Types of Nodes

A node is either a system node or a station node. A station node can originate and receive information. It can be either a computer, workstation, or printer. A system node, however, must be a computer. Besides originating and receiving information, system nodes can also relay information between two other nodes. If, because of its position in a network, a node relays information, it is sometimes called a store-and-forward node.

In Figure 2, Node-C represents a store-and-forward node. It must be a system node because it must relay information between nodes. If a node cannot relay information because of its position in a network, it is sometimes called an end node. In Figure 2, both B and D represent end nodes. They can be either system nodes or station nodes.

RSCS can communicate with system nodes that are running under the control of network job entry (NJE) compatible subsystems, such as:
  • JES2
  • JES3
  • RSCS
  • VSE/POWER
  • AS/400 Communications Utilities
  • Products that provide NJE functions for Linux® or AIX®

For more information about NJE, see z/OS: Network Job Entry (NJE) Formats and Protocols.

RSCS can communicate with station nodes that are:
  • ASCII printers or plotters
  • Computers running under the control of a system that can provide a multi-leaving protocol
  • IBM® 3270 Information Display System Printers
  • Line printer daemons and clients in a TCP/IP network
  • Unsolicited File Transfer (UFT) daemons and clients in a TCP/IP network
  • Workstations running under the control of remote job entry (RJE)