Network communications has both a software and a hardware aspect, and a separation of software and hardware administrative duties is common in large enterprises. The network administrator, a skilled software data communication expert, however, needs to understand both aspects.

The network administrator must bring a thorough understanding of the operating system's communications interfaces to any project that involves working with the company's network. While network hardware technicians have specific skills and tools for supporting the physical network, their expertise often does not extend to the operating system's communications interfaces. When a nationwide retail chain opens a new store, the network administrators and network hardware technicians must coordinate their efforts to open the new store.

Most of this information focusses on z/OS network concepts, implementations, and hardware. You might also find it useful to have a working knowledge of other operating systems available for mainframes.

One reason for this is that a given mainframe computer might run multiple operating systems. For example, the use of z/OS, z/VM, and Linux® on the same mainframe is common.

This information is intended to assist in preparing you to fulfill these responsibilities as a member of the z/OS networking team in a large enterprise.