SNA Management Services architecture for APPN networks

Abstract

The introduction of Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) provides for a more flexible Systems Network Architecture (SNA) environment: end-user systems (physical units, or PUs) at the edge of a routing network no longer need a predefined relationship with a system services control point (SSCP) for network control purposes. This new flexibility creates challenges for SNA Management Services, however, since the SSCP-PU relationship provided a vehicle for network management as well as network control. To meet the needs of this peer-to-peer environment, the SNA Management Services architecture was extended to provide a management infrastructure that replaces the previous SSCP-PU relationship, and at the same time provides for much greater flexibility. This new infrastructure consists of a formalization of the focal-point/entry-point concept in the architecture and a transport technique for management services data that utilizes the facilities of Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC) rather than the SSCP-PU session. Together this provides for a management structure in a peer network.