IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK ADAPTER/A Contents Announcement Letter Number 187-076 dated April 2, 1987 US - Last Revised on April 2, 1987 Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and Availability The IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A (#4790) permits attachment of the IBM Personal System/2 (TM) Models 50, 60, and 80 (8580-041/071) systems to the IBM Token-Ring Network. It transmits and receives at 4 million bits per second using protocols conforming to IEEE 802.5 and ECMA 89 standards. The adapter provides logical link control functions conforming with the IEEE 802.2 standard and is compatible with International Standard ISO - 8802/5. It provides 16K bytes of Random Access Memory (RAM) and all of the function of the IBM Token-Ring Network PC Adapter and the IBM Token-Ring Network PC Adapter II. IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A - Remote Program Load (#8881) is also announced as an optional feature for this adapter. Purchase Price: #4790 -- $795; #8881 -- $90 Planned General Availability: #4790 - April 1987; #8881 - June 1987 (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corp. Customer Letter Section HIGHLIGHTS o Transmits and receives at 4 million bits per second o Provides 16K bytes of Random Access Memory (RAM) o Designed specifically for the IBM Personal System/2 Models 50, 60 and 80 advanced I/O channel to take advantage of the greater 80286 and 80386 processing speeds. o Provides for Remote Program Load (RPL) as an optional feature. o Compatible with International Standard ISO-8802/5. DESCRIPTION The IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A is a feature card for the IBM 8550-021, 8560-041/071 and 8580-041/071 system units with the new advanced Micro Channel (TM) architecture. The adapter contains a microprocessor operating under control of adapter resident microcode. The adapter requires one slot in the IBM Personal System/2 system unit. A 3-1/2' 720Kb diskette included with the adapter contains an adapter description file, an adapter diagnostic and a single ring network diagnostic. The adapter diagnostic program is used to verify the correct operation of the adapter. The ring diagnostic program is used as an aid in network problem determination. Permanent and recoverable error conditions are detected, and information on the probable source of the error is presented. The IBM Token-Ring Network Problem Determination Guide (SX27-3710) should be obtained for instructions on how to use the ring diagnostics. An installation and testing document is included with the adapter to assist with customer set-up. OPTIONAL FEATURE IBM TOKEN-RING NETWORK ADAPTER/A - REMOTE PROGRAM LOAD (#8881): The Remote Program Load (RPL) is an EPROM designed to be plugged into an available socket on the IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A (#4790) card. It is required for each of the devices on the network which are to be loaded from a loading device. The feature will automatically issue a request to be loaded any time the device is reset and has no system disk available. (Example: Power-on, CTRL-ALT-DEL.) The loading device program is the responsibility of the user and is not provided with this feature. Each RPL feature kit contains one 8K EPROM with microcode, a 3-1/2' diskette containing a sample program for the loading device, and a publication containing the following; Introduction, Installing the Remote Program Load module, and Programming Requirements. PUBLICATIONS The following technical reference material is available from IBM Direct (800-IBM-2468) immediately. For ordering assistance call your IBM marketing representative. o IBM Token-Ring Network PC Adapter Technical Reference (69X7830) A detailed description of the adapter operation and programming interfaces. Information unique to the IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A is being added to this manual in the form of an additional chapter, Chapter 9 (6466690). When the Technical Reference (69X7830) is ordered, Chapter 9 (6466690) should also be ordered, if needed, at no additional charge. If the Technical Reference (69X7830), which replaced (6165876) was previously purchased and only the addenda is required, it can be ordered at no additional charge by requesting: IBM Token-Ring Network PC Adapter Technical Reference, Chapter 9 (6466690). o IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A Hardware Maintenance Reference and Service (83X9112) This product contains the following material for the System Hardware Maintenance Library: - The text for the System Document - A Wrap Plug - Advanced Diagnostic Diskette It is available for an additional charge to users and service personnel to assist in isolating faults to the adapter, the adapter attachment cable, or the cable between the work area and the wiring closet. EDUCATION SUPPORT The Local Area Network curriculum will be updated to include information on this announcement. Course descriptions are contained in the Catalog of IBM Education (G320-1244). SCHEDULE General availability of #4790 is planned for April 1987. General availability of #8881 is planned for June 1987. TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: The IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A (#4790) is designed and tested to operate on the following systems: Machine Type Model 8550 021 8560 041/071 8580 041/071 PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: IBM Local Area Network Support Program - 83X7873 IBM DOS Version 3.3. COMPATIBILITY: When 8550-021, 8560-041/071 and 8580-041/071 system units are equipped with (#4790), they will operate on the same IBM Token-Ring Network with each other as well as all other products previously announced supporting IBM Token-Ring Network. The IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A is not sensitive to currently available IBM keyboards. PREREQUISITES: A customer supplied attachment cable such as the IBM Token-Ring Network PC Adapter Cable (#3390, P/N 6339098) for the IBM Cabling System available from IBM or the IBM Cabling System Type 3 Media Filter available from IBM Authorized Distributors is required for connecting the adapter to the network cabling system. These parts were previously announced and are currently available. PLANNING INFORMATION CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: The customer is responsible for o Installing the adapter o Connecting the adapter to the network o Performing customer problem analysis and resolution (CPAR) SECURITY, AUDITABILITY, AND CONTROL User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities. TERMS AND CONDITIONS All terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM 8550-021, 8560-041/071, and 8580-041/071 system units. If the warranty period of the IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A extends beyond that of the host system unit, the customer may be required to provide proof of purchase to obtain warranty service. CHARGES Feature Purchase Number Price For 8550-021, 8560-041/071, 8580-041/071 IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A 4790 $ 795 IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A Remote Program Load 8881 90 Part Purchase Publications Number Price IBM Token-Ring Network Adapter/A 83X9112 $270 Hardware Maintenance Reference and Service