Product Overview

The NetManage NS/Router is a Windows-based APPC router. It is a complete PC client replacement for IBM's DOS-based PC Support/400 (PCS/400) Router TSR . Implemented as a native Windows set of DLL applications, NS/Router offers vastly increased productivity, ease of installation and configuration, and enhanced security for host server data. AutoStart technology allows all APPC-based applications to automatically start NS/Router, making all its APPC services transparent and seamless for Windows users.

NS/Router is supplied as part of the NS/Midrange Bundle®, NS/Elite for AS/400 Access, and also as part of NS/Database Access. It is also available separately for use with other NS/Midrange Client Services® products and third-party PC-to-AS/400 software. It has been implemented as a Low Entry Node (LEN) within the APPN architecture, supporting up to 32 APPC client sessions between 32 AS/400s.

NS/Router installs completely from within Windows and takes about three minutes to configure. It can even import existing PCS/400 and CA/400 configuration files. In contrast, the documentation required to tune PCS/400 to coexist with LAN Windows users spans at least nine manuals and can put weeks between the LAN administrator and successful Windows-to-AS/400 connectivity.

Key Product Features

• True Windows Architecture. Complete DLL-based router replacement for AS/400 APPC connectivity.
• New Systems (NS/) Technology. The NS/Router is implemented via NetManage's New Systems technology.
• NetManage's extensive history of APPC expertise has been applied to finally make Windows PCs excellent clients for AS/400 servers.
• AutoStart Technology. All APPC-based applications, including the NS/Midrange Client Services product line, benefit from NS/Router's AutoStart capability. If a link is not active, NS/Router can establish the AS/400 connection automatically.
• NS/Elite Emulator. NS/Router is supplied as the client /server protocol engine with NetManage's 5250 emulator, NS/Elite for the AS/400, and with NS/Database Access.
• NS/Midrange Client Services. NS/Router is also used with NetManage's NS/Folders®, NS/Transfer®, NS/ODBC, NS/English Wizard, NS/Queues®, NS/Virtual Print® and NS/Commander CL® applications.
• Third-Party Applications. The NS/Router's APPC services can provide the foundation for a variety of client/server applications.
• Async Connectivity. Mobile users now have convenient Windows access to AS/400s. The AS/400 ASCII workstation controller is directly supported without the need for an intermediate gateway.
• Binary Compatibility. Binary compatible with core Extended DOS PCS/400 APIs to allow use of third-party client /server software.
• Migration Services. NS/Router can import existing PCS/400 and CA/400 configuration files thus saving migration time.
• Drag and Drop Links. NS/Router links can be initiated to as many as 32 AS/400s with a click of a mouse.
• Security. The NS/Router allows the AS/400 to drop inactive links for security but also provides for easy reconnection without having to leave Windows.
• Configuration Application. Separate configuration application allows selective roll out of capabilities.
• NIC-Name Feature. NIC-Naming allows for significant network management savings in roll out to LAN environments by automatically using the local stations NIC address as the APPN Node ID.
• Low Entry Node. Full APPN routing support as a Low Entry Node.
• Fast Installation. Windows-based installation can be accomplished in a few minutes. Importing of existing PCS/400 and CA/400 configuration files brings users up quickly. Windows-based configuration can also be accomplished in minutes.
• Diagnostics. Provides extensive link diagnostic information.
• Password Encryption. Allows transparent access to APPC back-end services.
• Performance. Provides significantly faster AS/400 access compared to PCS/400 Extended PCS DLLs.
• Multiple PU Support. NS/Router supports multiple links to AS/400s in LAN environments. This saves AS/400s APPN Network Node overhead.
• Redundant Gateway. Provides multiple/redundant gateway support via the Elite/400 LAN Gateway.
• Feedback. Provides easy-to-read feedback of router link status. While minimized, icon animation indicates link status.
• Convenience. The NS/Router can be used within the Startup group of Program Manager for convenience.
• Self-Organization. AS/400 icons graphically organize themselves within active and inactive windows for easy viewing.
• ISV Support. Supported by major independent soft ware vendors.

Flexible Link Support

NS/Router provides maximum flexibility with support for the following PC-to-AS/400 link types:

• NetWare for SAA. Supports client PCs on a NetWare LAN with NetWare for SAA using IPX/SPX or TCP/IP. Also supports the predecessor NetWare SNA Gateway.
• Microsoft SNA Server. Supports client PCs via TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and 802.2 connections.
• AnyNet. Supports client PCs equipped with a WinSock compatible TCP/IP protocol stack. Provides SNA communications over the TCP/IP protocol to OS/400 V3R1.
• Renex. Supports client PC connectivity to either a Renex TMS-4 or Rpad-2 controller via the Renex Asynchronous Protocol link type.
• Elite/400 LAN Gateway. Supports client PCs via IPX /SPX and NetBIOS connections.
• 802.2. Supports PCs on IEEE 802.2 LANs connected directly to the AS/400.
• Twinax. Supports IBM and other Twinax adapters which support PCS/400 via an adapter handler.
• SDLC. Supports the following SDLC boards:
  AST CC-432 IBM SDLC
  AST CC-432/A for MCA NetManage AdaptCom
  Attachmate Extra SDLC NetManage AdaptCom/2
  DCA IRMAcom NetManage AdaptModem
  DCA IRMAcom II NetManage AdaptModem/2
  Fortelink SNA Serial Pathway Design SDLC
  ICC/UniCard SSI/Emerald PC/5251
  ITI Linkup XT302 Techland Bluelynx
  IT SNA Exchange 330 Zenith Z-304
  IBM MPA Zenith Z-404
  
• Async. Supports mobile PCs over switched telephone networks at speeds up to 19.2Kbps. At the AS/400, the SNA protocol is used via ASCII work-station controllers.
• AutoSync. Supports PCs equipped with Hayes AutoSync modems which eliminate the need for SDLC adapters.

System Requirements

• PC Platform. Intel 80286, 80386, 80486, or Pentium PC supporting Windows 3.1.
• Communications Board. LAN adapter board, Async port, SDLC board or Twinax board.
• Operating Systems. DOS 3.3 (or higher) and Windows 3.1 (or higher) in enhanced mode.