Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/VSE Basics

42 Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/VSE Basics

2.3.1 I/O connectivity

Figure 2-4 illustrates a recent configuration. A real system would have more

channels and I/O devices, but this figure illustrates key concepts. Partitions,

ESCON channels, and FICON channels are described later.

Figure 2-4 Recent system configuration

Briefly, partitions create separate logical machines in the CPC. ESCON and

FICON channels are logically similar to parallel channels, but they use fiber

connections and operate much faster. A modern system might have 100–200

channels or CHPIDs.

2

Key concepts partly illustrated here include the following:

򐂰 ESCON and FICON channels ...