SNA terms and concepts

This chapter defines Systems Network Architecture (SNA) terms and concepts that are important to understanding and using CS/AIX. For information about CS/AIX, its capabilities, and how it implements the different SNA concepts described, see IBM Communications Server for Data Center Deployment on AIX Quick Beginnings. If you are already familiar with SNA and CS/AIX, you can begin with Administering CS/AIX.

This chapter is divided into the following parts:

Systems Network Architecture provides a definition of SNA.
Basic SNA concepts explains terms and concepts that apply to any SNA network.
Basic APPN Concepts explains terms and concepts that apply only to SNA networks that support Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN).
Accessing subarea networks from APPN networks introduces terms and concepts that apply to networks that combine SNA and APPN.

Note: This chapter is not intended as a complete reference to SNA concepts. Detailed information about SNA can be found in the SNA publications listed in the Bibliography.