A console cluster is a good way to divide functions and handle message traffic in an MVS™ console configuration. In a console cluster, you define a group of consoles located together, each console handling a different function. One console can receive system status displays, another unsolicited messages, and still another operate as a full-capability console to handle commands.

You can design a cluster to suit the special needs of your installation. A typical cluster might consist of four consoles set up as follows:

• A console with master authority, a minimum of routing codes 1 and 2, and in full-capability mode to receive the action messages or important informational messages that you must see.
• A console in message stream mode to receive the information messages that you must see.
• A console in message stream mode to receive ordinary system message traffic (This console gives you basic information on how the system is running.)
• A console in status display mode to dynamically display the active jobs in the system and provide display areas for system status displays.

Include other consoles in the cluster if you want to divide the console message traffic even more.