Overview of IBM Networking

IBM Network Media Translation

Cisco’s Implementation of SDLC

Cisco’s SDLC implementation supports the following features:

Frame Relay Access Support (FRAS)

With FRAS, a router functions as a Frame Relay Access Device (FRAD) for SDLC, Token Ring, and Ethernet-attached devices over a Frame Relay Boundary Network Node (BNN) link.

Frame Relay access support is described in the chapter “Configuring SNA Frame Relay Access Support.”

SDLLC media translation

The SDLLC feature provides media translation between the serial lines running SDLC and Token Rings running LLC2. SDLLC consolidates the IBM SNA networks running SDLC into a LAN-based, multiprotocol, multimedia backbone network.

SDLLC is described in the chapter “Configuring IBM Network Media Translation.”

SDLC local acknowledgment

SDLC local acknowledgment is used with SDLC STUN. TCP/IP must be enabled. With local acknowledgment, STUN SDLC connections can be terminated locally at the router, eliminating the need for acknowledgments to be sent across a WAN.

SDLC local acknowledgment is described in the section “Establish the Frame Encapsulation Method” in the chapter “Configuring STUN and BSTUN.”

IBM Network Media Translation

The Cisco IOS software includes the following media translation features that enable network communications across heterogeneous media:

SDLLC media translation enables a device on a Token Ring to communicate with a device on a serial link.

QLLC conversion enables an IBM device to communicate with an X.25 network without having to install the X.25 software on local IBM equipment.

SDLLC is a Cisco Systems proprietary software feature that enables a device on a Token Ring to communicate with a device on a serial link by translating between LLC2 and SDLC at the link layer.

SNA uses SDLC and LLC2 as link layer protocols to provide a reliable connection. The translation function between these industry-standard protocols takes place in the proprietary Cisco software.

This section contains a brief overview of IBM Network Media Translation which is described in the following topics:

SDLLC Media Translation Features, page 220

QLLC Conversion, page 222

Cisco’s Implementation of QLLC Conversion, page 223

Comparing QLLC Conversion to SDLLC, page 224

Other Implementation Considerations, page 225

Figure 91 illustrates how SDLLC provides data link layer support for SNA communication.

Cisco IOS Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide

BC-219

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IBM BC-203 manual IBM Network Media Translation, Cisco’s Implementation of Sdlc, BC-219