Migration Considerations - IBM z13s Technical Manual

Provide the fastest connectivity, which is faster than any external link alternatives.
Result in better coupling efficiency than with external links, effectively reducing the server
cost that is associated with Parallel Sysplex technology.
Can be used in test or production configurations, and reduce the cost of moving into
Parallel Sysplex technology while also enhancing performance and reliability.
Can be defined as spanned channels across multiple CSSs.
Are available for no extra fee (no feature code). Employing ICFs with IC channels results in
considerable cost savings when you are configuring a cluster.
IC links are enabled by defining channel type ICP. A maximum of 32 IC channels can be
defined on a z Systems server.

4.9.2 Migration considerations

Migrating from previous generations of z Systems servers in an existing Parallel Sysplex to
z13s servers in that same Parallel Sysplex requires proper planning for coupling connectivity.
The change in the supported type of coupling link adapters and the number of available
fanout slots of the z13s CPC drawer, as compared to the number of available fanout slots of
the previous generation z Systems, z114, and zBC12, need to be planned for.
z13s servers do not support ISC-3 links and HCA2-O (LR).
HCA3-O link compatibility: HCA3-O (LR) links
z114, zEC12, and zBC12.
The new ICA SR fanout provides connectivity only to another z13 or z13s server. For more
information, see Table 4-12 on page 175.
The z13s server fanout slots in the CPC drawer provide coupling links connectivity through
the ICA SR and IFB fanout cards. In addition to coupling links for Parallel Sysplex, the fanout
cards that the fanout slots provide connectivity for the I/O drawer (HCA2-C fanout) and PCIe
I/O drawer (PCIe fanout).
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IBM z13s Technical Guide
can
connect to HCA2-O (LR) on z196,