Chapter 2. Capacity 23
IBM System z input/output architecture
If large amounts of data are to be held in one place, then enough bandwidth must
be provided to enable that data to be accessed in a timely manner.
The communication bus between a IBM System z server and its input/output
(I/O) devices uses a channel architecture. This architecture is implemented in
dedicated microprocessors that communicate across fiber optic cables (the
channel) to the control units that operate the I/O devices without affecting the
server.
Note that the I/O devices are
not directly connected to the channel; one or more
of them are connected to a control unit. This design allows new function to be
introduced in just the microprocessor and control units. Additionally ...