System information

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1999
127
Chapter 5. Twinax Attachment of Network Stations
The non-programmable terminal (NPT) has, traditionally, been one of the user
interfaces to an AS/400 system. The NPT’s limited capabilities however, has
prevented it from connecting to an intranet or Internet. For such connectivity,
a personal computer (PC) would be considered but with an associated cost
for PC hardware, software, on-going maintenance, support costs and possibly
additional wiring. A low cost solution is needed in an environment where NPT
users may require internet access. The answers, for this scenario, came
initially with the ability to run the TCP/IP protocol encapsulated within
Twinaxial Data Link Control frames (available with V4R2 OS/400) and
secondly with the availability of the IBM Network Station Twinax models.
5.1 Use of Twinax Attached Network Stations
In AS/400 twinax environments, where there is a need to upgrade the existing
NPTs for increased function, the IBM Network Station Twinax model is a
solution worth considering.
For customers choosing the IBM Network Station Twinax model, it is easier
to:
• Take advantage of the cost-effectiveness of NPTs with simultaneous
access to applications using 5250, 3270, or VTxxx emulation.
• Use company intranets or the Internet using the NC Navigator.
• Access Windows applications using a multi-user Windows NT based
server.
These same customers can consider the following points:
• No twinax rewiring is needed.
• No additional hardware changes are required on the AS/400 system.
• Having a mixture of NPTs, PCs and Network Stations on the same AS/400
workstation controller.
If the IBM Network Station Twinax model is considered, the customer must
understand that:
• Some AS/400 TCP/IP knowledge is required for the setup of these twinax
Network Stations.
• The twinax Network Station cannot act as a primary console. However, it
can operate as a secondary console.
• The twinax Network Station cannot be attached to an IBM 5494, 5394, or
5294 remote workstation controller.