Introduction to Networking for NonStop S-Series Servers

Introduction to Networking for HP NonStop S-Series Servers—520670-005
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HP Networking and Data
Communications
Connectivity is an important part of online transaction processing (OLTP). HP offers a
wide variety of communications hardware and software products. These products
extend the OLTP power of your NonStop S-series server by supporting a wide range of
application and networking configurations.
This section introduces the cornerstones of the HP communications offerings:
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The Expand Network on this page
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Comprehensive Connectivity on page 1-2
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Support of Standards on page 1-2
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Integrated Management Tools on page 1-3
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HP NonStop Fundamentals on page 1-3
The Expand Network
The Expand network connects NonStop S-series servers and other types of NonStop
servers. Several characteristics differentiate the Expand network from other proprietary
or standards-based networks.
One important feature is transparency. Applications use one interface to refer to
NonStop server resources anywhere in the network, regardless of the current path or
connection technology. The network chooses the best path.
A second important feature is availability. The Expand subsystem is designed to
support applications requiring continuous availability. If a line fails, communications are
rerouted automatically; there is no need for operator or application intervention. A
value-added transaction monitoring facility ensures data integrity despite component
failures or even catastrophic failures.
A third important feature is flexibility. The network configuration can change—nodes
can be added, moved, or removed—without disrupting the rest of the network.
Resources and applications can be conveniently redistributed without compromising
access to them and without reprogramming; new nodes can be added to the network
without explicit definition.
The Expand subsystem supports the concurrent use of a wide range of data-
transmission facilities, such as:
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Full-duplex leased lines or satellite connections using the High-Level Data Link
Control (HDLC) protocol
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X.25 virtual-circuit connections to a packet-switched data network (PSDN)
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Connections to IBM Systems Network Architecture (SNA) networks