AT&T Co has introduced a new network interface for IBM’s Systems Network Architecture that meets the ANSI basic rate integrated services digital network standard for terminal equipment. The Multifunction Cluster Controller acts as the interface between a Number 5ESS public telephone exchange-based ISDN network and the SNA network, supporting simultaneous connections between ISDN terminals and 3270 terminals, as well as connections to asynchronous terminals and hosts without private lines or modems. Normally in the SNA world, 3270 terminals must be located within 5,000 feet of the cluster controller, whereas ISDN networking over just ordinary telephone lines, and not coaxial cabler, allows unlimited distance between terminals and cluster controllers. Using the ISDN features of the AT&T 5ESS switch and the Multifunction Cluster Controller, AT&T claims, users can create multi-host, multi-terminal SNA networking arrangements in the IBM 3270 terminal environment quickly and economically. Customers will be able to locate terminals anywhere in the public network using ordinary telephone lines to send both voice and data messages over their SNA networks using these ISDN connections, according to the company.
