Multi-processor interconnect facility

Multi-processor interconnect facility (MPIF) supports multiple z/TPF complexes that communicate with each other. A z/TPF complex can consist of a single loosely coupled complex or a central processor complex (CPC) running z/TPF. Using MPIF, these complexes are able to distribute processing across the z/TPF systems.

MPIF, pronounced MIP-if provides an interface that allows z/TPF systems to perform cooperative processing with other z/TPF systems. Using MPIF, one z/TPF system can request a system service that is received, processed, and returned by another z/TPF system. The requesting system need not be aware that the receiving system can be in a different processor, or that the receiving processor can have a different architecture. MPIF uses channel-to-channel (CTC) support to communicate in a single z/TPF loosely coupled complex, or between multiple z/TPF complexes.

Figure 1 shows a typical MPIF complex using the IBM* 3088 Multisystem Channel Communication Unit (MCCU).
Figure 1. A MPIF complex using a 3088
Figure 2 shows a typical MPIF complex, using the IBM® Enterprise System Architecture* (ESCON*) Channel-to-Channel (CTC).
Figure 2. A MPIF complex using an ESCON CTC

If you are using ESCON CTC, see ESA⁄390 ESCON Channel-to-Channel Adapter for more information.

See the appropriate Enterprise System/9000 Functional Characteristics and Configuration Guide for more information about your particular ES/9000 processor model.