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I/O Connectivity

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FICON Support of Cascaded Directors

With FICON support of cascaded switches and directors, a FICON channel or a FICON CTC (defined as CHPID type FC) can connect a server to a device or other server using two (same vendor) directors providing high availability, business resilience, as well as a fiber optic infrastructure cost savings and improved utilization for cross-site connectivity – reducing channel requirements and configuration complexity. This support is for a two-switch, single-hop configuration only. For a complete list of supported directors and switches, visit the System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC) page.

Refer also to IBM System z Business Resilience solutions including IBM Parallel Sysplex® technology, IBM Capacity on Demand, and IBM GDPS®.

Questions?

Do you have questions about the new Systems z10 servers and new I/O functionalities?

Go to the System z FAQ page

Cables

Do you have the appropriate FICON jumpers, patch cables, and conversion kits for your server? For all your cabling needs see the System z Fiber Cabling Services in the IBM Resource Link Services section (registration required)

IBM education

Are you ready for FICON? Learn about FICON Planning, Operation, Implementation, and Problem Determination, Course #ES326