IBM Corp last week mapped out a plan for enabling users to integrate their controller-based and multiprotocol router-based networks: the plan centres on adding multiprotocol functionality to its SNA-based controllers, and increasing SNA support on its multiprotocol router line. Over time, the resulting products are intended to enable users to combine controller-based and router-based networks into a single entity: the goal, says John Steigerwald, IBM’s Manager of Network Routing Networking Systems, is not to lose a single 3745 to channel-attached routers. IBM says an advantage of this strategy is that converging the two technologies can reduce the disadvantages of each, since according to Steigerwald, the product lines are approaching each other from opposite directions.
Highly dynamic
Routers are highly dynamic, they are also said to be highly bandwidth-intensive. Conversely, controller-based networks are said to provide more efficient use of bandwidth, but to be less dynamic than routers. Arguably the most significant enhancement on the controller front is that IBM is making the 3746 Model 900 – launched for use in concert with the 3745 – upgradeable to stand-alone functionality, independent of the 3745 and the Network Control Program. In order to differentiate the stand-alone product from the existing arrangement, IBM is naming it the Nways Multinetwork Controller. In a stand-alone configuration, the product will support Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking, TCP/IP, Frame Relay, X.25, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Token Ring, Escon channel and line adaptors says the company. The main advantage of the new arrangement for users, says IBM, is to enable network consolidation, and to reduce the number of Network Control Program images. Existing 3746 users will have the option of upgrading to stand-alone functionality, IBM adds. There is no word yet on pricing. For the future, IBM is planning to enhance the 3746 Model 900 with full Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking node support including Dependent Logical Unit Requestor and High Performance Routing. Since the Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking capabilities will operate independently of the Network Control Program, IBM says, they will significantly reduce users’ licensing fees. The Network Control Program itself is also to gain greater functionality, particularly in the area of multiprotocol support, with future enhancements to include TCP/IP over Frame Relay, Frame Relay over Token Ring and Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking High Performance Routing support; these functions will be added by the middle of next year, IBM says. Increased throughput is IBM’s claim for two new Token Ring and Escon adaptors for its 3745 and 3745 and 3746 controllers: in terms of functionality they are essentially the same as their predecessors, but the Token Ring model, in particular, is said to increase the volume of SNA traffic through the Network Control Program by around 70% over the current 3746 Model 900 adaptor. The adaptors are due to ship in the next two months, costing $14,200. In an attempt to reduce the mainframe and Network Control Program cycles, the company also launched a new service processor aimed at customers planning a converged TCP/IP SNA multiprotocol backbone; available immediately, this will be $12,500.
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In terms of its router plans, IBM is not planning to try and corner the multiprotocol router market by providing 100% of the functionality implemented by other suppliers; rather it wants to concentrate on the SNA integration market and will not add some of the less relevant technologies that are being introduced by other suppliers. The company’s SNA-integration router strategy follows an already-defined path, by incorporating Data Link Switching functionality and over time full native Advanced Peer to Peer Networking including High Performance Routing and Dependent LU Server/Requestor support. Interoperability will be extended th
rough support for Frame Relay, X.25, Integrated Services Digital Network and SDLC. Through Frame Relay and SDLC, IBM also intends to provide a migration path to switched Asynchronous Transfer Mode via its recently-announced Nways Asynchronous Transfer Mode switch (CI No 2,446). IBM is also planning to add new Boundary Access Node support, enabling direct communications to the Network Control Program, via Frame Relay. Again, IBM says these enhancements will be available by mid-1995. Accompanying the broader strategy statement were specific product launches – including the router developed jointly with Proteon Inc. Called the 2210 Nways Multiprotocol Router, it is being pitched at small remote offices requiring access to enterprise multiprotocol networks, and comes in four fixed configurations, each with two memory options. Two serial ports, and one local area network port are provided on both the Ethernet and Token Ring models, while in some European countries and Japan an optional Integrated Services Digital Network interface will also be available. The product uses new Nways Multiprotocol Routing Network Services software, with the option of Integrated Services Digital Network support and an Additional Routing feature supporting AppleTalk and Internet Package Exchange protocols. TCP/IP, Data DLSw, bridging, frame relay, X.25 and Point-to-Point Protocol are supported as standard. With availability from the end of September, prices are to range from $2,000 to $4,000. The additional protocols are to cost $300. Also new on the routing side are three new Nways 6611 Network Processors, which are to replace the existing models 140 and 170. Dubbed the Models 125, 145 and 175, they are claimed to offer greater functionality and price-performance than their predecessors: each incorporates adaptor slots for use with a new range of wide and local area network daptors that are said to double the available port density. The 125 has two slots; the 140 comes with four slots as standard and the 175 has seven slots. By doubling port density, says IBM, users that would previously have required a 140 can now use the cheaper 125 for example. In addition, IBM adds that the adaptors can also be used with the now-dropped 140 and 170.
Usability
The company also announced two new combination adaptors which come with one Ethernet or Token Ring port, and two wide area network serial ports (with the choice of five different electrical configurations). Adaptor prices are to go from $2,500 to $5,625. As well as the new adaptors, IBM has also attempted to increase the usability of the 6611s. However, says IBM, the customer interfaces, the System Manager and Configuration Program remain the same as previously available – although the latter now includes support for OS/2 2.1. The new 6611s are to cost from $5,000 to $18,300. New Release 3 NWays Multiprotocol Network Program software, which accompanies the launch of the new 6611s, is said, among other things, to provide enhanced SNA and NetBIOS priority queing, through new DLSw prioritisation options. Enhanced Frame Relay and bridging support is also claimed, as is improved systems management with the addition of support for IBM LAN Network Manager, improved session control over Advanced Peer to Peer Networking and the new functionality of the AIX Router and Bridge Manager/6000. Finally, IBM has also launched Release 2 of its NtuneMON Version 1, which it says provides enhanced, programmable screen alert/control functions, an increased ability to tune networks without stopping and re-starting, and additional Frame Relay Internet Protocol and SDLC facilities.