IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK 16/4 TRACE AND PERFORMANCE PROGRAM IBM Announcement Letter Number 290-284 dated June 5, 1990 IBM US - Last Revised on June 5, 1990 Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and Availability The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program (93X5688) works in conjunction with the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters, also announced today. (Refer to Product Announcement 190-090, dated June 5, 1990.) This program provides a real-time view of the traffic on the Token-Ring Networks operating at 4 million bits per second (bps) or 16 million bps. This combination of hardware and software has facilities to analyze trace data, measure media usage and collect ring station traffic statistics. Using this data, the customer can get valuable information for use in debugging application software, capacity planning and network reconfigurations. Planned Availability Date: June 29, 1990 Customer Letter Section HIGHLIGHTS o Systems management of Token-Ring networks is enhanced with the visibility into the network provided by the combination of the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program and IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters. o The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program and IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters provide utilization data that will enable customers to decide when to increase the ring speed from 4 million bps to 16 million bps. o The Token-Ring network administrator productivity is increased with the identical, easy-to-use menu-driven interface to debug and troubleshoot ring segments running at 4 million bps or 16 million bps. o Customer investment is protected by allowing a machine to be utilized as a standard workstation when not being used for Trace or Performance tasks. DESCRIPTION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program working in conjunction with the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters enables users to troubleshoot and debug software problems on a Token-Ring network segment. The trace function allows the operator to copy all information on the network. When in trace mode of operation, the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters issue a special TRACE ACTIVE FRAME to the IBM LAN Manager, which can either allow the tracing to continue or remove the adapter from tracing the network. This capability helps protect against unauthorized use of the trace function. The adapter captures the frames in the ring segment real time by station address and/or by frame type -- MAC, non-MAC, or all frames. The trace information can be written to a disk/diskette at the termination of the trace function. This function may be started by time of day, a unique customer defined pattern, or manually. The trace analysis facility can provide ring configuration and data base search by: o Protocol o Frame type o Station address. The protocols supported are: o SNA o SMB o Netbios o IEEE 802.2 (LLC Layer) o IEEE 802.5 (MAC Layer) o TCP/IP. The frames can be identified as information frames, MAC frames or customer data frames. The ring utilization component enables the user to measure and analyze traffic utilization on the Token-Ring media for gathering usage statistics and capacity planning requirements. This function provides the AVERAGE TOKEN-WAITING TIME for the Token-Ring segment. Thresholds can be set and notification given when these thresholds have been exceeded. Frame and byte usage is provided for the following frame types: o Non-MAC frames o All frames o Customer data frames. The data is collected in memory and transferred to disk/diskette hourly. These utilization files are opened and closed automatically on a 24-hour basis and can run unattended for 10 days. This facility provides a dynamic histogram of the instantaneous bandwidth usage or average bandwidth usage over a period of two hours on a display. This function can be invoked by time of day or manually. The utilization data base or histogram may be printed or displayed at a later time, if desired. Load connection matrix facility is a new function that can provide extensive data on the stations using the Token-Ring segment. Invoking this function creates a data base of files, one for each 24-hour period or a part thereof, for a total of 10 days. These files can be analyzed to provide a number of reports. One of the reports that can be generated from each of these file is as follows: o 10 most active source stations o 10 most active destination stations o 10 most actively communicating pairs of stations. Another HOURLY ACTIVITY report can be generated to provide information on the most active to least active source or destination stations. This sorting can be done on the entire file or done selectively for a maximum of 10 addresses. The time interval can be any number of hours within the total amount of time that the file was generated. This report provides information on the traffic for each hour within the requested time interval. Such detailed analysis of the traffic on the Token-Ring by station provides customer data to make optimal decisions on network reconfigurations, or the need to add resources to the network for improved performance. GROWTH ENABLEMENT The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program will work with the Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters at either 4 million bps or 16 million bps ring speed. Utilization data from this combination can be used by the customer to develop a migration plan from 4 million bps to 16 million bps. The user interface of the software is identical when used on Token-Ring Networks operating at 4 million bps or at 16 million bps. USER PRODUCTIVITY The following ease-of-use aids are an integral part of the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program: o New menu-driven pop-up windows o Enhanced online help o User set-up parameters are automatically saved and restored when the functions are invoked. o Now allows use of LAN Manager synonyms instead of the complex 12 character adapter addresses. INVESTMENT PROTECTION When not being used in the Trace or Performance mode, the Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters function as standard adapters and the workstation can be used for normal customer work. The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program can be used on any properly configured existing machine with one of the Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters installed, extending the use of customer investment. PUBLICATIONS THE IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK 16/4 TRACE AND PERFORMANCE USER'S GUIDE is shipped with the program. EDUCATION SUPPORT The Local Area Network curriculum will be updated to include this announcement. A description of self-study and classroom courses is contained in the CATALOG OF IBM EDUCATION (G320-1244). Call IBM Direct -- Education at 1-800-IBM-2468, for schedules, enrollments and to place orders for self-study courses. SCHEDULE The planned availability date is June 29, 1990. TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: o IBM Personal Computer Models 5170 (except AT (R)/370) o Personal System/2 (R) Models 5530, 5550, 8525, 8530, 8550, 8555, 8560, 8565, 8570, 8573 and 8580 o One of the following Token-Ring adapters: - Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Adapter (74F5121) with 5170 (except AT/370), 8525 and 8530 - Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Adapter/A (74F5130) with 5530, 5550, 8550, 8555, 8560, 8565, 8570, 8573 and 8580. o 640KB memory o Monochrome or color display o One floppy diskette drive and one hard drive o Printer (optional). (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: IBM DOS 3.3 or greater. COMPATIBILITY: The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program is not compatible with the IBM Token-Ring Network Trace and Performance PC Adapter II (96X5773) or the IBM Token-Ring Network Trace and Performance Adapter/A (96X5774). However, these adapters may be used as standard adapters in the Token-Ring Network, if desired. LIMITATIONS: In multiring environments, one machine in each ring should have an IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Adapter or an IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Adapter/A installed and be available to run the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program, if simultaneous tracing or utilization measurement is required on multiple segments. PLANNING INFORMATION CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: The customer is responsible for producing backup copies of the original diskettes, setup and use of the program. INSTALLABILITY: The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program is a new product, developed to optimize the ease of use of the software. It has changed considerably from the IBM Token-Ring Network Trace and Performance Program (96X5763). To take advantage of the improvements and new functions provided by IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program, this software (93X5688) and the appropriate 16/4 Mbps adapters are required to be installed in the network. A program upgrade from the IBM Token-Ring Network Trace and Performance Program (96X5763) to the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program is not offered. PACKAGING: The package includes the following: o Two dual-sided double density 3.5-inch diskettes o IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program User's Guide o IBM Program License Agreement o Proof of License. NOTE: The customer may copy the 3.5-inch diskettes into 5.25-inch diskettes, if there is a need to run this program on an IBM 5170 machine with only a 5.25-inch diskette drive. SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL Whenever the trace function is invoked, the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance adapters will automatically transmit a special frame indicating activation of the trace function to the IBM LAN Manager (83X9100 or 25F8215). If the LAN Manager is set to permit tracing, the tracing task will continue. On completion, the LAN Manager will also log the end of trace. If tracing is not allowed, the LAN Manager will remove the adapter from the ring. This function cannot be disabled by the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program. Any traced data will be destroyed by the IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program, if the adapter is removed by the LAN Manager. If the network is managed by IBM LAN Manager Version 2.0 (25F8215), a list of up to eight adapter addresses or adapter symbolic names can be defined in LAN Manager TRACE OPTION menu. Then, tracing will be allowed only by those adapters in the network. Any attempt by an adapter not defined in the LAN Manager trace table will be removed and an alert generated indicating unauthorized trace attempt. If an IBM LAN Manager is not managing the IBM Token-Ring Network, the user may wish to physically secure the machine that has the trace adapter installed. User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and implementation of security features, administrative procedures and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities. ORDERING INFORMATION Orders for new licenses will be accepted now. Unless a later date is specified, orders entered prior to June 29, 1990, will be assigned a schedule date of July 6, 1990. Shipment of orders will commence on June 29, 1990. Orders entered after June 29, 1990, will be scheduled for shipment on the Friday following the week of order entry, or as soon thereafter as supply permits. To order the program in this announcement, specify the program name, program number, order type and quantity. The available order type is as follows: o Program Package -- program diskette with documentation. IBM EDUCATION ORDER CENTER: The program is eligible to be ordered through the IBM Education Order Center. Please note that availability through the IBM Education Order Center may not coincide with the programming availability dates noted in other sections of this document. The IBM Education Order Center is the order processing location for selected personal computers and related hardware/software for eligible education end users. TERMS AND CONDITIONS LICENSING: The IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Trace and Performance Program is licensed under the terms and conditions of the IBM Program License Agreement. A copy of the agreement is included in the program package. LIMITED WARRANTY: Program: Yes. Media: Three months. PROGRAM SERVICES: Central service, including a Support Center, will be available until January 31, 1992. The program in this announcement is supported by IBM LAN Field Interface and Adapter Support, Research Triangle Park, NC. Access to this Support Center is through the IBM Support Center. The statement of service included in the program package describes this service. CUSTOMER FULFILLMENT OPTION: Yes. VOLUME DISCOUNT: Volume discounting is available under the terms and conditions of the Volume Procurement Amendment (VPA) and the Exhibit for Personal Computer/System Programs. The program in this announcement is included in the Eligible Program List for Personal Computer/System Programs. It may be added to the applicable category in the space provided on the Eligible Program List. Program Packages are included in Category A under 5871-AAA. TESTING PERIOD: Two months for up to three licenses. The EP/PLA must be in effect. NATIONAL EDUCATION LICENSE FEE: A National Education License Fee (NELF) is available under the terms and conditions of the National Education License Fee Exhibit. The NELF, which represents a 30% discount off the single unit price, is not subject to any further discount or allowance. CHARGES TOKEN-RING NETWORK 16/4 TRACE AND PERFORMANCE PROGRAM PROGRAM ONE-TIME NUMBER ORDER TYPE CHARGE 93X5688 Program Package $ 1,500