IBM 990 User Manual
Page 22
10
IBM
^
zSeries 990 Technical Guide
The required Linux level for this function is SLES 8 from SUSE. This support allows a z990
system to access industry standard devices for Linux, using SCSI control block-based
Input/Output (I/O) devices. These industry standard devices utilize Fixed Block rather than
Extended Count Key Data (ECKD™) format. For more information, consult the IBM I/O
Connectivity Web page:
FICON CTC function
Native FICON channels support CTC on the z990, z890, z900, and z800. G5 and G6 servers
can connect to a zSeries FICON CTC, as well. This FICON CTC connectivity will increase
bandwidth between G5, G6, z990, z890, z900, and z800 systems.
Because the FICON CTC function is included as part of the native FICON (FC) mode of
operation on zSeries, a FICON channel used for FICON CTC is not limited to intersystem
connectivity but will also support multiple device definitions. For example, ESCON channels
that are dedicated as CTC cannot communicate with any other device, whereas native FICON
(FC) channels are not dedicated to CTC only. Native mode can support both device and CTC
mode definition concurrently, allowing for greater connectivity flexibility.
FICON Cascaded Directors
Some time ago, IBM made the FICON Cascaded Director function generally available. This
means that a native FICON (FC) channel or a FICON CTC can connect a server to a device
or other server via two (same vendor) FICON Directors in between.
This type of cascaded support is important for disaster recovery and business continuity
solutions because it can provide high availability and extended distance connectivity, and
(particularly with the implementation of 2 Gb Inter Switch Links) has the potential for fiber
infrastructure cost savings by reducing the number of channels for interconnecting the two
sites.
The following directors and switches are supported:
CNT (INRANGE) FC/9000 64-port and 128-port models (IBM 2042)
McDATA Intrepid 6064 (IBM 2032)
McDATA Intrepid 6140 (IBM 2032)
McDATA Sphereon 4500 Fabric Switch (IBM 2031-224)
IBM TotalStorage SAN Switches 2109-F16, S16, and S08
IBM TotalStorage Director 2109-M12
FICON Cascaded Directors have the added value of ensuring high integrity connectivity.
Transmission data checking, link incidence reporting, and error checking are integral to the
FICON architecture, thus providing a true enterprise fabric.
For more information on Cascaded Directors, consult the I/O Connectivity Web page:
OSA-Express
With the introduction of z990 and its increased processing capacity, and the availability of
multiple LCSSs, the Open Systems Adapter family of local area network (LAN) adapters is
also expanding by offering a maximum of 24 features per system (versus the maximum of 12
features per system on prior generations). The z990 can have 48 ports of LAN connectivity.