Introduction to Networking for NonStop S-Series Servers

HP Networking and Data Communications
Introduction to Networking for HP NonStop S-Series Servers—520670-005
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Comprehensive Connectivity
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Local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) connections to networks
that use the Internet Protocol (IP)
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Local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) connections to
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks
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Multi-mode, fiber-optic cables (FOX rings)
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Single-mode, fiber-optic cables (ServerNet clusters)
Comprehensive Connectivity
The devices best suited to an application are often manufactured by different vendors
and can follow different sets of conventions—called protocols—for connections to
other devices and servers. HP communications products support a wide range of
device types and protocols, permitting the exchange of information among many kinds
of devices and servers. In fact, some customers use HP servers for message switching
in addition to other processing functions.
For example, HP applications can involve a variety of terminal types, printers,
workstations, and personal computers, and devices such as automated teller machines
(ATMs), cash registers, robots, and bar-code readers. These devices can be
connected to an NonStop S-series server over a number of different media: dial-up
lines, leased lines, digital networks, LANs, and frame relay and X.25 PSDNs. HP also
provides interfaces that let you develop your own solutions to special device-
connection needs.
Support of Standards
HP communications products make it possible to integrate computer systems from
different manufacturers. They allow you to integrate the benefits of NonStop S-series
servers and Expand networks into existing networks without making major changes to
those networks. Your past investments in hardware and software are protected by
products that support older protocols, and your current investments are protected by
support of current and developing standards. Programs you develop can communicate
with other standards-based hardware and software, now and as your network grows.
Because your solutions are standards-based, you don’t incur the costs of developing
and maintaining custom protocols.
HP offers products based on industry and de facto standards. For example, HP offers a
range of products that let HP applications and devices use and be used by IBM
Systems Network Architecture (SNA) applications and devices.
HP also offers a wide range of industry-standard communications products that allow
equipment from multiple vendors to communicate. For example, HP offers products
that implement the protocols of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and the legacy network basic input/output
system (NetBIOS).