How to access your AS/400 - Revision history

Mlc: /* Today */

2023-01-20T22:10:20Z

Today

PoC: De-whichified

2020-03-12T22:02:59Z

De-whichified

PoC: /* Branch Office Solutions */ Not really, it's more often the AS/400 whose controller description must be varied off and on again to reestablish connectivity.

2019-03-04T23:13:56Z

Branch Office Solutions: Not really, it's more often the AS/400 whose controller description must be varied off and on again to reestablish connectivity.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:13, 5 March 2019
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	Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, which enable to exploit these SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:		Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, which enable to exploit these SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:
	* STUN provides a transparent back to back serial port connection for SDLC communication over existing IP networks. This involves the addition of compatible serial port add-on cards with appropriate cabling to the router.		* STUN provides a transparent back to back serial port connection for SDLC communication over existing IP networks. This involves the addition of compatible serial port add-on cards with appropriate cabling to the router.
	* (Remote) Source Route Bridging provides the extension of physical token ring media via virtual bridges over Ethernet or even TCP connections~~. Unfortunately, this facility proved to be sensitive to outages of the intermediate network connection and most often involves a router reload to re-establish the virtual connection~~.		* (Remote) Source Route Bridging provides the extension of physical token ring media via virtual bridges over Ethernet or even TCP connections.
	* SNA Switching Services provide PU (physical unit), LU (logical unit) and session services to SNA hosts to eliminate the need for bridging whole networks over WAN links. Usually, connections are initiated from the IBM hosts over Token Ring, Ethernet and probably other media. This enables a router to be the central hub of an APPN network. Every node just needs a connection (PU) definition to the router while the router handles establishment of direct LU-LU APPC connections between peers.<br />SNAsw can be combined with (R)SRB or Enterprise Extender<ref>IBMs own implementation of transporting SNA/APPC traffic over IP.</ref> to provide true APPN functionality over WAN (VPN) connections. Unfortunately, this code proved to be in bad shape. Certain combinations of configuration parameters tend to crash IOS in such a way that a power cycle is necessary to get the router back to life. Worse, this crashes aren't easy to relate to certain network activity: Routers may run for days until they halt for no apparent reason. Sometimes, they just reload when initiating a bulk data transfer.<ref>Seen with Cisco 2901 routers, IOS 15.4(3)M9 SNAsw Port definition on an Ethernet Subinterface with VLAN tagging, and a second ''Virtual-Tokenring'', connecting another Router via RSRB.</ref>		* SNA Switching Services provide PU (physical unit), LU (logical unit) and session services to SNA hosts to eliminate the need for bridging whole networks over WAN links. Usually, connections are initiated from the IBM hosts over Token Ring, Ethernet and probably other media. This enables a router to be the central hub of an APPN network. Every node just needs a connection (PU) definition to the router while the router handles establishment of direct LU-LU APPC connections between peers.<br />SNAsw can be combined with (R)SRB or Enterprise Extender<ref>IBMs own implementation of transporting SNA/APPC traffic over IP.</ref> to provide true APPN functionality over WAN (VPN) connections. Unfortunately, this code proved to be in bad shape. Certain combinations of configuration parameters tend to crash IOS in such a way that a power cycle is necessary to get the router back to life. Worse, this crashes aren't easy to relate to certain network activity: Routers may run for days until they halt for no apparent reason. Sometimes, they just reload when initiating a bulk data transfer.<ref>Seen with Cisco 2901 routers, IOS 15.4(3)M9 SNAsw Port definition on an Ethernet Subinterface with VLAN tagging, and a second ''Virtual-Tokenring'', connecting another Router via RSRB.</ref>

PoC: /* Branch Office Solutions */ Typo

2019-03-04T23:12:20Z

Branch Office Solutions: Typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:12, 5 March 2019
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	IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 nodes, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. The protocol involved SNA over SDLC. Examples are the IBM 5394 Twinax Remote Controller or the Perle 594M.		IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 nodes, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. The protocol involved SNA over SDLC. Examples are the IBM 5394 Twinax Remote Controller or the Perle 594M.

	Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, which enable to exploit ~~this~~ SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:		Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, which enable to exploit these SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:
	* STUN provides a transparent back to back serial port connection for SDLC communication over existing IP networks. This involves the addition of compatible serial port add-on cards with appropriate cabling to the router.		* STUN provides a transparent back to back serial port connection for SDLC communication over existing IP networks. This involves the addition of compatible serial port add-on cards with appropriate cabling to the router.
	* (Remote) Source Route Bridging provides the extension of physical token ring media via virtual bridges over Ethernet or even TCP connections. Unfortunately, this facility proved to be sensitive to outages of the intermediate network connection and most often involves a router reload to re-establish the virtual connection.		* (Remote) Source Route Bridging provides the extension of physical token ring media via virtual bridges over Ethernet or even TCP connections. Unfortunately, this facility proved to be sensitive to outages of the intermediate network connection and most often involves a router reload to re-establish the virtual connection.

PoC: /* Branch Office Solutions */ Examples

2019-03-04T23:08:15Z

Branch Office Solutions: Examples

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:08, 5 March 2019
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	=== Branch Office Solutions ===		=== Branch Office Solutions ===
	IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 nodes, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. The protocol involved SNA over SDLC.		IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 nodes, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. The protocol involved SNA over SDLC. Examples are the IBM 5394 Twinax Remote Controller or the Perle 594M.

	Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, which enable to exploit this SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:		Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, which enable to exploit this SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:

PoC: /* Weblinks */ +Link

2019-03-04T22:59:43Z

Weblinks: +Link

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:59, 5 March 2019
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	== Weblinks ==		== Weblinks ==
			* [https://kb.pocnet.net/wiki/Apple_SNA•ps_Konfiguration_für_5250-Sitzungen Apple SNA•ps Konfiguration für 5250-Sitzungen], PoCnet Knowledgebase.
	* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A/ROSE Apple Real-time Operating System Environment], Wikipedia.		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A/ROSE Apple Real-time Operating System Environment], Wikipedia.
	* [https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios/bridging/configuration/guide/15_2s/br_15_2s_book.pdf Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide], PDF.		* [https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios/bridging/configuration/guide/15_2s/br_15_2s_book.pdf Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide], PDF.

	[[Category: Basic Knowledge]]		[[Category: Basic Knowledge]]

PoC: /* Weblinks */ Text

2019-02-23T20:28:04Z

Weblinks: Text

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:28, 23 February 2019
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	== Weblinks ==		== Weblinks ==
	* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A/ROSE Apple Real-time Operating System Environment] ~~is the technology behind NuBus adapter cards with private CPU- and memory resources~~.		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A/ROSE Apple Real-time Operating System Environment], Wikipedia.
	* [https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios/bridging/configuration/guide/15_2s/br_15_2s_book.pdf Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide], PDF		* [https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios/bridging/configuration/guide/15_2s/br_15_2s_book.pdf Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide], PDF.

	[[Category: Basic Knowledge]]		[[Category: Basic Knowledge]]

PoC: Reworked

2019-02-23T20:27:18Z

Reworked

Show changes

PoC at 17:19, 31 December 2018

2018-12-31T17:19:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:19, 31 December 2018
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	== Footnotes ==		== Footnotes ==
	<references />		<references />

			[[Category: Basic Knowledge]]

PoC: Reworked

2018-12-31T15:49:39Z

Reworked

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:49, 31 December 2018
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	Today, there are multiple ways to access an AS/400. ~~They all have in common that the~~ transmission of cursor position, text, fields and their attributes as well as other data is transferred according to a definition called ''[[wikipedia:IBM 5250\|5250 data stream]]''. This is somewhat analog to the well known [[wikipedia:VT100\|VT100]] protocol.		{{FIXME\|Provide more web links to mentioned topics.}}
			Today, there are multiple ways to access an AS/400. This article is mainly about ''terminal access''.

			Terminal access is defined by transmission of cursor position, text, fields and their attributes as well as other data transferred according to a definition called ''[[wikipedia:IBM 5250\|5250 data stream]]''. This is somewhat analog to the well known [[wikipedia:VT100\|VT100]] protocol in character-based terminal systems.

	Additionally, recent implementations of OS/400 feature ssh-Access. But it's different than one would think. See [[The Split Personality of OS/400]].		Additionally, recent implementations of OS/400 feature ssh-Access. But it's different than one would think. See [[The Split Personality of OS/400]].

	== Block- versus ~~byte~~-oriented transmissions ==		== Block- versus character-oriented transmissions ==
	However, a huge difference between those is that the user is presented with a form, to look at and/or fill out. ~~If he makes changes, these~~ are only made locally, in the memory of the terminal (or emulator). When everything is finished, the form is transmitted in its entirety back to the host. This is quite like a HTML form being displayed and filled out in a browser, getting transferred back in its entirety by pressing the ''submit''-button.<ref>It is rarely labelled like that today.</ref>~~<br />~~		However, a huge difference between those is that with the former, the user is presented with a form, to look at and/or fill out. Changes are only made locally, in the memory of the terminal (or emulator). When everything is finished, a special key is pressed and the form is transmitted in its entirety back to the host for processing.<br />
	This is in stark contrast to terminals in the Unix world, where the host is handling communications and screen appearance. Every keypress will go back to the host, trigger an action which ~~ultimately sends~~ data back to the terminal.		This is quite like a HTML form being displayed and filled out in a browser window, getting also transferred back in its entirety by pressing the ''submit''-button.<ref>It is rarely labelled like that today.</ref>

			This is in stark contrast to terminals in the Unix world, where the host is handling communications and screen appearance itself. Every single keypress will go back to the host, trigger an action, based on which appropriate data will be sent back to the terminal for updating on-screen content.

	Block oriented protocols like 5250 (and 3270) were useful when computing resources were ~~always~~ scarce. Imagine hundreds of users typing and thus interrupting the CPU for simple cursor movement. On the other hand, block-oriented transmissions have drawbacks in interactivity. The user can only do what the protocol permits locally. Such stuff as incremental search as one types ~~and~~ the application narrows possible matches is not possible in block oriented mode.<ref>Through special programming techniques, it is indeed possible to achieve such a high grade of interactivity. But since the whole machine and OS are built around this block-oriented approach, it is ugly to implement, creates additional ~~burden~~ on the machine and most likely ~~will~~ affect other users on the same machine.</ref>		Block oriented protocols like 5250 (and 3270) were useful when computing resources were scarce. Imagine hundreds of users typing data into fields of forms and thus interrupting the CPU for simple cursor movement and character-echoing.<br />
			On the other hand, block-oriented transmissions have drawbacks in interactivity. The user can only do what the protocol permits locally. Such stuff as incremental search as one types a search string while the application narrows possible matches with every additional character from that string is not possible in block oriented mode.<ref>Through special programming techniques, it is indeed possible to achieve such a high grade of interactivity. It is simply based on really frequent data exchange with the host. But since the whole machine and OS are built around this block-oriented approach, it is ugly to implement, creates additional processing load on the machine and thus will most likely affect other users on the same machine.</ref>

	== History ==		== History ==
	Historically, all access to the machine involved terminal ~~session~~ which were established with, well, terminals. Today, they're called ''dumb'' ~~but since they needed~~ logic for local processing of input~~, they~~'re not quite as dumb as, say, an VT100.<br />		Historically, all access to the machine involved terminal sessions which were established with, well, terminals: A combination of a CRT display and a keyboard. Rarely accompanied by the possibility to connect a PS/2 mouse.<ref>IBM 3486.</ref> Today, they're called ''dumb'' which is plainly wrong. These terminals included a basic SNA stack and logic for local processing of input and screen appearance. They're not quite as dumb as, say, a VT100.<br />
	Terminals were attached through [[wikipedia:Twinaxial cabling\|Twinaxial Cables]], thick as a small finger with bulky connectors. The whole system was expensive, complicated to run through a building but rock solid.		Terminals were attached through [[wikipedia:Twinaxial cabling\|Twinaxial Cables]], thick as a small finger with bulky connectors. The whole system was expensive, complicated to run through a building (because of a large minimum bending radius) but rock solid.

	An AS/400 could utilize at least one twinax controller with at least four independent ports for daisy chaining terminals. There were controllers with supported eight port bricks as well. Bigger machines could have multiple twinax controllers inside.		An AS/400 could utilize at least one twinax controller (board) with at least four independent ports for daisy chaining terminals. Because the terminals ran a subset of SNA, they could be daisy chained, easing cabling requirements somewhat. Transmission rate was 1 Mbit/s per port, providing almost instant screen updates.<ref>Compare that with the 9600 bps of standard ASCII terminals of that era.</ref> There were controllers with supported eight-port bricks as well. Bigger machines could have multiple twinax controllers inside.

	Today, the twinax attachment is still a necessity, since it provides console services, for installing and for running backups without any users keeping files open. And for troubleshooting, of course. See also details to the [[Your own AS/400#Console\|Console]].		Today, the twinax attachment is still a necessity with old hardware, since it provides console services, for installing and for running backups without any users keeping files open. And for troubleshooting, of course. See also details to the [[Your own AS/400#Console\|Console]].

	=== Twinax without terminals ===		=== Twinax without terminals ===
	IBM and other manufacturers built [[wikipedia:Industry Standard Architecture\|ISA cards]] and provided software for MS-DOS and early Windows versions for accessing as/400 terminal sessions over twinax.		IBM and other manufacturers built [[wikipedia:Industry Standard Architecture\|ISA cards]] and provided software for MS-DOS and early Windows versions for accessing AS/400 terminal sessions over twinax. These combination behaved like a true hardware terminal.

	Apple once built a combined coax/twinax card. The coax port was used for attachment to communication controllers attached to a mainframe. Unfortunately, there seems to be no software support for the twinax port.		Apple once built a combined coax/twinax card. The coax port was used for attachment to communication controllers attached to a mainframe. Unfortunately, there seems to be no software support for the twinax port.

			=== ASCII Terminals ===
			IBM provided expansion cards for SPD-slot based machines called ''ASCII Workstation Controller''. These boards and SLIC integrated firmware allowed the attachment of standard serial terminals (vt100 and the like) to the AS/400, as one way of investment protection. They handled the steady interrupts from user typing and protocol conversion from 5250 to vt100 and other then-standard protocols of that era.

			=== Network-attached gateway solutions ===
			For very old machines it could be of certain interest to minimize the usage of IP on the machine itself, to save CPU cycles for processing of actual data.<ref>Transferring binary stream files to or from IFS with FTP over a standard 10 Mbit/s adapter easily brings the CPU of a 9401-150 to 100 % load. Transferring data with SNADS over 16 Mbit/s Token Ring yields about 30 % CPU load.</ref> Multiple solutions exist(ed) for communicating solely via SNA to AS/400s (and mainframes):
			* ''Apple SNA•ps'' was the outcome of a collaboration with IBM in the early 1990s. Orion Software programmed a gateway and client applications (for terminal access and printing) which permitted en-/decapsulating APPC traffic in/from AppleTalk. Hardware attachment was provided by a combined Coax/Twinax-Card, a Token Ring Card or a multiport Serial Card (for SDLC transport). Each of these NuBus cards featured their own m68k CPU and between 0.5 to 2.5 MiB of local RAM. Part of the gateway software runs on that CPU.
			* ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Host_Integration_Server Microsoft SNA Server]'' is a gateway solution for SNA communications running on Microsoft Windows. It provides protocol conversion between SNA and IP based telnet protocols (tn3270, tn5250) as well as printing services by obtaining spooled files from AS/400 printer queues and either saving it as a local text file or sending it to the Windows integrated printing system. It also provides protocol conversion services for database access via OLE and ODBC. Additionally, it exploits the AS/400 ''shared folder subsystem'' to re-export such a share with standard Windows SMB protocol provided by the Windows operating system. Microsoft SNA Server evolved to the ''Microsoft Host Integration Server'', which is still in active development.
			* ''Novell Netware for SAA'' was an enhancement for Netware installations. Details will be provided when I had time to install and test this software.
			* ''IBM Communications Manager/2'' was an enhancement for OS/2.

			=== Branch Office Solutions ===
			IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 terminals, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. Attachment to the AS/400 usually was accomplished via SDLC.

			Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, which enables routers to emulate a SDLC connection over existing IP communication paths.

			More modern attempts are LAN-attached terminal servers, having Twinax-Ports for Terminals and an Ethernet-Port for LAN attachment. Communication takes place via tn5250 on the LAN side which makes it possible to use existing IP based VPN networks for Twinax-Terminal access.

	== Today ==		== Today ==
	Today, most accesses to terminal sessions will take place over ordinary LAN attachment, IP as transport and tn5250 as high-level protocol.		Today, most accesses to terminal sessions will take place over ordinary LAN attachment, IP as transport and tn5250 as high-level protocol.

	There are multiple tn5250 clients available, for free and for a fee, and for many operating systems. I strongly recommend utilizing one of those because they usually just work.		Some manufacturers built smart terminals with an integrated tn5250 emulator and IP based attachment to the AS/400.

			There are multiple software-based tn5250 clients available, for free and for a fee, and for many operating systems. I strongly recommend utilizing one of those because they usually just work.

	See also:		See also:
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	* Hostname or IP address to connect to,		* Hostname or IP address to connect to,
	* TCP-Port to connect to,		* TCP-Port to connect to,
	* SSL yes or no, (mostly no for self-owned boxes, SSL needs additional setup).		* SSL yes or no, (mostly no for self-owned boxes, SSL needs additional setup on the AS/400 itself).

	You '''may''' change secondary parameters:		You '''may''' change secondary parameters:
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	=== Telnet ===		=== Telnet ===
	It is indeed possible to use plain VT100 over telnet to access AS/400s. The machine (or part of it) will see increased load because of the host based protocol handling. In practice this effect is negligible, especially when there were only half a dozen users working.		It is indeed possible to use plain VT100 over telnet to access AS/400s. The machine (or part of it) will see increased load because of the host based protocol handling when just typing into a terminal. In practice this effect is negligible, especially when there were only half a dozen users working.

	Depending on the emulator software (the client) there may be issues with special chars in other languages than english. Sometimes, Function ~~keys~~ will not work or function keys > <code>F12</code> cannot be accessed. Additionally, special command keys like System Request or Attention have no equivalent on a standard PC keyboard.		Depending on the emulator software (the client) there may be issues with special chars in other languages than english. Sometimes, Function Keys will not work or function keys > <code>F12</code> cannot be accessed. Additionally, special command keys like System Request or Attention have no equivalent on a standard PC keyboard.

	== Footnotes ==		== Footnotes ==
	<references />		<references />

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:10, 21 January 2023
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	Today, most accesses to terminal sessions will take place over ordinary LAN (Ethernet) attachment, IP as transport and tn5250 as high-level protocol. See above for possible drawbacks of this.		Today, most accesses to terminal sessions will take place over ordinary LAN (Ethernet) attachment, IP as transport and tn5250 as high-level protocol. See above for possible drawbacks of this.

	Some manufacturers built so called ''smart terminals'' with an integrated tn5250 emulator and an ordinary ethernet port for integration in ~~today's~~ IP networks.		Some manufacturers built so called ''smart terminals'' with an integrated tn5250 emulator and an ordinary ethernet port for integration in today’s IP networks.

	There are multiple software-based tn5250 clients available, for free and for a fee, and for many operating systems. I strongly recommend utilizing one of those because they usually just work. My favorite is [http://www.mochasoft.dk/tn5250macx.htm Mocha TN5250 for macOS]. It runs very stable, has a sensible mapping of special keys and a support that at least answers to email requests.<ref>Additionally, they released their older programs as freeware, ~~that~~ is a very nice thing to do. Unfortunately, a 5250 client for 68k based Macs ~~isn't~~ available. This can only be accomplished with SNA•ps, see above.</ref>		There are multiple software-based tn5250 clients available, for free and for a fee, and for many operating systems. I strongly recommend utilizing one of those because they usually just work. My favorite is [http://www.mochasoft.dk/tn5250macx.htm Mocha TN5250 for macOS]. It runs very stable, has a sensible mapping of special keys and a support that at least answers to email requests.<ref>Additionally, they released their older programs as freeware, which is a very nice thing to do. Unfortunately, a 5250 client for 68k based Macs isn’t available. This can only be accomplished with SNA•ps, see above.</ref>

	See also:		See also:
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	You '''may''' change secondary parameters, if necessary:		You '''may''' change secondary parameters, if necessary:
	* EBDIC ~~Code~~ page, (for umlauts, etc.)		* EBDIC code page, (for umlauts, etc.)
	* TCP~~-Port~~ to connect to, (if not running on default)		* TCP port to connect to, (if not running on default)
	* Terminal type, (monochome/color and 24×80 only vs. additionally 27×132)		* Terminal type, (monochome/color and 24×80 only vs. additionally 27×132)

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	It is indeed possible to use plain VT100 over telnet to access AS/400s. The machine (or part of it) will see increased load because of the host based protocol handling when just typing into a terminal. In practice this effect is negligible, especially when there were only half a dozen users working.		It is indeed possible to use plain VT100 over telnet to access AS/400s. The machine (or part of it) will see increased load because of the host based protocol handling when just typing into a terminal. In practice this effect is negligible, especially when there were only half a dozen users working.

	Depending on the emulator software (the client) there may be issues with special chars in other languages than english. Sometimes, ~~Function Keys~~ will not work or function keys > <code>F12</code> cannot be accessed. Additionally, special command keys like System Request or Attention have no equivalent on a standard PC keyboard.		Depending on the emulator software (the client) there may be issues with special chars in other languages than english. Sometimes, function keys will not work or function keys larger <code>F12</code> cannot be accessed. Additionally, special command keys like System Request or Attention have no equivalent on a standard PC keyboard.

	For these reasons, I strongly recommend utilizing a real 5250 client.		For these reasons, I strongly recommend utilizing a real 5250 client.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:02, 13 March 2020
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	=== Network-attached gateway solutions ===		=== Network-attached gateway solutions ===
	For very slow machines it could be of certain interest to minimize the usage of IP on the machine itself, to save CPU cycles for processing of actual data.<ref>Transferring binary stream files to or from IFS with FTP over a standard 10 Mbit/s adapter easily brings the CPU of a 9401-150 to 100 % load. Transferring data with SNADS over 16 Mbit/s Token Ring yields about 30 % CPU load.</ref> Multiple solutions exist(ed) for communicating solely via SNA to AS/400s, and mainframes:		For very slow machines it could be of certain interest to minimize the usage of IP on the machine itself, to save CPU cycles for processing of actual data.<ref>Transferring binary stream files to or from IFS with FTP over a standard 10 Mbit/s adapter easily brings the CPU of a 9401-150 to 100 % load. Transferring data with SNADS over 16 Mbit/s Token Ring yields about 30 % CPU load.</ref> Multiple solutions exist(ed) for communicating solely via SNA to AS/400s, and mainframes:
	* ''Apple SNA•ps'' was the outcome of a collaboration with IBM in the early 1990s. Orion Software programmed a gateway and client applications for terminal access and printing in both 5250 and 3270 worlds, ~~which~~ permitted en-/decapsulating APPC traffic in/from AppleTalk. Hardware attachment was provided by a combined Coax/Twinax-Card, a Token Ring Card or a multiport Serial Card for SDLC transport. Each of these NuBus cards featured their own m68k CPU and between 0.5 to 2.5 MiB of local RAM. Part of the gateway software runs on that CPU.<br />Included is additional software and documentation for developing custom solutions based on APPC over AppleTalk.		* ''Apple SNA•ps'' was the outcome of a collaboration with IBM in the early 1990s. Orion Software programmed a gateway and client applications for terminal access and printing in both 5250 and 3270 worlds, that permitted en-/decapsulating APPC traffic in/from AppleTalk. Hardware attachment was provided by a combined Coax/Twinax-Card, a Token Ring Card or a multiport Serial Card for SDLC transport. Each of these NuBus cards featured their own m68k CPU and between 0.5 to 2.5 MiB of local RAM. Part of the gateway software runs on that CPU.<br />Included is additional software and documentation for developing custom solutions based on APPC over AppleTalk.
	* ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Host_Integration_Server Microsoft SNA Server]'' is a gateway solution for SNA communications running on Microsoft Windows Server systems. It provides protocol conversion between SNA and IP based telnet protocols (tn3270, tn5250) as well as printing services by obtaining spooled files from AS/400 printer queues and either saving it as a local text file or sending it to the Windows printing system. It also provides protocol conversion services for database access via OLE and ODBC. Additionally, it exploits the AS/400 ''shared folder subsystem'' to re-export folders within ''/QDLS'' with standard Windows SMB protocol provided by the Windows operating system. Microsoft SNA Server evolved to the ''Microsoft Host Integration Server'', ~~which~~ is still in active development.		* ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Host_Integration_Server Microsoft SNA Server]'' is a gateway solution for SNA communications running on Microsoft Windows Server systems. It provides protocol conversion between SNA and IP based telnet protocols (tn3270, tn5250) as well as printing services by obtaining spooled files from AS/400 printer queues and either saving it as a local text file or sending it to the Windows printing system. It also provides protocol conversion services for database access via OLE and ODBC. Additionally, it exploits the AS/400 ''shared folder subsystem'' to re-export folders within ''/QDLS'' with standard Windows SMB protocol provided by the Windows operating system. Microsoft SNA Server evolved to the ''Microsoft Host Integration Server'', that is still in active development.
	* ''Novell Netware for SAA'' was an enhancement for Netware installations. Details will be provided when I had time to install and test this software.		* ''Novell Netware for SAA'' was an enhancement for Netware installations. Details will be provided when I had time to install and test this software.
	* ''IBM Communications Manager/2'' was an enhancement for OS/2, providing similar services.		* ''IBM Communications Manager/2'' was an enhancement for OS/2, providing similar services.
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	IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 nodes, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. The protocol involved SNA over SDLC. Examples are the IBM 5394 Twinax Remote Controller or the Perle 594M.		IBM and other vendors offered terminal multiplexors for twinax-based 5250 nodes, to enable a single leased line being shared by multiple terminals in a branch office. Leased-line capable modems provided the physical connection. The protocol involved SNA over SDLC. Examples are the IBM 5394 Twinax Remote Controller or the Perle 594M.

	Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, ~~which~~ enable to exploit these SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:		Cisco Systems offers some features within their router software, IOS, to help integrate IBM SNA into the conventional LAN and WAN world. There are certain combinations of Routers and IOS Features in a given image, sometimes accompanied by the need to purchase a license key, that enable to exploit these SNA integration services. See the [https://www.cisco.com/go/fn Cisco Feature Navigator] for finding appropriate combinations. A selection of probably interesting solutions:
	* STUN provides a transparent back to back serial port connection for SDLC communication over existing IP networks. This involves the addition of compatible serial port add-on cards with appropriate cabling to the router.		* STUN provides a transparent back to back serial port connection for SDLC communication over existing IP networks. This involves the addition of compatible serial port add-on cards with appropriate cabling to the router.
	* (Remote) Source Route Bridging provides the extension of physical token ring media via virtual bridges over Ethernet or even TCP connections.		* (Remote) Source Route Bridging provides the extension of physical token ring media via virtual bridges over Ethernet or even TCP connections.
	* SNA Switching Services provide PU (physical unit), LU (logical unit) and session services to SNA hosts to eliminate the need for bridging whole networks over WAN links. Usually, connections are initiated from the IBM hosts over Token Ring, Ethernet and probably other media. This enables a router to be the central hub of an APPN network. Every node just needs a connection (PU) definition to the router while the router handles establishment of direct LU-LU APPC connections between peers.<br />SNAsw can be combined with (R)SRB or Enterprise Extender<ref>IBMs own implementation of transporting SNA/APPC traffic over IP.</ref> to provide true APPN functionality over WAN (VPN) connections. Unfortunately, this code proved to be in bad shape. Certain combinations of configuration parameters tend to crash IOS in such a way that a power cycle is necessary to get the router back to life. Worse, this crashes aren't easy to relate to certain network activity: Routers may run for days until they halt for no apparent reason. Sometimes, they just reload when initiating a bulk data transfer.<ref>Seen with Cisco 2901 routers, IOS 15.4(3)M9 SNAsw Port definition on an Ethernet Subinterface with VLAN tagging, and a second ''Virtual-Tokenring'', connecting another Router via RSRB.</ref>		* SNA Switching Services provide PU (physical unit), LU (logical unit) and session services to SNA hosts to eliminate the need for bridging whole networks over WAN links. Usually, connections are initiated from the IBM hosts over Token Ring, Ethernet and probably other media. This enables a router to be the central hub of an APPN network. Every node just needs a connection (PU) definition to the router while the router handles establishment of direct LU-LU APPC connections between peers.<br />SNAsw can be combined with (R)SRB or Enterprise Extender<ref>IBMs own implementation of transporting SNA/APPC traffic over IP.</ref> to provide true APPN functionality over WAN (VPN) connections. Unfortunately, this code proved to be in bad shape. Certain combinations of configuration parameters tend to crash IOS in such a way that a power cycle is necessary to get the router back to life. Worse, this crashes aren't easy to relate to certain network activity: Routers may run for days until they halt for no apparent reason. Sometimes, they just reload when initiating a bulk data transfer.<ref>Seen with Cisco 2901 routers, IOS 15.4(3)M9 SNAsw Port definition on an Ethernet Subinterface with VLAN tagging, and a second ''Virtual-Tokenring'', connecting another Router via RSRB.</ref>

	More modern solutions are provided by LAN-attached terminal servers, having Twinax-Ports for Terminals or Printers and an Ethernet-Port for LAN attachment. Communication takes place via tn5250 on the LAN side ~~which~~ makes it possible to use existing IP based VPNs for providing remote access. One notable example is the [http://www.bosanova.net/twinaxcontroller/index.html BOSCOM e-Twin@x-Controller].		More modern solutions are provided by LAN-attached terminal servers, having Twinax-Ports for Terminals or Printers and an Ethernet-Port for LAN attachment. Communication takes place via tn5250 on the LAN side that makes it possible to use existing IP based VPNs for providing remote access. One notable example is the [http://www.bosanova.net/twinaxcontroller/index.html BOSCOM e-Twin@x-Controller].

	== Today ==		== Today ==
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	Some manufacturers built so called ''smart terminals'' with an integrated tn5250 emulator and an ordinary ethernet port for integration in today's IP networks.		Some manufacturers built so called ''smart terminals'' with an integrated tn5250 emulator and an ordinary ethernet port for integration in today's IP networks.

	There are multiple software-based tn5250 clients available, for free and for a fee, and for many operating systems. I strongly recommend utilizing one of those because they usually just work. My favorite is [http://www.mochasoft.dk/tn5250macx.htm Mocha TN5250 for macOS]. It runs very stable, has a sensible mapping of special keys and a support ~~which~~ at least answers to email requests.<ref>Additionally, they released their older programs as freeware, ~~which~~ is a very nice thing to do. Unfortunately, a 5250 client for 68k based Macs isn't available. This can only be accomplished with SNA•ps, see above.</ref>		There are multiple software-based tn5250 clients available, for free and for a fee, and for many operating systems. I strongly recommend utilizing one of those because they usually just work. My favorite is [http://www.mochasoft.dk/tn5250macx.htm Mocha TN5250 for macOS]. It runs very stable, has a sensible mapping of special keys and a support that at least answers to email requests.<ref>Additionally, they released their older programs as freeware, that is a very nice thing to do. Unfortunately, a 5250 client for 68k based Macs isn't available. This can only be accomplished with SNA•ps, see above.</ref>

	See also:		See also: