Shared Memory Communications

Shared Memory Communications (SMC) enables two SMC capable peers to communicate by using memory buffers that each peer allocates for the partner's use. There are two types of Shared Memory Communications:

• Shared Memory Communications over Remote Direct Memory Access (SMC-R)
• Shared Memory Communications - Direct Memory Access (SMC-D)

SMC improves throughput, lowers latency and cost, and maintains existing functions. You do not need to change resources, such as host names and IP addresses, because you can use existing IP topology and addressing to identify virtual servers. You do not need to modify applications to use SMC to gain the performance benefits of communication by using SMC. Existing functions are preserved when SMC is used, such as the following functions:

• Load balancing, for example, sysplex distribution
• IP security zones
• Connection level security