IBM 370 users can now connect local area netowrks directly to the mainframe channel via a new Micro Channel 80386-based 3172 intelligent controller, using TCP/IP and Manufacturing Automation Protocol Version 3.0 protocols. Networks supported by the 3172 are IEEE 802.5 Token-Ring and IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD which includes Ethernet – via TCP/IP, and IEEE 802.4 Token Bus via MAP. The data stream is transparent to the 3172 and up to four local net attachments and two channel attachments are supported on the 3172 Interconnect Controller. It (will eventually) come rack-mount or stand-alone and cost $22,500 but not until September next year.
