Moving to assist data centre managers who face challenges such as mixed architecture environments, connectivity for logically partitioned CPUs and increased volumes, Ariel Network Solutions has announced the General Signal Networks HostNet Model 9088 System. The 9088 features support for both bus and tag and fibre optic mainframe channels and simultaneous any-to-any communications between up to 32 multiple and logically partitioned CPUs. It offers better price/performance and greater flexibility than competitive systems. Corne Naud'e, product manager at Ariel Network Solutions says: "Migrating to ESCON is an evolution, not a revolution. Many data centre managers find that their CTC requirements include connecting S/370 and S/390 architecture CPUs. Since CTC performance has not changed with the introduction of ESCON, the HostNet System provides the most economical platform for mixed architecture connectivity." Unlike some competitive multi-channel communications units that have two internal data paths, HostNet has up to six internal data paths. This feature maximises throughput and reduces total system vulnerability. With other systems, a bus failure could cut performance levels in half. Should a bus fail in HostNet, only one-sixth of total system performance would be lost. "HostNet has no address restrictions, providing up to 256 addresses per channel," adds Naud'e. "This translates to 4096 logical data links for a 32-channel system. Traditional multi-channel communications devices are limited to either 32 or 64 addresses per channel, which translates into a maximum configuration of only 512 logical data links." Unique to the HostNet connectivity solution is its capability to map addresses internally, allowing connections of dissimilar addresses. In the event of a CPU failure, an operator can reroute data paths from the disabled processor to active CPUs, using pre-stored address maps. This eliminates regenerating addresses of active processors and recabling the interconnect unit. The HostNet System is transparent to the CPU operating environment. It requires no proprietary software or firmware, and no modifications to operating systems, access methods or application software. Naud'e continues: "HostNet comes equipped with dual load-sharing power supplies and redundant power sources. In the unlikely event of a power supply failure, the functioning power supply will assume the entire load of the system to ensure continuous operation. Should a power source fail, the redundant power source will provide the system with power to ensure uninterrupted operations. To further ensure 100 percent system availability, HostNet comes standard with redundant system arbiters that control the routing of data over the internal buses. If the primary system arbiter should fail, the second system arbiter can be enabled to continue to route the flow of data through the switch." The HostNet system controller provides continuous error logging. It`s on-line channel analyzer and trace feature provides an inventory of the last 256 channel operations for network tuning and channel fault determination. The on-line status function queries each individual data path for pending operations and presents them in an easy-to-read format at the system controller.
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