BARR/3270 manual

Preface

In this manual, we explain the fundamentals of data transfer between the IBM family of personal computers and large central computers.

Barr Systems offers a number of SNA communications products including the BARR/GATE LAN Gateway, BARR/SNA RJE for SDLC, and BARR/SNA RJE (TRN) for Token Ring connection. BARR/3270 allows you to communicate interactively with time-shared host environments from an IBM PC, PS/2, or compatible computer. BARR/3270 and BARR/RJE+3270 can be used on a stand-alone workstation or with Barr’s SNA communications products.

Understanding the principles of data transmission is not a prerequisite to using BARR/3270. The principles in this manual are presented in brief, simplified form as basic background information. If you are interested in a more comprehensive knowledge of data transmission, refer to the References section in this chapter.

Whether you have technical or non-technical experience, our purpose is to help you communicate your data quickly and easily. Concise installation and operating instructions guide you every step of the way.

This manual explains the installation and operation of BARR/3270. The installation and operation of BARR/SNA RJE is explained in the BARR/SNA RJE manual. The installation and operation of BARR/GATE is explained in the BARR/GATE manual.

BARR/3270 Overview

Protocol – BARR/3270 implements a 3270 cluster controller with an attached DFT terminal. The DFT terminal has four sessions. Each of the sessions can be a display terminal or a printer.

Data Link – BARR/3270 is available in SDLC, Token Ring, and LAN Gateway (NETBIOS and Novell IPX) versions. SDLC is used when communication is through a modem. The Token Ring version is used with a direct connection to a Token Ring Network. BARR/GATE connects a Local Area Network to the mainframe computer.

Modems – Barr Systems also offers the PC-SYNC and PC-SYNC/2 modem series which integrate the BARR hardware and a modem on a single full-slot adapter. An RJ11 cable connects the modem to the telephone wall jack. Modems are explained in Chapter 1.

Emulation – With BARR/3270 hardware and software, your PC emulates a fully functional 3274 cluster controller or a 3174 establishment controller. The controller has a DFT terminal attached to it.

Applications – With BARR/3270 you can:

• Have interactive sessions with a time-sharing system at the host such as TSO, CICS, CMS, and IMS.

• Send and receive files.

• Receive printouts at high speed on disks or printers.

• Use your existing HLLAPI programs.

Using This Manual

Chapters – The chapter order in this manual reflects the logical sequence of BARR/3270 communication. Each chapter is an independent unit that can be used for reference.

Terminology – BARR/3270 is easy to use. You need to be familiar with only the most basic features of data communications terminology. Examples are provided in a uniform format to clarify instructions. Throughout this manual we refer to your personal computer simply as the PC, whether it is an IBM PC, PS/2, or compatible computer.

Glossary – The glossary defines the terms and acronyms that appear in the text.

Equipment Checklist

Requirements – In addition to a BARR adapter, software, and cable, you will need the following equipment:

• PC – One of the following personal computers with 320K memory:

• IBM PC, XT, or AT

• IBM PS/2 series, all models

• Other PC or PS/2 compatible computers

• LAN Adapter (Optional) – The communication link can be through the BARR/GATE SNA LAN Gateway. The LAN software interfaces Token Ring, NETBIOS, and NOVELL IPX are supported.

• Modem (Optional) – A synchronous modem is required. Barr Systems offers the PC-SYNC and PC-SYNC/2 series of internal synchronous modems.

• Printer (Optional)

• Jack (Optional) – RJ11 modular jack connection to modem.

All the necessary information about your equipment is found in Chapter 1. Should you have additional questions, see the Systems Integration Notes included with this manual. This document provides descriptions, prices, and vendors for modems and other communications equipment.

Technical Support

If you have any communication problems, contact your user service consultant, your communications consultant, or Barr Systems, Inc.

If you have problems using BARR/3270, call Barr Systems, Inc. at 800-BARR-SYS (800-227-7797) or 352-491-3100.

Trademarks

BARR/3270, BARR/3780, BARR/DPI, BARR/HASP, BARR/GATE, BARR/SNA RJE, BARR/TAPE, BARR/TRAN, Communication Scope, PC-SYNC, PRINT370, and RJE+3270 are trademarks of Barr Systems, Inc.

IBM, IBM Personal Computer, Personal Computer XT, Personal Computer AT, Personal System/2, PC DOS, Micro Channel, System/36, and AS/400 are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. TYMNET is a trademark of TYMNET, Inc. VAX is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corp. NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.

All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Acknowledgments

Barr Systems wishes to thank the following people for their suggestions for improvements to the BARR/3270 manual.

• Roger Fajman, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

• Earl Gulczinski, Northern Telecom, Minnetonka, MN

• Marshall Grimm, GM Proving Ground, Milford, MI

• Jim Prestwood, Triangle Systems, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC

• Joe Ragland, Triangle Universities Computation Center, Research Triangle Park, NC

• Red Sigle, Electronic Data Systems Corporation, San Diego, CA

• Svein Sire, Alcatel Stk Bedriftssystemer, Oslo, Norway

• Glenn Soltau, Black Dot Graphics, Crystal Lake, IL

• Steve Taylor, Distributed Network Associates, Greensboro, NC

• Jim Walker, Triangle Systems, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC

References

These selected publications are listed to guide you in choosing proper documentation. Refer to specific documentation for the versions of VTAM and NCP that you are using.