HP Mainframe Connectivity Design Guide

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Must be used in conjunction with long-wave CHPIDs. The maximum supported distance is limited by that supported by
the CHPID or XP storage array, whichever is the least distance for the transceiver type.
FICON long-distance extension applications
This section describes FICON long-distance applications for mainframes.
Geographically Dispersed Parallel Sysplex
GDPS is a disaster-recovery service provided by IBM. It connects mainframes in one or more data
centers to provide automatic backup and recovery in the event of a disaster.
HP does not offer a mainframe GDPS solution; however, you can deploy GDPS products across
an HP FICON SAN. The XP10000/12000/20000/24000 storage systems support GDPS PPRC
and XRC. This section provides an overview of GDPS. It is not intended to be a product specification.
GDPS network components
A GDPS network consists of the following components:
• Sysplex Timers—Provide a common time reference for LPARs in the connected systems
• Coupling facilities—Use high-speed, specialized coupling links for intrasystem communications
• Coupling links—Use a specialized protocol and do not connect through an ESCON, FICON,
or Fibre Channel SAN
• Intersite connections—Use a direct fiber cable or WDM product
Figure 15 (page 123) shows a sample GDPS network.
Figure 15 Sample GDPS network
25306a
Production
Site A Site B
Production
CF
WDM
connection
CF
Sysplex Timers and Coupling Links/Facilities
FICON long-distance extension applications 123