Connecting multiple subarea networks

This section describes a multiple-network environment that uses SNA network interconnection (SNI). A multiple-network environment consists of multiple independent SNA networks that are interconnected. The SNI facility enables communication between these separate networks.

SNA network interconnection enables you to:

Interconnect multiple, independent SNA networks so that terminal users in one SNA network can access information (application programs) in other SNA networks
Divide an existing network into smaller, independent networks, with communication between these networks maintained by the SNI function

Following are descriptions of environments in which SNI can be used. (An enterprise is a business organization.)

Independent enterprises: If two or more independent enterprises need to access and exchange information using their current SNA telecommunication networks, SNI can be used to interconnect these autonomous networks, which might have dissimilar characteristics.
Enterprise mergers and acquisitions: If two enterprises have merged or if one enterprise has acquired another, and the dissimilar SNA networks need to interconnect, SNI can be used so that any terminal or application program in one network can access any terminal or application program in the other network.
Multiple networks within an enterprise: If multiple SNA networks have evolved within a large enterprise, each with different network characteristics, SNI can be used to merge these dissimilar networks into a single logical network, yet maintain the autonomy of each.

In each of the preceding examples, SNI can be used to interconnect networks with dissimilar characteristics while preserving the independence of each participating network. These participating networks do not have to change to a common address structure or resource-naming convention, and each network can preserve its existing management procedures and controls.