Text preview for : ZZ78-0355-0_IBM_Token-Ring_Gateways_and_Bridges_Comparisons_and_Recommendations_Nov89.pdf part of IBM ZZ78-0355-0 IBM Token-Ring Gateways and Bridges Comparisons and Recommendations Nov89 IBM lan ZZ78-0355-0_IBM_Token-Ring_Gateways_and_Bridges_Comparisons_and_Recommendations_Nov89.pdf
Back to : ZZ78-0355-0_IBM_Token-Rin | Home
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.