For you network gurus, what's an IBM 3174 communications controller?

[HappyPuppy]

..also known as a network processor or an establishment controller.

What's its function and who would use it these days?

Thanks

 

[ScottMac]

A 3174 / 3274 connects a bunch of 3270 (coax-connected) terminals to the Front End Controller of a mainframe. They usually talk either by SNA/bisync modem or are channel attached by one of several options.

Strictly mainframe stuff, but they are still being used pretty widely.

A lot of 'framers are just using Ethernet or Token Ring through a gateway, or LAN attached 'frame. The 3174 (pretty sure) can also be LAN attached as a channel....

FWIW
Scott

 

[HappyPuppy]

Thank you ScottMac. I also found some info on the IBM website, but it was pretty vague. With what you have told me I now have a pretty good idea of what I'm dealing with.