TCP/IP Feature of VM/ESA Version 2 Release 3

Highlights of Function Level 310 (FL310)

   Packaging
  • TCP/IP FL310 is a priced feature of VM/ESA 2.3.0 that is installed with the operating system. However, before this feature can be used, authorization must be acquired from IBM.

  • The Network File System (NFS) is also a priced feature of VM/ESA 2.3.0. It too is installed with the operating system, and as with the TCP/IP Feature "Base", authorization for its use must be acquired from IBM.

  • The TCP/IP Feature "Base" is a prerequisite for the following TCP/IP features:

    • TCP/IP NFS Feature
    • TCP/IP DES Feature
    • TCP/IP Source Feature
    • TCP/IP Offload Feature

  • A subset of RSCS printing services is provided with VM/ESA 2.3.0 to support TCP/IP LPR and TN3270E printing services.

  • Server customization and replication has been simplified, as is adding servers for new application protocols.

  • New servers have been included:

    • TFTP - Trivial File Transfer Protocol (BFS only)
    • BOOTP- Boot Protocol
    • DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
    • UFT - Unsolicited File Transfer Protocol

  • TCP/IP Function Level 310 relies on the presence of certain functions in the VM/ESA 2.3.0 levels of CP and CMS. Abends and incorrect results are possible if you attempt to use it with a different level of CP or CMS.

    Note: The use of different level of TCP/IP for VM in conjunction with VM/ESA 2.3.0 creates an unsupported environment.

  • Older levels of TCP/IP program code (such as TCP/IP V2R4) may run on VM/ESA 2.3.0, but such functions will not exploit any of the synergy enhancements developed for the VM/ESA 2.3.0 CMS and CP components.

    Should you choose to run older TCP/IP functions in an unsupported VM/ESA 2.3.0 environment, it's recommend that all C langauage-based components (such as VMNFS, ROUTED) be locally re-built using the Language Environment supplied with VM/ESA 2.3.0, in order to avoid potential run-time compatibility problems.

   Stack Enhancements
  • Support for RFC 1122, which provides multiple home address support plus extensions for virtual host support.

  • Support for RFC 1323, which addresses performance problems over high bandwidth, long-delay links.
  • Exploitation of the hardware CHECKSUM facility.

  • Message improvements which provide unique message numbers and message headers for all stack server messages.

  • Extensive instrumentation through application monitoring (APPLMON CP monitor records).

  • Modifications to prevent buffer pool sizes from imposing a performance penalty.

  • TELNET TN3270E support for 3287 print data streams.

  • TRACING enhancements that provide more granular trace capabilities and thus, reduced trace output.

  • Improved error recovery for server failure and "disk full" conditions that arise when tracing.

  • UDP ports can now be reserved for more than one user.

   SMTP Enhancements
  • The SMTP server has been redesigned for improved performance. Improvements have been made with regard to the maximum throughput that can be achieved by a single SMTP server.

  • Major improvements to both TRACE and DEBUG capabilities.

  • User Exit support to aid in preventing SMTP abuses, such as spamming and mail bombing.

  • Improved server message format and content.

   NFS Enhancements
  • The Network File System server now supports the mounting of Shared File System (SFS) and Byte File System (BFS) directories, in addition to CMS minidisks.

   Client Enhancements
  • NETSTAT - Command operand enhancements include:

    • ARP - Displays ARP cache entries
    • DELARP - Deletes ARP cache entries (restricted use)
    • LEVEL - Displays processor type, VM/ESA and TCP/IP levels
    • SELECT - Limits response output based on specific values, such as a userid or client name
    • POOL - Includes Xlate and IPRoute information
    • INTERVAL - Enhanced to remove single panel display limitation

  • SENDFILE - Is now provided as a CMS component that contains both TCP/IP and CMS function, as well as a UFT client

  • NOTE - Is now provided as a CMS component that contains both TCP/IP and CMS function

  • LPR - Can now be used to exploit RSCS to completely handle delivery of printed output in an asynchronous manner

  • IDENTIFY - Enhanced to provide TCP/IP-related information

  • PRODUCTIVITY AIDS - The CMS functions that follow have been enhanced to recognize TCP/IP network addressing:

    • RDRLIST PEEK EXECUTE RECEIVE TELL NAMES

  • MIME support added in the SENDFILE command, which now provides the ability to include MIME formatted mail.