HP-UX SNAplus2 R7 General Information

Introducing SNAplus2
Benefits Provided by SNAplus2
Motif Administration Program
The easiest way to define and modify the SNAplus2 configuration is to use the Motif administration program
(
xsnapadmin). This program provides a graphical user interface from which you can view and manage
SNAplus2 resources. It also simplifies configuration by exposing only the fields whose values typically
vary from one installation to another, using default values for other fields.
The Motif administration program includes help screens that provide overview information for SNA and
SNAplus2, reference information for SNAplus2 dialogs, and guidance for performing specific tasks.
Immediate Updates
Resources can be added, deleted, or modified while the system is running, without having to stop and restart
the system.
Dynamic Configuration in APPN Networks
Configuring a node or network is also made easier through the APPN network’s dynamic configuration.
For example, APPN end nodes and applications dynamically register configuration data to support LU 6.2
sessions, thus making session configuration optional. Further, by having the node control point act as the
default local LU, you can avoid LU 6.2 configuration altogether.
APPN also supports dynamic link station configuration in the absence of configured link stations.
Other configuration and administration methods are discussed in Section 2.3.3, User Interface Choices.
2.3.3 User Interface Choices
The Motif administration program (see Section 2.3.2, Easy Configuration) is the recommended interface for
configuring and managing SNAplus2. However, you have a choice of interfaces for SNAplus2, enabling you
to work with the one that suits your equipment, needs, or preferences.
Command-Line Administration Program
The command-line administration program,
snapadmin, can be used to issue commands to manage individual
SNAplus2 resources.
snapadmin can be used either directly from the HP-UX command prompt or from within
a shell script.
NOF API
All SNAplus2 administration tools, including the Motif administration program and the command-line
administration program, use the NOF API to configure and manage SNAplus2 resources. You can use
the NOF API to implement your own administration functions.
Configuration information is stored in a plain text file that can be modified using standard HP-UX utilities such as
vi, awk, and sed. In a network that contains many machines with similar configurations, an administrator can
produce configuration files for all machines by using one configuration file as a template.
2.3.4 Client/Server Operation
Client/server configuration provides the following benefits:
• Concentrating SNA resources on servers reduces the load on clients, improving client performance and
minimizing the storage needed to provide SNA services to clients.
• A single data link can be shared by multiple users on different machines, eliminating the need for each machine
to have a physical SNA network connection.
• Multiple servers can provide redundant connectivity (for example, by having multiple servers providing access
to the same host). Having multiple paths to an SNA resource enables load balancing across the different servers
and provides immediate backup in the event that a particular server or link fails.
• By using LU pools across multiple servers, the administrator can easily configure and add servers and users.
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