Re: Communication Conversion

Dave:
Like most communications questions, the answers is "it depends".  There are
always a zillion answer to comm questions.  The situation you describe is
common.  If you wish to stay with an SNA only set up, they you could use a
FRAD connected v.35 to the AS400.  A FRAD (frame relay access device) is
similar to a router and most routers have FRADs built into them.  The FRAD
converts the FR frames to SNA packets.  WE have used Motorola Vanguard
routers as frads between the DSU (or they can have a DSU built in) and the
AS400 or 5494 controllers.
If you wish to convert to IP, you could use anynet (in my opinion not a good
choice), or use a router that converts the SNA to IP and back again.
(however this is basically what anynet does).  If you only wanted IP on the
WAN you could put and ethernet card in the Perle or IO controller and let
the remote controller conver the IP to SNA.  (not sure if the models you
have support this like a 5494 does).
While the Motorola routers are not the most widely installed, we have had
excellent success implementing them for SNA over Frame Relay.  If this is
all you are going to do, you may wish to look at the Vanguard 100 models.
Good luck.
CJG

Carl Galgano
EDI Consulting Services, Inc.
540 Powder Springs Street
Suite C19
Marietta, GA  30064
770-422-2995
mailto: cgalgano@ediconsulting.com
http://www.ediconsulting.com
EDI, Communications and AS400 Technical Consulting

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Willenborg <dwillenborg@jcrob.com>
To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com <MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com>
Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 9:58 AM
Subject: Communication Conversion


>Hello all,
>
>I have a communication conversion happening in the next couple of  months
>and I would like to get  opinions
>from this list on the different ways to do it and what to look out for.
>
>Current situation:
>
>Model 720, V4R4 connected to 2 remote locations via leased lines,
>controller type SDLC, using 9600 baud modems.
>
>Location 1 has a I-O Corporation 8394Ei8 controller that has 2 dumb
>terminals attached to it. Each terminal has a
>printer attached to it via the parallel connector on the back of the
>terminal.
>
>Location 2 has a Perle 394TX controller that has 2 dumb terminals attached
>to it. At this location, there are 2 twinax
>connected printers.
>
>All connections to the controllers are though twinax cabling.
>
>New situation:
>
>We will be installing frame relay at each of these locations and I want to
>use the frame for AS/400 connections also.
>
>I have talked to I-O and Perle, both companies tell me all I have to do is
>attach the controller to the router with the
>correct cable and it will work.
>
>Yesterday, talking to the US West representative, he asked me if I was
>going to use "data switch linking" or "stun"?
>I have to read documentation on these 2 protocols to determine which is
>the best to use.
>
>Questions:
>
>I would like to hear about experiences anyone has had installing this type
>of connectivity, opinions on DSL or Stun,
>what has to be changed on the AS/400 to accomplish the conversion?
>
>I would ask my IBM BP but as of 1/31/00, they closed their doors and we
>have not established a relationship with
>any of the other business partners in the city.
>
>Thanks in Advance
>Dave Willenborg
>MIS Manager
>J C Robinson Seed Company
>dwillenborg@jcrob.com
>
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