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Data Communications
Since point-to-point is always available, the choice then reduces to the following questions:
1. Can my computer system accomodate an HP multipoint configuration?
2. Is my intended equipment configuration and use of the computer system conducive to a
multipoint environment? How many terminals do I want to connect to the computer? Where
will they be located both in relation to one another and to the computer system? What will
the terminals be used for?)
3. Do I save any money by using multipoint instead of point-to-point? In addition to consider-
ing your initial needs you should also attempt to anticipate a growth pattern and what it
will mean in add-on costs for both types of configurations.
4. What impact will multipoint have on the performance of the computer system? (What kind
of response times do I want and what kind can I expect? How will other applications be
affected?) Again, try to anticipate a growth pattern and its eventual effect.
5. Do I need the extensive error detection and retransmission capabilities offered by an HP
multipoint configuration?
To answer these questions you will have to talk with the representatives for both the manufac-
turer of your computer system and, in the case of remote installations, the common carrier
(telephone company).
In general, then, you should use
Multipoint:
Point-to-Point:
If you are connecting terminals to a host computer that supports the
HP multipoint capability and the various factors indicate a notice-
able cost savings while maintaining acceptable main memory and
CPU utilization, response times, and throughput.
If you are connecting terminals to a host computer that does NOT
support the HP multipoint capability or if the various factors indi-
cate no cost savings or unacceptable system performance.
7-3
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