HP OpenVMS Systems

Ask the Wizard Questions

Connect OpenVMS to IBM

The Question is:

What is the simplest solution (hardware plus software) to
connect an alpha system to an IBM system for data exchange
(file transfer).
The IBM system is running DOS VSE and the IBM manager
suggests a token ring connection.

The Answer is:

   There is information on the available IBM interconnect gateways in
   Digital's Systems and Options Catalog, and in the Network Buyer's
   Guide.  (What will work best depends highly on what you wish to do.)

   --

   The simplest technique is likely to locate an IP package for the IBM
   system, and use a PCI token ring or PCI Ethernet interface om the Alpha
   system -- assuming the Alpha in question has a PCI bus.  Most Alpha
   systems ship with a NAS license, which includes a license for the DEC
   TCP/IP Services package (UCX).

   For 16 Mbs unshielded twisted pair under UCX:

   $ mcr lancp
   LANCP> set devic/speed=16/media=UTP 

   For 4 Mbs Shielded twisted pair under UCX:

   $ mcr lancp
   LANCP> set dev/speed=4/media=STP 

   There is help available at the LANCP> prompt.

   --

   For an SNA channel transport, use consider the DESNB-CA DEC SNA Domain
   Gateway for Channel Transport package.  This is a PU type 5 SNA node,
   and provides bidirection access between SNA and DECnet OSI.

   --

   Whether or not either of the above solutions is suitable depends highly
   on what you want to do...