Multiple-logical-channel subsystems: Increasing zSeries I/O scalability and connectivity

Abstract

With the advent of the z990 multi-book multiprocessor family of server offerings, significant increases in total system capacity and scalability can be realized. Essential to an increased processing capacity is the corresponding need for significant increases in total I/O scalability and connectivity. With the z990, increased I/O capacity is provided by increasing the number of physical I/O channels that can be configured to the system and by restructuring the physical channel subsystem (CSS) into logically distinct channel subsystems. This restructuring is commonly called the multiple-channel subsystem (MCSS) facility. Each logical CSS is then assigned to one or more logical partitions as necessary in order to provide the total I/O connectivity necessary to accommodate the increased processing capacity of the system. An overview of the z990 MCSS architecture is presented with respect to how it is structured, the channel-subsystem constraints that have been removed, and how MCSS functions are provided to the operating systems executing in each of the system's logical partitions (LPARs) in a predominantly transparent manner. Also discussed is the channel-subsystem ardware and firmware (embedded software) design necessary to accommodate the MCSS architecture, as well as overviews of the MCSS I/O configuration process and the z/OS® programming support necessary to accommodate the MCSS facility. Finally, enhancements to the MCSS I/O measurement facility necessary to facilitate autonomic computing are discussed.