z/VM Networking Resources


z/VM Networking resources points you to the components and facilities of z/VM that enable logical connections between systems, application programs, and guests. z/VM provides a wide range of networking and connectivity options and adheres to many of the industry standards, enabling communications across distributed heterogeneous environments. Network costs may be reduced because virtual servers communicate using HiperSockets or VM guest LANs, Inter-User Communication Vehicle (IUCV), and virtual channel-to-channel adapters.


z/VM virtual networks (Guest LANs and Virtual Switches)

z/VM virtual networking support includes "virtual" LANs, referred to as guest LANs. There are two kinds of guest LANs, QDIO and HiperSockets. In addition the Virtual Switch (VSWITCH) is a special kind of QDIO Guest LAN.

z/VM V5 "virtualizes" the QDIO and HiperSockets architecture. Virtual QDIO or HiperSockets can be used to connect to a guest LAN. A server image running on z/VM connects to a guest LAN using one of the two protocols. These connections look just like the "real thing" to a Linux server, or any software that supports the real thing. Unlike the real thing, there is no limit on the number of virtual connections that can be defined in a z/VM environment. And there's no predefined limit on the number of guest LANs that can be defined.

About VSWITCH - A virtual switch that is capable of bridging a z/VM QDIO guest LAN to an associated real LAN connected by an OSA-Express adapter. The z/VM virtual switch is designed to help eliminate the need for virtual machines acting as routers to provide connectivity to a physical LAN through an OSA-Express adapter. Further, it can eliminate the need to define a separate routable subnet for the exclusive use of the members of a guest LAN.

Read more about this powerful z/VM technology of virtual networking.


IPv6 support in z/VM

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) is the next evolution in Internet Protocol beyond the IPv4 standard currently in use in most networks today. The key IPv6 enhancement is the expansion of the IP address space from 32 bits to 128 bits, enabling virtually unlimited IP addresses. This addressing capability, along with new functions enabling end-to-end security, improved mobility support, simplified address configuration and management, make IPv6 a critical component in the evolution of e-business and the next generation internet.

z/VM Release 4.4 was the first release to incorporate IPv6 features. Not all IPv6 features are supported.

Read more about z/VM support of of IPv6.


TCP/IP for z/VM feature
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP for z/VM feature with with your System z server can communicate and share data with multi-vendor systems via your intranet and the Internet. Applications can be shared transparently across z/VM, z/OS, z/OS.e, UNIX, and other environments. TCP/IP is designed to support the z/Architecture HiperSockets function for high -speed communication among virtual machines and logical partitions within the same IBM mainframe

Read more about about TCP/IP for z/VM feature.


RSCS feature
RSCS is a z/VM networking program. It provides data file transfer and print services to, from, and through the z/VM system on which it runs using both its own and TCP/IP networks. It extends the scope of a single system to an entire network of computers and devices. RSCS transfers data (as spool files) between its local system and remote devices and printers or other systems. It also acts as a print server for remote printers attached to other VM systems or a TCP/IP network. Through RSCS, users can send and receive messages, files, commands, and print and system jobs within their network.

Remote Spooling Communications Subsystem (RSCS) V3.2.0 (5684-096) has been repackaged and is now available for licensing under IPLA terms and conditions. RSCS Function Level 530 (FL530) is available as a priced, optional, preinstalled feature of z/VM V5.3 and will operate only with z/VM V5.3. Pricing is based on engine-based Value Units. RSCS FL530 can be licensed on IFL and standard processor configurations.

RSCS FL530 provides dynamic command authorization support through a new server, RSCSAUTH, that runs as a disconnected z/VM server and is authorized for all RSCS commands. This can eliminate the need to re-cycle RSCS when changing system and link authorizations.

Read more about the RSCS feature.


z/VM Networking Documentation
To read about networking with z/VM, consult these publications that are part of the z/VM library
  • z/VM General Information
  • z/VM Connectivity
  • z/VM Connectivity
  • z/VM TCP/IP publications
  • z/VM: Getting Started with Linux on System z


Read about these additional z/VM networking features in the z/VM Connectivity publication of the z/VM library
  • Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC)
  • Transparent Services Access Facility (TSAF)
  • APPC/VM VTAM® Support (AVS)
  • Inter-System Facility for Communications (ISFC)