Guidelines

Host 3270 Access Using TCP/IP

PURPOSE

To provide a general description of the process for providing 3270 access to mainframe applications and services using TCP/IP as the transport.

SCOPE

This guideline describes the general requirements for each microcomputer on the campus which requires access to SNA applications and services on the mainframe.

APPLICABILITY

This guideline is applicable to all microcomputers requiring 3270 access to VCCNet mainframe computers.

DEFINITION

See attachments for definitions and detailed specifications.

GUIDELINE

This guideline serves as a reference for colleges planning the campus migration from native SNA support to TCP/IP. The guidelines outlined in this document define a minimum set of expectations and configuration options. This document will be reviewed as necessary to reflect changes in technology and customer requirements.

DESCRIPTION:

Terminals or workstations requiring access to mainframe based applications and services are generically referred to as 3270 terminals which include a broad range of devices. As a part of the planned migration from native SNA support to a TCP/IP environment many of these devices will not be supported. These include the traditional non-intelligent workstations “dumb terminals” and microcomputers running 3270 SNA emulation packages, i.e. PC3270 or IRMA. These devices in most cases will have to be replaced or converted, where feasible, to run TCP/IP and a TN3270 client.

The TN3270 or Telnet application is a terminal communications program that allows microcomputers to connect to various host computers.

Microcomputer requirements: (Responsibility - College)

• Telnet 3270 (TN3270) application
• TCP/IP application
• IP address

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Software:

TCP/IP

1. Any TCP/IP software package. The TCP/IP application is included in Windows 95 and shareware versions are available from several sources.

Telnet 3270:

1. TCP 3270 Version 3.0 from McGill System Inc. The System has procured a systemwide license for the Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and DOS versions of this product. The systemwide license agreement allows each college to distribute the software on the campus. The product can also be licensed for Macintosh and the Windows NT platform. Copies of the licensed software are available on the System Office FTP Server.
2. QWS3270 Plus from Jolly Giant Software Inc. The System has procured a systemwide license for the Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 of this product. The systemwide license agreement allows each college to freely distribute the software on the campus. Copies of the licensed software are available on the System Office FTP Server.
3. Chameleon NFS/X 6.0 from NetManage. This product includes the Telnet 3270 application as well as TCP/IP, NFS, FTP, LPD, and many additional TCP/IP applications.
4. Any commercially available product or combination of product that provides host connectivity via TCP/IP and 3270 terminal emulation.
5. Any shareware product or combination of shareware products that provides connectivity via TCP/IP and 3270 terminal emulation.

Note: It is extremely important that each college completes a detailed review of existing SNA services and applications used on the campus. Local requirements for HLLAPI support, File Transfer (FTP) and related services will determine which product or product mix is best suited at each location. The recommendations listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

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