Most large organizational users of IBM 3745 and 3746 FEPs have done as much as they can to reduce their use of FEPs. Many have implemented IBM's Enterprise Extender and some have used the CCL emulator. However, in many cases legacy applications remain that have simply not warranted the expense and effort of re-write or migration. Throughout industry there remain thousands of operating 3745 and 3746 FEPs. To a large extent, the remaining FEPs are over-configured. A simple de-configuration of the hardware could result in maintenance cost reduction and software tier cost reduction. When a 3745 FEP has been properly de-configured, it can provide the least costly method of satisfying the requirement to support a residual SNA/SNI workload.
The IBM FEP family of products has had a number of machine designations over the years.
The modern, current-level FEPs include: 3745-31A or 3745-61A and 3746-900. A current-level FEP will also include one or more Service Processors Type 4 (SP4), and possibly a Network Node Processor Type 5 (NNP5).
Back-level FEPs include: 3705, 3725, 3726, 3720, 3745-170, 3745-130, 3745-150, 3745-210, 3745-410, 3745-310, 3745-610, 3746-A11, 3746-A12, 3746-L13, 3746-L14 and 3746-L15. There are a number of back-level service processors (SP1, SP2, SP3) and network node processors (NNP1, NNP2, NNP3, NNP4).
The "base frame" refers to the 3745. For modern, current-level FEPs, this is the 3745-31A or 3745-61A. The base frame contains control storage for the operation of licensed code (Network Control Program). The base frame may also include other features such as channel adapters, low or high speed line adapters or possibly token ring couplers. However most modern FEPs place these functional components in the corresponding "900 frame."
The "900 frame" refers to the 3746-900, which bus connects to the 3745 "base frame." The 900 frame generally houses some combination of processors and adapters for ESCON, token ring, high speed lines and low speed lines.
The base and 900 frames communicate with a service processor (SP4) over a dedicated service LAN.
The Service Processor Type 4 (SP4) provides a service and operator graphical interface. The SP4 operates under the control of licensed IBM code, which Mid-Atlantic Research provides at the time of installation. For purposes of service and reliability, it is very important that new FEPs be installed with the latest level service processor and licensed code. There are multiple back-level service processors available, primarily through equipment brokers, that are not capable of operating under current code levels. Many of the back-level service processors will not even read the code on the IBM distribution media.
Yes, the FEP requires licensed code on several levels. First, the Service Processor (SP4) and 3746-900 require licensed code which is provided on every FEP installed by Mid-Atlantic Research. To ensure a high level of serviceability and reliability we provide the highest level code authorized by IBM for distribution. Second, the FEP operates under the control of a licensed program (program 5648-063) commonly known as NCP (Network Control Program). NCP is licensed and distributed directly by IBM to the end user.
IBM charges for the NCP program product based on the "size" of the 3745/3746 FEP. The larger the FEP, the higher the tier level. Higher tier levels carry a higher monthly licensing charge. One of the services that Mid-Atlantic Research and Services, Inc. provides to its customers is 3745/3746 FEP hardware optimization to reduce the NCP tier level. Since many FEP are overconfigured, the monthly license fee is higher than it needs to be. This license fee can be reduced by "deconfiguring" your FEP or by replacing one or more of your older FEPs with a modern FEP, optimized for your current workload. Contact Mid-Atlantic for a FEP Check (tm) and we will help you to get started.
Yes, IBM provides full support for ACF/NCP Version 7 (Product 5648-063).
Yes, IBM offers a regular maintenance service agreement for the 3745/3746 FEP.
Although it is possible for some organizations to "self-maintain" the 3745/3746 FEP, IBM and other companies provide regular service agreements. The 3745 and 3746 documentation is excellent and is readily available. Parts are available from Mid-Atlantic Research and Services, Inc. and from other companies. Self maintenance should only be considered if there is a commitment to training, upper level support, local parts storage and extended parts supply.
The 3745/3746 has a number of availability/redundancy options. Please contact Mid-Atlantic for details on dual CCU operation, CLP backup, dual power input and other options.
Yes, the size of your FEP may be reduced. By reducing the physical configuration to more closely match your current workload you will reduce your costs for NCP licensing and for hardware maintenance.
Yes, when you reduce the size of your FEP configuration you will reduce two separate operating costs. First, you will reduce your hardware maintenance cost. Because many of the modular components within the FEP carry a separate monthly or annual maintenance charge, removal of these components will reduce your maintenance bill. Second, you will reduce your NCP (Network Control Program) licensing costs. NCP is licensed on a "tiered" basis. The license fee increases as the "size" of your FEP increases. By reducing the size of your FEP to match the actual current workload, your software cost will decrease. Contact Mid-Atlantic for a FEP Check (tm) to get started on cost reduction.
Since the cost of 3745/3746 FEP hardware is at an all time low, the least cost and least risk method will be to install a second "target" FEP at your new site. After cutting over to the target FEP, the original FEP may be de-installed.
Mid-Atlantic offers a number of DR (disaster recovery) FEP options, ranging from hot backup at your DR site to cold backup at our site. The range of options is designed to fit any organization's budget. .
Yes, in fact it is advisable for you to upgrade your service processor. This will allow you to receive the latest maintenance code distributions from IBM as a part of your hardware maintenance service agreement. Mid-Atlantic can provide you with a new Service Processor Type 4 at the latest code level.
Yes, microcode features may be ordered from Mid-Atlantic or directly from IBM.
Following are the latest level Type 3 processors for the 3746-900. These should be installed on any modern FEP that you acquire.
CLP3 (Communications Line Processor)
TRP3 (Token Ring Processor Type 3)
CBSP3 (Controller Bus and Service Processor Type 3)
ESCP3 (ESCON Processor Type 3)
No, new FEPs are no longer available from IBM. IBM does sell microcode for enhanced features for the 3746-900 however. IBM also services 3745s and 3746-900s through regular maintenance service agreements.
Mid-Atlantic sells refurbished IBM 374X FEPs. Because we purchased IBM's plant inventory of new FEP components, our refurbished FEPS include a high content of new components and are at the highest ECLs (Engineering Change Levels).
No, there is virtually no market for used 3745/3746 FEPs. Mid-Atlantic provides several options for de-installation, removal and recycling, available at modest cost.
There is no market value for older IBM 3745/3746 FEPs. 374X frames are heavy and expensive to move. For resale to another customer, a used 3745/3746 requires many hours of rework and testing by skilled technicians in a reconfiguration and testing lab.
The best way is to arrange a non-disruptive physical audit of your FEP. Mid-Atlantic performs audits on a fee basis for its clients. An audit will allow comprehensive planning for field upgrades or re-configurations. Also useful is an up-to-date hardware configuration listing and/or a current listing of your NCP source. Call Mid-Atlantic to schedule a FEP Check (tm).
No. IBM discontinued machine level control for IBM 3745/3746 FEPs several years ago. The IBM configuration listing for your 3745/3746 FEP is only reliable if there have been no configuration changes to your FEP since its original installation. Generally FEPs experience multiple configuration changes over their long operating lives.
The base 3745 supports up to eight parallel channel adapters, either Type 6 or Type7, in any combination. The 900 frame (3746-900) supports ESCON adapters.
You will need either three of four 208V circuits for your modern FEP installation. Please contact Mid-Atlantic for additional electrical planning information.
You will need approximately sixty-seven square feet, including service clearances, for installation of a modern 3745/3746 FEP. For a representative floor layout, contact Mid-Atlantic.
CCL is IBM's Communication Controller for Linux, a software product that emulates some of the functions of 3745/3746 hardware. The only physical interface supported by CCL is the OSA in its various forms. Mid-Atlantic's position on CCL is that it is a potentially costly sidestep away from a long term trend to eliminate SNA function. The business decision to implement CCL should be made after careful analysis of your network, plans, staffing, skills and budget. Do not be pressured by false claims of the imminent demise of the 3745/3746. The 3745/3746 hardware is fully supported and it remains a reliable network platform for your residual SNA/SNI activity. Upon analysis you may conclude that a prudent and safe option is to continue operation of your 3745/3746 hardware. To explore a safe and proven approach to 3745/3746 FEP cost reduction, contact Mid-Atlantic for a FEP Check (TM), a non-disruptive evaluation of your 3745/3746 hardware for the purposes of reducing your NCP software license tier level. Finally, before you make your decision we suggest that you carefully read IBM's excellent overview planning document - it touches on many of the areas you should explore, including the OSA and router considerations. The IBM document may be found at http://www-03.ibm.com/support/techdocs/atsmastr.nsf/WebIndex/FQ109582 .
June 30, 2009 - Important Message for Mid-Atlantic's IBM™ 3745/3746 Customers. Please Read!
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