IBM ZZ78-0355-0 IBM Token-Ring Gateways and Bridges Comparisons and Recommendations Nov89 free download

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IBM Token-Ring Gateways"& Bridges ... Comparisons and Recommendations for 5/370 Connectivity Document Number ZZ78-0355-00 November 1989 G.D. Craig Telecommunications Systems Support SNA Product Support 4924 Green Road Raleigh, NC, 27604 ABSTRACT This document provides a basis for comparison of selected IBM Token-Ring LAN Gateway and Bridge communication products. Product inclusion was based on provision of connectivity for LAN attached devices to 8/370 host based appli- cations. Product characteristics are examined relative to host connectivity, configuration, price, availability, manageability, performance considerations and other related network capabilities. Network scenarios are included and present situations, recommendations and alternatives. This document is intended for the direct use' of IBM Marketing and Systems En- gineers (ie. for IBM Internal Use Only). However, the information contained in the document may be used as a cons'ultative aid in developing' a response to questions that may arise regarding the related products Abstract ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents iii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS List of Illustrations iv I. INTRODUCTION This document describes selected IBM Token-Ring LAN Gateway and Bridge products. Only IBM products that might be reasonably dedicated to the gateway or bridging function are discussed in the main body of the document. Additionally, the comparison is focused on the connectivity of LAN attached devices to S/370 host based applications. Note: The name Token-Ring will also appear in the abbreviated form T-R within the text, charts and diagrams in this document. For the purposes of this disctission a gateway is defined as a hardware and/or software product that provides connection of T-R LAN attached devices to a S/370 host. In most cases the gateway access is via SNA networking facilities. There are valid exceptions such as the 3172 access to Tep/IP 8/370 host based facil- ities. A bridge, on the other hand, is defined as a hardware and/or software product that provides connection of one T-R LAN to another. The bridging may be remote (ie. over communication links) or local (direct T-R to T-R ) connection.