Overview Of Connectivity Requirements For Mainframes; Overview Of Connectivity Requirements For Workstations - Xerox 4890 Product Reference

Overview of connectivity requirements for mainframes

Specific mainframe systems
covered in this guide
Communications protocols and
Data streams produced by mainframes

Overview of connectivity requirements for workstations

Specific workstation systems
covered in this guide
XEROX 4890 HIGHLIGHT COLOR LPS PRODUCT REFERENCE
This guide focuses on two specific host mainframe types:
IBM and IBM-compatible hosts
•
DEC (VAX) hosts.
•
These two types of mainframes represent the majority of the
mainframes connected to a 4890 LPS.
Note: Connectivity requirements for other mainframes are
discussed briefly. For additional information to determine the
connectivity hardware and software appropriate to your system,
contact the Xerox Connection (U.S. only), or your site
representative. Refer to the back of the book for information
regarding the Xerox Connection.
Interfaces Host mainframes are generally connected to the 4890 with an
online interface. An online interface can be either a direct cable
connection or a remote connection using a modem. A host
mainframe and a 4890 printer may also be connected to a local
area network (LAN). Or, if desired, data from a host mainframe
may be printed on a 4890 through an offline (tape drive)
connection.
DEC (VAX) mainframes and IBM-compatible remote connections
require optional interface hardware as part of their 4890
connectivity. Non IBM-compatible mainframes require third-party
interfaces.
mainframes Most mainframe connections do not require communication
modules for communication protocol conversion. The remote
IBM compatible host configuration requires a special interface as
well as a communication module. Non-Ethernet network
connections also require a communication module.
Mainframes generally run applications that produce line printer,
LCDS, or Interpress data streams. This means that mainframes
generally do not require a front end as part of their hardware
connection to the 4890. For products that produce IBM AFP
data streams, translators are available to convert AFP to LCDS.
Applications producing PostScript require a front end processor.
This guide focuses on three specific workstation types:
IBM PC or IBM PC-compatible workstations (referred to as
•
PCs in this guide)
Macintosh workstations
•
Sun workstations.
•
These three types of workstations represent the majority of the
workstations connected to a 4890 LPS.
LPS CONNECTIONS
4-5