.5 standard for a token-passing ring media access control (MAC) protocol. Stations, concentrators, and bridges in a FDDI network are physically connected to one of the counter-rotating rings or both of the counter-rotating rings. The rings operate at 100 Mbps.

FDDI networks allow devices to be attached to one or both of the rings. Usually only the primary ring in a FDDI network is active. The secondary ring is used to maintain the network when a dual-access station or a concentrator becomes inactive.

Ethernet networks

Ethernet is one type of local area network (LAN) topology that is supported by the Operating System/400 licensed program. OS/400 Ethernet provides support for the Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel Corporation, and Xerox standard (Ethernet Version 2) and the IEEE 802.3 standard.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998, 2001

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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.
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