IBM LANSTREAMER MC 16 ADAPTER Announcement Letter Number 193-177 dated June 22, 1993 US - Last Revised on June 22, 1993 Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and Availability The IBM LANStreamer (TM) MC 16 Adapter is designed to operate with IBM PS/2 (R) Models 8556 and above that support the Micro Channel (R) architecture. It offers improved performance and increased function. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter supports operation at either 16 million or 4 million bits per second (Mbps) over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) or IBM Cabling System media. Remote Program Load (RPL) is standard with the adapter. Planned Availability Date: June 25, 1993. (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. (1) NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. (2) Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox Corporation. IN BRIEF . . . o Improved performance provided by the LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter extends the time before additional hardware is required as local area network (LAN) activity increases. With the adapter providing media speed on the LAN, user response time is improved as application demands increase. o Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) support provides greater flexibility and improved usability without requiring an external filter, and allows easy movement of the adapter in the customer's environment to adapt to either UTP or Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) wiring schemes. o RPL provides the capability for improved security and simplified initial program load (IPL) content administration for workstations, and is provided at no extra cost. o Device drivers included with the adapter provide the capability to operate with many of today's leading network operating systems, including OS/2 (R) LAN Server and NetWare (1). Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) capabilities provided by the device drivers ease the user's migration of new applications. o Multiple group address (MGA) support on the LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter allows the user to configure the group addresses to take advantage of the capability to send information to particular stations, similar to the multicasting capability provided by Ethernet (2) environments. LAN Support Program 3.1 with program temporary fix (PTF) UR37950, or LAN Support Program 3.11 without the PTF, provides up to 256 MGA on the LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter. Customer Letter Section DESCRIPTION INCREASED PERFORMANCE The new enhanced token-ring technology supported on the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter provides performance improvements. The new architecture allows the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter to send and receive data at media speed for both small and large frames providing greater throughput for the growing customer's environments. INVESTMENT PROTECTION The additional throughput provided by the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter protects the customer's current hardware investment by extending the time before additional hardware is required as LAN activity increases. The new technology provides a platform for the customer to allow growth to new higher demand networks. The multiple receive and priority transmit channels included in the new technology allow multimedia applications to also use this adapter. Both UTP and STP connectors are offered on the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter, providing greater flexibility in meeting customer's wiring plans. The dual connections provide portability in the growing Token-Ring Network without requiring customers to rewire existing buildings. The device drivers included with the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter are NDIS and ODI compliant, providing the capability to operate with many of today's leading network operating systems. The RPL function in every IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter allows a workstation to be used in the RPL or non-RPL environment with no additional hardware cost or changes. In addition, the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter is compatible with other IBM token-ring adapters operating at the same speed (16Mbps or 4Mbps). The protocols conform to IEEE 802.5 and ECMA 89 standards. DEVICE DRIVERS PROVIDED WITH ADAPTER The device drivers shipped with each adapter include both OS/2 and DOS NDIS workstation and server drivers. NetWare 3.1 server driver and Open Data-Link Interface (ODI) workstation drivers that support NetWare 3.1 and 4.0 are shipped with each adapter. Easy access to the drivers reduces the amount of time needed to install the new adapters and increases the user's productivity. USER PRODUCTIVITY The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter is a media-speed 16-bit busmaster adapter at all frame sizes. The increased throughput capabilities can provide as much as a 44% file transfer performance improvement over the existing IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Adapter/A in a NetWare 3.1 client. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter busmastering capability results in an 80% reduction in system CPU utilization compared to the existing IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Adapter/A. In desktops using multitasking operating systems such as OS/2 or Microsoft (3) Windows (4) NT, this feature will produce significantly higher CPU availability for other tasks. The device drivers included with the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter provide easy access to OS/2, DOS, and NetWare 3.1 for installation. (3) Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. (4) Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter offers both UTP and STP connections at 16Mbps or 4Mbps without the use of external filters. The dual connectivity makes the adapter very portable and easy to adapt to either media installation. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS New personal computer platforms are used for an increasing number of business applications. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter's additional throughput capability, coupled with the new platforms, makes this a desirable combination for enhanced growth in these new solutions. Filters to support token-ring operations over UTP media at 16Mbps or 4Mbps are included on the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter. The customer can choose either telephone twisted-pair media, which is less costly and already wired in many establishments, or IBM Cabling System media, which provides less signal noise and thus greater potential for upgrading to higher media speeds. Multiple group address (MGA) provides a simplified means to update a group of information (for example, time of day, stock quotes) or locate control entities (for example, network management, bridges, servers). This function is treated as a broadcast function, but only those stations recognizing this configured address will receive and process the data. Up to 256 group addresses can be configured for IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter. ENHANCED ADAPTER TECHNOLOGY The new architecture of the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter integrates many functions into the hardware, greatly improving the frame processing and overall performance of the new LAN adapter over existing products. New priority transmit and receive channels have also been included in the new technology, providing an easy migration to the multimedia applications without the addition of new hardware. GROWTH ENABLEMENT The improved throughput of the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter gives customers the potential to run additional applications on their PS/2 machines. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter protocols conform to IEEE 802.5 and ECMA 89 standards. NETWORK MANAGEMENT The capability to monitor the token-ring from a central network manager is supported on the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter. The same level of information is provided on the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter that is offered by the existing IBM 16/4 Token-Ring Adapter/A. SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT Its conformance to the IEEE 802.5 standard allows the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter to be monitored and managed by the same tools used today. The On-Card Self Test verifies the adapter prior to its insertion into the ring. The Ring Error Monitor program shipped with the product provides a view of the condition of the ring if problems are being encountered. The RPL feature in every IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter provides the capability for improved security and simplified administration of workstation IPL modules. The RPL feature makes it possible for the customer to load application programs from one computer connected to a token-ring network into another computer on the same token-ring network. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter with RPL may be used in environments requiring the additional security provided by medialess workstations with no additional cost incurred. It can be used to simplify the updating and control of RPL content on any workstation. The RPL content can be changed at the server and, the next time a workstation is "IPL'd", the revised content is automatically received by the workstation. OS/2 RIPL is supported on IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter. OPEN ENTERPRISE IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter conforms to IEEE 802.5, ECMA 89. PRODUCT POSITIONING There are three IBM Token-Ring adapters which should be considered for Micro Channel systems: the IBM LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter, IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter, and IBM 16/4 Token-Ring Network Adapter/A. The IBM LANStreamer MC 32 should be the primary choice for any server running either OS/2 LAN Server or NetWare. It provides the highest speed in the industry and offers low CPU utilization for maximizing throughput and response times in these server environments. For a PS/2 Model 95, this adapter also supports data streaming to further improve performance. The LANStreamer MC 32 should also be considered in OS/2 Micro Channel client workstations that have over 16 megabytes of addressable memory or when the 32-bit data path is required for data-intensive applications. The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 should be the primary choice for OS/2 Micro Channel client workstations or low-end servers. It can also be used in workstations running Windows in a DOS environment, or in DOS environments where NDIS is currrently being used. It should be used when the new features of Priority Management and Multigroup addressing are required. The IBM 16/4 Token-Ring Network Adapter/A is the best choice for workstations in all other DOS environments except those mentioned above, or when a half-size card is required. It can also address over 16M of memory. It should also be used when LAN applications utilizing the new features of LANStreamer are not planned in the future and where cost is a key consideration. The LANStreamer MC 32 and IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter both support the IBM Token-Ring Network Bridge Program, announced today in IBM Programming Announcement 293-326. PUBLICATIONS The publication, IBM LANSTREAMER MC 16 ADAPTER INSTALLATION AND TESTING INSTRUCTIONS, is shipped with the product. Additional copies are not available for ordering. The following publications are available. To order, contact your IBM representative. Title Order Number Part Number IBM Local Area Network SC30-3383 39F9353 Technical Reference IBM Token-Ring Network SK2T-0333 92F6956 Remote Program Load User's Guide IBM Token-Ring Network GA27-3677 Introduction and Planning Guide IBM System Library Subscription Service (SLSS) is only available for the IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK TECHNICAL REFERENCE and the IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK INTRODUCTION AND PLANNING GUIDE. Customers desiring automatic updates for these publications should indicate the order number on the SLSS subscription form. The IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK REMOTE PROGRAM LOAD USER'S GUIDE is available by direct order only. EDUCATION SUPPORT A description of the self-study and classroom courses is contained in the CATALOG OF IBM EDUCATION (G320-1244). Call Skill Dynamics (TM) at the toll-free number, 800-IBM-TEACh (426-8322), for schedules and enrollments. TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS: o Width: 8.827 cm (3.476 inches) o Length: 20.32 cm (8 inches) o Depth: 2.667 cm (1 inch) o Weight: 5.33 ounces OPERATING ENVIRONMENT: This product meets FCC Class A criteria up to six adapters per machine when configured with shielded cabling which meets the IBM specifications. This product meets FCC Class A criteria up to six adapters per machine when configured with unshielded cabling (UTP) which meets the IBM specifications. o Temperature: 10.0 (degs) to 40.0 (degs) C (50 (degs) to 104 (degs) F) o Relative Humidity: 8% to 80% o Wet Bulb: .6 (degs) to 29.4 (degs) C (33 (degs) to 85 (degs) F) MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter is designed to operate in the following models of the IBM Personal System/2 (R) and industrial systems as follows: o 7546 o 7561 o 7562 o 7568 o 8556 o 8557 o 8570 o 8573 o 8580 o 8590 o 9576 o 9577 o 9585 o 9595 The IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter is also supported in comparable machines to those models listed above that have been replaced by the machines listed. PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: The LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter is designed to operate with the following programs: IBM DOS (SERVER OR WORKSTATION ENVIRONMENT) o IBM DOS 3.3, 4.0, 5.0, or higher o IBM LAN Support Program 1.3 or higher (See note below) o DOS NDIS device drivers, included on the device driver diskette packaged with IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter for token-ring networks o IBM Personal Communications/3270 Version 2.0 NOTE: To take advantage of the multiple group address function of the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter, IBM LAN Support Program 1.3 with PTF UR37950 installed must be used, or LAN Support Program 1.33 without the PTF. OS/2 EXTENDED SERVICES o IBM OS/2 Extended Services (TM) 1.0 o OS/2 NDIS device drivers, included in the device driver diskette packaged with the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter for token-ring networks OS/2 LAN SERVICES o OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0 o OS/2 LAN Server Version 2.0 o OS/2 NDIS device drivers, included in the device driver diskette packaged with the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter for token-ring networks The OS/2 NDIS device drivers operate with the following OS/2 operating systems: o OS/2 Standard Edition (OS/2 SE) 1.30 o Operating System/2 (R) Version 2.0 NOVELL NETWARE o Novell (1) NetWare Version 3.11 and 4.0 o Novell NetWare device drivers, included in the device driver diskette packaged with the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter for token-ring networks (1) Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. DEVICE DRIVER SUPPORT SUPPLIED WITH IBM LANSTREAMER MC 16 ADAPTER o IBM DOS NDIS Driver o IBM OS/2 NDIS Driver o Novell NetWare 3.11 and 4.0 Server Driver o Novell DOS Open Data-Link Interface (ODI) Workstation Driver o Novell OS/2 Open Data-Link Interface (ODI) Workstation Driver SOFTWARE SUPPORT SUPPLIED WITH IBM LANSTREAMER MC 16 ADAPTER o Device Driver Diskette o Ring diagnostic program to assist in problem determination for the token-ring o Adapter diagnostic program to assist in problem determination for the token-ring adapter COMPATIBILITY: The following products have been tested and operate properly with the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter: o IBM OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0 o IBM OS/2 LAN Server Version 2.0 o IBM OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0 o IBM Personal Communications/3270 Version 2.0, and later releases o OS/2 Communications Manager/2 SOFTWARE VENDOR SUPPORT: The following software vendors have notified IBM they have tested the IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter (part number 59G8998) in workstations and servers, and have certified its' compatibility with the products listed below. IBM has not evaluated these products and makes no comment or judgements about their functions, quality, and performance. Listed products may not be available in all countries. COMPANY PRODUCT Novell, Inc. NetWare v3.11 Microsoft Corporation LAN MANAGER (3) 2.0 (3) LAN MANAGER is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. LIMITATIONS: A maximum of six IBM LANStreamer MC 16 Adapter products may be installed in a machine. USER GROUP REQUIREMENTS: This announcement satisfies, or partially satisfies, one requirement from one or more of the worldwide user group communities, which include Australasian SHARE GUIDE (ASG), COMMON, COMMON EUROPE, GUIDE, European G.U.I.D.E., Japan GUIDE SHARE (JGS), Latin American GUIDE (LAG), SHARE EUROPE, and SHARE. GU2730900155 Token-Ring Adapters: Increase Bandwidth Utilization. PLANNING INFORMATION CABLE ORDERS: A customer-supplied attachment cable is required by this feature to attach to the Token-Ring Network. The Token-Ring Network PC Adapter Cable (part number 6339098), is available from IBM for customers desiring shielded twisted pair wiring. Customers desiring unshielded twisted pair wiring can use UTP cabling for attachment to the Token-Ring Network. The UTP cable must have an RJ-45 connector on one end for the adapter. The other end of the cable should have the appropriate connector for attachment to the customer's wall outlet. A customer supplied wrap plug is required to test the UTP connection. The wrap plug can be ordered from IBM, part number 72X8011. PACKAGING: Number of Product Shipment Group Boxes IBM LANStreamer IBM LANStreamer MC 16 1 MC 16 Adapter Adapter IBM LANStreamer IBM LANStreamer MC 16 1 MC 16 Adapter Adapter QTY -- 30 Safety Manual Installation Instructions 2 Diskettes IBM System Program License Agreement Statement of Limited Warranty SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities. TERMS AND CONDITIONS WARRANTY PERIOD: Five years. MES DISCOUNT APPLICABLE: No. FIELD INSTALLABLE FEATURE: Yes. CUSTOMER SETUP: Yes. All other terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM machines listed below which have the adapter installed: o 7546 o 7561 o 7562 o 7568 o 8556 o 8557 o 8570 o 8573 o 8580 o 8590 o 9576 o 9577 o 9585 o 9595 CHARGES DESCRIPTION FEATURE PART MACHINE PURCHASE NUMBER NUMBER TYPE MODEL PRICE IBM LANStreamer 8998 59G8998 $ 645 MC 16 Adapter IBM LANStreamer 1515 73G1515 19,350 MC 16 Adapter QTY 30 7546 011, 012 A11, A12 411, 412 7561 011, 012 J61, 111 112, 211 212 7562 011, 012 111, 112 211, 212 7568 D40 7551 ZZZ 8550 ZZZ