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IBM United States
Software Announcement 201-169 June 12, 2001 IBM ACF/NCP V7R8.1 and ACF/SSP V4R8.1 Include Network Management and Serviceability Enhancements
At a GlanceIBM ACF/NCP V7R8.1 and ACF/SSP V4R8.1 include new network management and service enhancements.
For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: YE001). OverviewACF/NCP V7R8.1 and ACF/SSP V4R8.1 now include the NTuneNCP tuning feature as an integral part of these programs. This feature simplifies installation and makes it easier to propagate this valuable network monitoring tool into SNA networks. NTuneNCP is also included with NTuneMON V3R2 for installation on earlier versions and releases of ACF/NCP. In addition, ACF/NCP V7R8.1 and ACP/SSP V4R8.1 include the following new network management and serviceability enhancements: Network Management Enhancements
Serviceability Enhancements
DescriptionNetwork Management EnhancementsNTuneNCP Shipped with SSP and NCP: NTuneNCP is now shipped with NCP V7R8.1 and SSPV4R8.1 to simplify installation of NTuneNCP and make it easier to propagate this valuable tuning feature into SNA networks. Adding NTuneNCP allows changes to network parameters without having to regen NCP, thus giving greater flexibility and control over a network. NTuneNCP will continue to be shipped with NTuneMON V3R2 to support installation on earlier versions and releases of ACF/NCP. Enhanced 3746-900 TIC3 and NCP Flow Control for a Token-Ring Network: In a token-ring environment, where both subarea and peripheral data are supported, (ECLTYPE = PHYS, ANY) and NCP is becoming congested, NCP has been modified to allow poll responses to subarea station and to continue to accept sub-area traffic until NCP reaches critical congestion (CWALL). Before, sub-area station's connections would be broken as the station's retry limit was reached because NCP did not respond, creating a disruptive multiple session outage, particularly if the Transmission Group (TG) had a single link and multiple virtual routes. Maintain 3746-900 Sessions during NCP Congestion: One of the flow control mechanisms used by NCP is to deactivate a physical line (IOH Halt Cause Code = 8412) attached to a 3746-900 when service clear has been withheld for more than five minutes to prevent a deadlock condition from occurring. However there is no guarantee that issuing an IOH to a particular link would either prevent or resolve a deadlock condition and the IOH could result in many sessions being unnecessarily terminated. By eliminating issuing IOHs to deactivate a physical line, 3746-900 sessions will be maintained and normal data flow could resume once NCP congestion has cleared. Enhance 3746-900 and NCP Flow Control for Token Ring Sub-Area Connections: During congestion and when the ODLC pacing window is closed, data can be discarded and RNRs (receive not ready) are sent to adjacent link stations. After congestion has cleared and the ODLC window is open, the combination of RNRs being sent and the discarded frames being retransmitted can cause throughput to be degraded. In NCP V7R8.1, the ODLC pacing window has been made larger to accept more data frames and thus reduce the need for RNRs and re transmission's, improving the chances that throughput will not be reduced.
Transmission Group Alert Enhancement:
When a Transmission Group is congested or hung and throughput has
degraded, NCP generates an alert notifying the owning host Subsystem
Control Point (SSCP) of the condition. In the alert there is message
referring the host operator to NCP documentation for additional
information. This reference in the alert has been made more specific and
now refers to
NCP/SSP/EP Diagnostic Guide
where detailed information can be found about this alert condition.
Serviceability EnhancementsNCP Dump Enhancements: On rare occasion when an NCP dump is taken, the first record, which contains information needed by the SSP dump formatter, is corrupted and the dump can't be formatted. The usual remedy is to perform another dump, but this is time consuming and slows progress towards problem resolution. The dump formatter has been modified to continue to process the dump file and to print it in hex format. This will allow IBM service personnel the opportunity to continue problem investigation until a second uncorrupted dump can be taken. Interactive Problem Control System (IPCS) Enhancements: IPCS has been used for years to analyze NCP dumps. In this release, there are a number of enhancements to IPCS that provide more detailed failure data or user options to speed up the dump analysis process. Improvements include:
Euro CurrencyThese programs are not impacted by euro currency. Hardware and Software Support ServicesSmoothStart™/Installation ServicesIBM Installation Services will not be provided for NCP. Your country may offer NCP installation and customization through fee-based Country Specific Offerings . Contact your IBM representative for further information on what is available in your country. If you are migrating to APPN®, IBM is able to provide you with APPN Migration Services. These services are designed around your specific migration needs, providing the flexibility to match your requirements and environment. Our project management team helps ensure that all the pieces mesh when the migration is finished. All information can be found at:
Trademarks
Technical InformationSpecified Operating EnvironmentHardware RequirementsACF/NCP V7R8.1, for z/OS, OS/390® (MVS™), VM, and VSE is designed to operate on any IBM 3745 Communications Controller channel-attached to a host processor or remotely connected by an SDLC link, IBM Token Ring, X.25, Frame-Relay, or ISDN through another controller to a host processor. When installed, the 3746 Model 900 provides ESCON®-attachment capability for the 3745, as well as additional, higher performance token-ring adapters and communications-line adapters.
Refer to the program directory for additional details relative to the
hardware requirements for ACF/NCP V7R8.1 for z/OS, OS/390 (MVS), VM,
and VSE.
Software RequirementsNCP V7R8.1 Base Software Requirements: ACF/NCP V7R8.1 is generated using the following ACF/SSP programs:
Order
Title Number
ACF/SSP V4R8.1 for z/OS, OS/390 5655-041
(MVS/ESA(TM))
ACF/SSP V4R8.1 for VM/ESA(R) 5654-009
ACF/SSP V4R8.1 for VSE/ESA(TM) 5686-064
Beginning with ACF/SSP V4R7, the Network Definition Facility (NDF) offers exclusive support for High Level Assembler (HLAS) (5696-234). Support of the HLAS program product is available on z/OS, OS/390, MVS/ESA, VM/ESA, and VSE/ESA operating systems. If the HLAS does not come installed on your operating system, you will need to order and install it. Refer to the following table to determine if the High Level Assembler is integrated with your operating system .
Operating System HLAS V1R2 HLAS V1R3 MVS/ESA V5R1 and later Order Order (5655-068, 5655-069) separately separately OS/390 R1, R2, R3 Integrated Order (5645-001) separately OS/390 V2R4,V2R5,V2R6 Integrated Order (5647-A01) separately OS/390 V2R7,V2R8 Not Integrated (5647-A01) applicable Z/OS V1R1 Not Integrated (5694-A01) applicable VM/ESA V2R2 and V2R3 Order Order (5654-030) separately separately VM/ESA V2R4 Not Order (5654-030) applicable separately VSE/ESA V1R4.3, V1R4.4 Order Order (5750-ACD) separately separately VSE/ESA V2R2, V2R3 Integrated Order (5690-VSE) separately VSE/ESA V2R4 Not Integrated (5690-VSE) applicable In addition to the HLAS requirements, the following authorized program analysis reports (APARs) are required:
In addition to providing the generation function for this release, ACF/SSP provides utilities for loading, dumping, and trace formatting for NCP when operating with OS/390, MVS/ESA, VM/ESA, VSE/ESA operating systems. Support for a new VTAM® command to trigger Non-Disruptive Route Switch (NDRS) for 3745 subarea connections requires the SNA Services feature of SecureWay® Communications Server for OS/390 V2R8. Use of the partitioned emulation programming extension of ACF/NCP for these releases requires the appropriate release of the Emulation Program for IBM Communication Controllers, as indicated in the Compatibility section. Compatibility: ACF/NCP V7R8.1 is supported in conjunction with the following licensed programs, at the function level of the version and release, for as long as program services are available for the particular version and release.
Notes:
RPQ
Number Controller
7L1092 3745 Models 210, 310, 410,
610, 21A, 31A, 41A, 61A
7L1216 3745 Models 210, 310, 410,
610, 21A, 31A, 41A, 61A
7L1148 3745 Model 170
The following levels of ACF/NCP are supported as communicating with ACF/NCP V7R8.1 as long as program services are available for the particular level of ACF/NCP.
Refer to the program directory for additional details relative to the
compatibility requirements for ACF/NCP V7R8 for z/OS, OS/390
(MVS/ESA), VM/ESA, and VSE/ESA.
Planning InformationCustomer Responsibilities: ACF/NCP V7R8.1 will replace ACF/NCP V7R8 shipped after July 27, 2001. ACF/SSP V4R8.1 will replace ACF/SSP V4R8 shipped after July 27, 2001. ACF/NCP V7R8.1 and ACF/SSP V4R8.1 will be shipped from the IBM Software Delivery and Fulfillment (SDF) after availability (July 27, 2001).
Direct Customer Support:
Installation and technical support are provided by the S/390®
Support Family. For more information on services available, call
800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968) and ask for the IBM Support Family Inside Sales.
Security, Auditability, and ControlIf sensitive data is sent over external communications facilities, user management may wish to pursue the application of cryptography. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities. Customer FinancingIBM Global Financing offers attractive financing to credit-qualified commercial and government customers and Business Partners in more than 40 countries around the world. IBM Global Financing is provided by the IBM Credit Corporation in the United States. Offerings, rates, terms and availability may vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization. Country organizations are listed on the Web at: Ordering Information
Registered customers can access IBMLink™ for ordering information and
prices.
Current LicenseesA program reorder form which may be returned directly to IBM SDF will be sent to current licensees of:
The mailing of these reorder forms is scheduled to be completed by August 25, 2001. Reorder forms returned to IBM SDF will be processed within ten work days of receipt. Current licensees of ACF/NCP V7 and ACF/SSP V4 can reorder and receive the product tapes listed below.
The table below shows the NCP V7R8.1 enhancements that can be separately ordered as APARs. The table also notes the oldest NCP V7 release the APAR can be applied to.
Oldest
NCP
Release
MVS & APAR
VM APAR VSE APAR Available
Enhancement Number Number for
NCP Module Status IR45560 IR45563 V7R7
Accept ECLTYPE IR43197 IR43209 V7R7
(PHYS, ANY) Data
during Slowdown
Eliminate IOH IR43197 IR43209 V7R7
Halt 8401 Flow
Control
Reduce RNRs for IR43743 IR43744 V7R6
TIC3 Subarea
Connections
Hung TG Reference IR45561 IR45564 V7R3
IPM Extension IR45562 IR45565 V7R3
to TG Trace
New LicenseesOrdering Information for ACF/NCP V7: For ordering information on the base program, ACF/NCP V7R8.1 (5648-063), refer to the following announcements:
Orders for new licenses will be accepted now. Shipment will begin on the planned availability date of July 27, 2001. Orders that ship prior to the planned availability date will receive ACF/NCP V7R8.0. Orders that ship after the planned availability date will receive ACF/NCP V7R8.1. New users of ACF/NCP V7R8.1 should specify:
Type Model
5648 063
Basic Machine-Readable Material: The following basic machine-readable material is available:
Program Usage Feature Distribution Environment Tier Number Media z/OS & OS/390 All 5801 9/6250 BPI tape (MVS) z/OS & OS/390 All 5802 3480 tape cartridge (MVS) z/OS & OS/390 All 6498 4-mm DAT tape (MVS) VM All 5831 9/6250 BPI tape VM All 5832 3480 tape cartridge VM All 6488 4-mm DAT tape VSE All 5851 9.6250 BPI tape VSE All 5852 3480 tape cartridge VSE All 6188 4-mm DAT tape Ordering Information for ACF/SSP V4: For ordering information on the base program SSP Version 4 refer to the following announcements:
Orders for new licenses are now being accepted. Shipment will begin on the planned availability date of July 27, 2001. Orders that ship prior to the planned availability date will receive ACF/SSP Version 4 Release 8.0. Orders that ship after the planned availability date will receive ACF/SS Version 4 Release 8.1. New users of ACF/SSP Version 4 should specify:
Operating System Type Model z/OS 5694 A01 OS/390 (MVS/ESA) 5655 041 VM/ESA 5654 009 VSE/ESA 5686 064 Basic Machine-Readable Material: The following basic machine-readable material is available:
Feature Distribution
Program Number Number Medium
5655-041 5801 9/6250 tape
(z/OS & OS/390) 5802 3480 cartridge
(MVS/ESA) 5700 4-mm DAT tape
5654-009 (VM/ESA) 5801 9/6250 tape
5802 3480 cartridge
5700 4-mm DAT tape
5686-064 (VSE/ESA) 5801 9/6250 tape
5802 3480 cartridge
5700 4-mm DAT tape
Basic License: The following new ordering information pertains to NCP Tier C effective June 12, 2001.
Orders for new licenses will be accepted now. Shipment will begin on the planned availability date.
New users of ACF/NCP Version 7 Release 8.1 should specify:
Type Model
5648 063
New users of ACF/SSP Version 4 Release 8.1 should specify:
Type Model
For z/OS, OS/390, MVS/ESA 5655 041
For VM/ESA 5654 009
For VSE/ESA 5686 064
Unlicensed Documentation: A memo, program directory, and one copy of the following publications will be supplied automatically with the basic machine-readable material. Publications for ACF/NCP V7R8.1
Publications for ACF/SSP V4R8.1
Displayable Softcopy Publications: ACF/NCP V7R8.1 and ACF/SSP V4R8.1 publications are also provided in displayable, softcopy form. All unlicensed and licensed manuals are included. The softcopy pubs are shipped on CD-ROM (LK2T-0414), IBM Online Library: IBM ACF/NCP, ACF/SSP, EP and X.25 NPSI and NTuneMON Softcopy Collection Kit. For your convenience, the CD-ROM also contains publications for several related products. The first copy is available at no additional charge to licensees of basic materials of ACF/NCP (5648-063) by specifying feature number 7110. Licensed Documentation: For information on Licensed Documentation, refer to the following:
Subsequent updates (technical newsletters or revisions between releases)
to the publications shipped with the product will be distributed to the
user of record for as long as a license for this software remains in
effect. A separate publication order or subscription is not needed.
Customized OfferingsMost product media is shipped only via Customized Offerings (for example, CBPDO, ServerPac, or Systempac®). Non-customized items (CDs, diskettes, source media, media kits) will continue to be shipped via the stand-alone product. Order Now
Use Priority/Reference Code: YE001
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX
Internet: ibm_direct@us.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Atlanta Sales Center
Dept. YE001
P.O. Box 2690
Atlanta, GA 30301-2690
You can also contact your local IBM Business Partner or IBM representative. To identify them, call 800-IBM-4YOU.
Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
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