Networking

OSA Express2 Enhancements

Remove L2/L3 LPAR-to-LPAR Restriction
OSA port sharing between virtual switches can now communicate whether the transport mode is the same (Layer 2 to Layer 2) or different (Layer 2 to Layer 3). This enhancement is designed to allow seamless mixing of Layer 2 and Layer 3 traffic, helping to reduce the total cost of networking. Previously, Layer 2 and Layer 3 TCP/IP connections through the same OSA port (CHPID) were unable to communicate with each other LPAR-to-LPAR using the Multiple Image Facility (MIF). This enhancement is designed to facilitate a migration from Layer 3 to Layer 2 and to continue to allow LAN administrators to configure and manage their mainframe network topology using the same techniques as their non-mainframe topology.

OSA/SF Virtual MAC and VLAN id Display Capability
The Open Systems Adapter/Support Facility (OSA/SF) now has the capability to support virtual Medium Access Control (MAC) and Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) identifications (IDs) associated with OSA-Express2 and OSA-Express features configured as a Layer 2 interface. This information will now be displayed as a part of an OAT entry. This information is independent of IPv4 and IPv6 formats. There can be multiple Layer 2 VLAN Ids associated to a single unit address. One group MAC can be associated to multiple unit addresses. For additional information, view IBM Redbook System z9 and System z Connectivity Handbook (SG24-5444) at: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/.

OSA-Express2 concurrent LIC update - an availability enhancement
The OSA-Express2 features have increased memory in comparison to the OSA-Express features and are designed to be able to facilitate concurrent application of Licensed Internal Code (LIC) updates, allowing the application of LIC updates without requiring a configuration off/on of the features. This can help minimize the disruption to network traffic during the update. Concurrent LIC update applies to the OSA-Express2 features (1000BASE-T, Gigabit Ethernet SX, Gigabit Ethernet LX, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet LR). It is offered for the QDIO and OSA for NCP mode only (channel path identifier (CHPID) type OSD and OSN) and is exclusive to the System z9, z990 and z890.