There are various models of the IBM 3995 Optical Library Dataserver. In a nonsysplex environment where OAM is not running in an OAMplex with DB2 data sharing, each model can be connected to a single host processor operating in basic mode or to one logical partition of a processor complex operating in LPAR mode.
The 3995 models with two parallel channel adapters (PCA) are attachable to the host through parallel channels, while 3995 models with one or two ESCON channel adapters (ECA) are attachable to the host through ESCON channels.
Up to two ESCON directors can be connected between the 3995 Optical Library Dataserver and the host, but only one ESCON director can use dynamic link connection. The 3995 ESCON models can connect to the host in one of the following ways.
When using dynamic link, the host side port number of the dynamic link is required by the 3995 configuration program.
When using static link, or when not using an ESCON director, the host side port number is not required by the 3995 configuration program.
In an OAMplex with DB2 data sharing, it is recommended that you use ESCON and the System Automation for z/OS for connectivity as opposed to using parallel channels.
In a Parallel Sysplex, it is possible to establish a multisystem connection (logical not physical) that is controlled so that there is only one physical library-host connection at a time. Multiple instances of OAM within an OAMplex can be connected to a single library-host connection. The logical connection to these instances of OAM can be changed by specifying which library on a specific OAM system should be connected to the host system. This logical connection allows data to be accessed from and shared between various libraries associated with multiple instances of OAM within an OAMplex.