Overview of IBM Networking
Management Enhancements
BC-240
Cisco IOS Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide
Responsive Mode Adaptive Rate-Based Flow Control
Early HPR implementations failed to perform well in environments subject to packet loss (for example,
Frame Relay, IP transport) and performed poorly when combined with other protocols in multiprotocol
networks. SNASw implements the second-generation HPR flow control architecture, called Responsive
Mode Adaptive Rate-Based (ARB) architecture. Responsive Mode ARB addresses all the drawbacks of
the earlier ARB implementation, providing faster ramp-up, better tolerance of lost frames, and better
tolerance of multiprotocol traffic.
User-Settable Port Limits
SNASw offers full control over the number of devices supported by a specific port. The max-links
configuration on the SNASw port controls the number of devices that are served by this port. When the
max-links limit is reached, SNASw no longer responds to test frames attempting to establish new
connections. SNASw allows load sharing among different SNASw nodes that offer service to the same
SNA MAC addresses.
Management Enhancements
SNASw contains the following enhanced tools for managing SNA networks:
• Console Message Archiving
• Data-Link Tracing
• Interprocess Signal Tracing
• Trap MIB Support for Advanced Network Management Awareness
Console Message Archiving
Messages issued by SNASw are archived in a buffer log that is queried and searched on the console or
transferred to a file server for analysis. Each message has a single line that identifies the nature of the
event that occurred. The buffer log also maintains more detailed information about the message issued.
Data-Link Tracing
SNA frames entering or leaving SNASw are traced to the console or to a cyclic buffer. These frames are
analyzed at the router or transferred to a file server for analysis. The trace is sent to a file server in a
SNA-formatted text file or in binary format readable by existing traffic analysis applications.
Interprocess Signal Tracing
The SNASw internal information is traced in binary form, offering valuable detailed internal information
to Cisco support personnel. This information helps diagnose suspected defects in SNASw.
