Product Overview

NS/Router® is the industry-standard APPC connectivity router that supports multiple client/server applications to AS/400® hosts. NS/Router is a native Windows set of DLL applications NS/Router for AS/400 Access is implemented as a multithreaded, native Windows® 32-bit application, thereby making the most efficient use of memory and the operating system.

NS/Router was carefully designed for functionality and ease of use. NS/Router provides a simple to understand and structured GUI interface. Concurrent connectivity to multiple AS/400 hosts over different links is possible, enabling users to access and work with data from multiple hosts.

NS/Router takes advantage of IBM’s OS/400 communications. NS/Administrator™ is used to configure NS/Router, and also supports the importing of AS/400 Client Access and PCS/400 configuration files for migration from these environments. Comprehensive APPC trace facility and diagnostics are also available for troubleshooting.

Key Product Features

• True 32-Bit Application. NS/Router is a 32-bit native Windows APPC communications router. It is designed to allow PCs running Microsoft Windows 9x and Windows NT operating systems to communicate to host AS/400 computers. It takes advantage of all Windows 32-bit capabilities such as multitasking and multithreaded communications.
• Multiple Host Connectivity. Multiple concurrent host connectivity over different links is possible with the NS/Router. This allows users to be more productive when accessing data from multiple AS/400s. Users can specify multiple APPC nodes and conversation limits by AS/400.
• SNA Link Monitor. NS/Router has an easy-to-use interface that provides critical information to users on the status and progress of AS/400 connectivity. Starting and stopping a host communication link is as simple as double clicking on a host system icon.
• Max Data Custom Configuration. Allows custom configuration of Max Data size to a maximum of 16k.
• Diagnostics. A powerful APPC trace facility is provided for diagnostic and troubleshooting. A scrollable message area displays all status or error messages, along with system statistics and event messaging.
• Context-Sensitive Help. Detailed, context-sensitive help is available throughout.
• Color-Coded Icon Link Status. Color-coded icons represent active, inactive or disabled PC-to-Host links. The interface also provides a timer to represent the elapsed time of link connectivity and displays the number of active sessions per host connections.
• Connect/Disconnect. Users have the option to connect/disconnect communication links to all hosts simultaneously or individually.
• Security. NS/Router allows the AS/400 to drop inactive links for security but also provides for easy reconnection without leaving Windows. Password substitution and encryption are supported to enforce corporate policies.
• AutoStart Technology. NS/Router can establish a communication link automatically. NS/Elite and other APPC clients can automatically start a specific NS/Router host link. Users experience APPC applications that connect seamlessly to AS/400s.
• NS/Administrator. Offers an easy-to-use interface to configure host and session settings. It manages the creation and relationship of display and printer sessions and NS/Router instances. Additional features of the editor are the tree and list controls which allow the user to see the hierarchy of the session-host relation ship. Multiple instances of engines and terminal sessions can be created using new Windows 32-bit user interface conventions. They can also be associated together within workspaces. Shortcuts can be assigned to session objects, allowing for easy execution from anywhere on the desktop. NS/Administrator forms the powerful foundation for NS/Portfolio Manager™.

Link Support

• 802.2/LLC (Windows 9x or Windows NT). Runs in 32-bit protected mode and supports Microsoft’s 32-bit DLC driver.
• Anynet (Windows 9x or Windows NT). Supports client PCs equipped with Microsoft's 32-bit WinSock compatible TCP/IP protocol stack.
• Direct TCP/IP (Windows 9x or Windows NT).
• Direct IPX/SPX (Windows 9x or Windows NT).
• Async (Windows 9x). Supports TAPI over switched telephone networks. At the AS/400, AN SNA protocol is used via ASCII workstation controllers.
• Twinax (Windows 9x or Windows NT). Supports IBM and other Twinax adapters via VxD and TSR interfaces..
• SDLC (Windows 9x or Windows NT). Supports IBM SDLC cards.
• Renex (Windows 9x or Windows NT).
• Elite/400 Gateway (IPX/SPX or NetBIOS). Supports client PCs via IPX/SPX connections.
• Microsoft® SNA Server. Supports client PCs via IPX/SPX, TCP/IP and 802.2 connections.
• NetWare® for SAA. Supports client PCs using IPX/SPX or TCP/IP.

System Requirements

• PC Platform. IBM compatible 80386, 80486 or Pentium PC with 8 MB of RAM or higher.
• Operating System. Windows 9x or Windows NT.