BARR/RJE manual

4. BARR/RJE Features

BARR/RJE allows you to control communications activities for sending, processing, and receiving files. It includes built-in diagnostic tools and can support specialized applications with add-on options.

4.1 Printer Support Features

BARR/RJE supports high-speed printing, spooling, and plotting. Special features include printing on special forms and multiple printers.

High-Speed Printing – You can use BARR/RJE with a variety of printers. Print speeds on single and multiple printers range from 30 characters per second (cps) to more than 40,000 lines per minute (lpm). BARR/RJE can drive even the fastest laser printers at maximum efficiency from a PC.

Multiple Printers – The SNA RJE Multiple Logical Unit protocol supports up to seven print streams. Barr RJE allows you to direct print output to parallel or serial ports. (Parallel ports are called LPT1, LPT2, and LPT3. Serial ports are called COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4.) You can also assign RJE print streams to write to network printers or to PC disk files. During program operation, you can assign RJE printers to any PC DOS devices.

Electronic Forms Management – Barr software brings electronic forms management to the PC. Electronic forms eliminate the need for pre-printed paper forms and simplify RJE operation, reduce operating costs, and increase flexibility. You can compose, change, and update forms on your PC with a forms composition program. You can also distribute electronic forms via the mainframe RJE network to all PC print stations. Barr software automatically loads forms into the printer when you receive a file from the mainframe. For more information about using electronic forms with Barr software, request the Electronic Forms Management booklet from Barr Systems.

Special Forms Support – You can use BARR/RJE to print on special forms such as checks and invoices. You can store up to 100 forms in the program or you can download form information from MVS/JES on the mainframe via the FCBLOAD mechanism. You can request a special version of the program that supports 200 forms. BARR/RJE also provides high-speed printing support for the Dataproducts and Centronics Vertical Forms Unit (VFU) feature.

Print Spooling – Print spooling manages printing files on one or more printers. BARR/RJE print spooling for the PC is similar to mainframe print spooling. BARR/RJE organizes print files in a print queue, which is a directory on the PC hard disk. It assigns one or more printers for print spooling. The print spooler automatically prints the files on the available printers according to user-controlled selection criteria such as form, class, and priority.

Plotter Support – BARR/RJE produces plots without requiring operator attention. You can print plots more economically in batch than in a conversational, time-sharing environment that requires the operator to stand by the plotter.

The host computer concurrently sends host-produced plot files to the PC with other data streams and passes them through to a plotter attached to a serial port.

4.2 Ease of Operation Features

The following features simplify and extend BARR/RJE and thus make the software easy to learn and simple to operate.

Menu-Driven Operation – BARR/RJE menus guide you through each stage of software installation and operation. You position the cursor and press ENTER to select an option or proceed to a new screen. During operation, operator instructions, prompts, and messages notify you about special conditions and alert you when you need to take action.

Simultaneous Use of DOS and BARR/RJE – You can switch to a DOS session and use DOS features during BARR/RJE operation. You can then perform other tasks while BARR/RJE simultaneously sends files and receives output.

Full Support for Color Display – If you have a color video adapter, BARR/RJE uses color to increase software screen and message readability.

Automatic Configuration – BARR/RJE automatically allocates PC memory. When the software starts, it determines how much memory is available and automatically assigns free memory space for program buffers. The software also automatically determines whether you use a monochrome or color video adapter and the numbers and addresses of PC parallel and serial ports.

You specify device assignments from the Installation Description menu. When you start the software, BARR/RJE automatically performs logon operations and readies all devices.

Autodial for Modems – BARR/RJE can instruct an external modem to dial the host computer automatically. You can even schedule the autodial for late at night when telephone rates are low. You enter dialing instructions on a screen in the software where BARR/RJE permanently stores them. Contact Barr Technical Support for information about using external modems.

Automatic Logon – You enter logon information from the Installation Description menu. BARR/RJE stores the information in the software so you do not need to re-enter it each time you communicate with the host. BARR/RJE automatically sends the logon information to the host at program startup.

Remote Console for MVS/JES, VM/RSCS, and VSE/POWER Commands – Operator commands are a valuable management device. You can use commands to oversee job status, selectively release jobs for execution, specify special forms on the printer, suspend printout of a job, and select and release jobs for printing. You also can recover from paper jams easily by telling the host to back up and reprint.

With BARR/RJE, the operator can send commands to the host job entry system from the PC keyboard. Command responses display on the BARR/RJE console. Appendix A lists the most common MVS/JES2 operator commands.

Unattended Operation – BARR/RJE supports unattended program startup and automatic program restart. Unattended startup allows the software to automatically begin communications at a specified time. For example, at the end of the day you can leave the PC and printer on. You can set the software to dial the host and receive print output when telephone rates are lower or you can set the software to automatically answer a call from the host at a specified time.

Automatic program restart reduces the number of times operators must intervene to restore communication with the host. BARR/RJE automatically restarts the logon process when it receives the SDLC Set Normal Response Mode (Snrm) command.

When it restarts logon, BARR/RJE drops the Data-Terminal-Ready (DTR) signal for 2 seconds, which hangs up the telephone on an autoanswer modem.

4.3 File Transfer Features

BARR/RJE optimizes remote job entry and remote file transfer. You can submit jobs from the PC to the host computer for processing or you can transfer files between the host computer and the PC disk drive. BARR/RJE also has enhanced file transfer capabilities, as described in this section.

Local Area Network (LAN) Connection – BARR/RJE provides an excellent link from a LAN to a host computer. You can automatically send files received from the host to the print server on the LAN. Additionally, users on the LAN can submit jobs to the mainframe by copying them into a directory on the LAN. BARR/RJE automatically checks the directory every 30 seconds and sends the files to the host. After BARR/RJE sends the files, it deletes them or moves them to another directory.

Data Compression and Decompression – Sequences of duplicate characters (such as five blanks in a row, four zeros at the end of a number, or 40 blanks following a line of data) exist in most files. You do not need to send all these duplicate characters. In a process called data compression, BARR/RJE sends one character for a sequence of duplicate blanks and two characters for a sequence of non-blank characters.

When BARR/RJE receives compressed output, it reverses the process and expands the data into its full length, which is called decompression. SNA compression and decompression substantially increase the throughput of the communications link. The total throughput is greater than the throughput possible with the earlier 2780 and 3780 protocols.

Data Compaction and Decompaction – In many business reports, numeric data occurs frequently. With data compaction, the data sender represents 2 bytes of numeric data as 1 byte. The data receiver decompacts the data into 2 bytes. Compaction normally increases line throughput by 15 percent.

Immunity from Communications Errors – Cyclical redundancy check (CRC) greatly reduces the probability of accepting data with communications errors. Synchronous communication uses a robust CRC that catches all 1, 2, and 3-bit errors in a sequence. It appends a 16-bit CRC value to each message. Asynchronous communication does not contain CRC.

The CRC value is a function of all other bits in the message. The message receiver recomputes the CRC value and compares it to the CRC value received. If the two CRC values are equal, BARR/RJE assumes it received the message correctly. When the received CRC and recomputed CRC do not agree, the message sender sends the data block again.

Automatic Command Execution – You can package BARR/RJE into an end-user application. The software directs the modem to dial the telephone. Then it sends multiple files and receives output. When data transmission is complete, the software hangs up the telephone and exits. Your application program can then proceed to the next level of operation.

Dynamic Device Assignment – A device assignment mechanism controls the flow of files through the PC. Devices can be sources or destinations of files. You can specify and direct these sources and destinations from the BARR/RJE Assign Devices screen (see the Assign Devices chapter).

PC-to-PC File Transfer – With BARR/RJE, you can send data from PC to PC by designating one PC as the host and the other as the remote.

4.4 Communications Features

BARR/RJE transmits data at high speeds on dial-up and dedicated lines. BARR/RJE can simultaneously send and receive data and perform data translations and conversions. On-screen statistics provide information about the current communications status.

Multi-Tasking Operating System – With the Barr multi-tasking operating system, these tasks can operate concurrently:

SDLC and X.25 Line Speed to 2.048 Megabits Per Second – BARR/RJE SDLC or X.25 versions communicate via an RS232, V.35, or X.21 adapter connected to a synchronous modem or Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU). With the Barr SYNC adapter, BARR/RJE can communicate at up to T1 (1.54 megabits per second [Mbps]) or E1 (2 Mbps) speeds.

802.2 Network Version – The BARR/RJE 802.2 version connects to the mainframe via a 4 or 16 Mbps 802.2 LLC network. The mainframe connection to the 802.2 network is through the Token Ring Interface Coupler (TIC) installed in the 3725 or 3745 front-end processor (FEP) or 3174 controller. The PC connection to the 802.2 network is through a token ring adapter.

Coax Version – The BARR/RJE Coax version uses a COAX adapter and coaxial cable to connect to a mainframe or cluster controller. The COAX adapter supports DFT (up to 5 sessions) and 3299 (up to 40 sessions) protocols. You can locally or remotely attach the controller to the host.

Simultaneous Sending and Receiving with DATMODE=FULL – BARR/RJE operates at true full duplex; that is, it sends and receives files simultaneously. Full duplex nearly doubles throughput when the software sends data in both directions. Full-duplex communication is achieved by configuring communications devices for DUPLEX=FULL and setting the VTAM parameter DATMODE=FULL. Most other SNA products operate at half duplex, even though dedicated lines and many dial-up modems (for example, V.32) are set for full duplex.

Although you might only need to transfer files in one direction, responses must flow in the other direction too. With half duplex, receiving pauses while responses are sent. With full duplex, you can send responses without delay. For one-way file transfer, full duplex can increase throughput by up to 20 percent.

Satellite Communications – On a satellite link, turnaround delays are long because of the distance the signal must travel between the satellite and Earth. (Signals travel at the speed of light.) Full duplex eliminates line-turnaround delays and might increase throughput as much as 150 percent.

Satellite communications require radio waves to travel 50,000 miles from Earth, to the satellite, and back to earth. (Signals travel at the speed of light, which is 186,000 miles per second.) Because of this distance and typical ground delays of 0.1 second, a 0.8-second delay is introduced between sending a frame of data and receiving an acknowledgment.

BARR/RJE supports both modulo 8 and modulo 128 SDLC counts. With modulo 8, the standard for other packages, software can send only seven frames before it requires an acknowledgment. Seven frames will not fill the 0.8 second satellite delay. Modulo 128 removes this barrier because BARR/RJE can exceed seven frames with modulo 128.

Multiple Logical Units (Multiple Sessions) – BARR/RJE supports Multiple Logical Units, which means the software sends and receives data concurrently on multiple devices. For example, you can issue commands from the console and send files from disk while you receive output to the printer.

Older communications protocols that support only a Single Logical Unit (also supported by BARR/RJE) are less efficient when transferring data. They do not allow you to send a job to the host while you receive print output.

Support for Dial-Up or Dedicated Lines – BARR/RJE works equally well on a dial-up (switched) or dedicated (non-switched) line.

Transparent Transmission – Transparent transmission ensures that all possible 8-bit codes transmit as data. BARR/RJE sends or receives a file of any type or format, even if it contains control codes. Unrestricted data coding is particularly useful for sending binary data, floating point numbers, packed-decimal data, unique specialized codes, or machine language programs.

Other communication protocols restrict assigning certain 8-bit codes to the communication protocol’s control functions. This causes problems when data being sent contains the same codes as the communications control codes.

Character Set Conversion – The RJE environment uses EBCDIC coding while much of the computer industry uses ASCII coding. BARR/RJE converts data between these character sets.

This feature is ideal for data transfer from PCs to the mainframe. You can also use it when you input data from minicomputers and transfer it to the mainframe via BARR/RJE.

Communications Statistics – BARR/RJE maintains statistics on the number of data blocks sent and received and communications errors encountered. You can view these statistics on screen during software operation.

4.5 Diagnostic Features

Built-in diagnostic tools help you and Barr Technical Support resolve communication problems.

Detailed Error Messages – BARR/RJE displays error messages on the PC screen with self-explanatory text. You do not need to look up the meaning of an error reference number.

Barr Communication Scope and Status Line – The first two lines on the BARR/RJE Operation screen display detailed information about the communications activity and the current status of all devices.

The Communication Scope on the first line is a unique BARR/RJE product feature. It displays the type of blocks sent and received during the last 40 communications events. The Communication Scope has a function similar to a communications line monitor. You can resolve most low-level communications problems by examining the Communication Scope.

The Status Line on the second line displays the status of printers, disks, and serial ports.

Loopback Diagnostic Program – The loopback testing program is an important tool you can use to verify correct operation of the Barr synchronous communications adapter, the modem cable, and the modem.

4.6 Optional Features

You can extend BARR/RJE with optional add-on products for specialized applications. These products are integrated with BARR/RJE operation for your convenience. Several product options are outlined below. Contact Barr Systems for a copy of the latest product catalog, which contains a complete listing of Barr SNA products, product options, and prices.

RJE+3270 – You can extend BARR/RJE to include up to four 3270 sessions. Both 3270 terminal emulation and printer emulation are supported. You can use the RJE+3270 option for simultaneous RJE file transfer, RJE printing, 3270 interactive communication, and 3270 printing. You can also order BARR/3270 as a standalone product.

Tape Support – The BARR/TAPE software enhancement supports file transfer using industry-standard, nine-track (6250 bpi) tape drives or 18-track (3480, 3490, and 3490E) or 36-track (3490E) cartridge tape drives.

When you purchase the BARR/TAPE option, it comes fully integrated in the BARR/RJE software. BARR/TAPE supports the following applications:

Advanced File Transfer – BARR/RJE offers other file transfer applications besides transferring 80-character records.

The BARR/TRAN option supports file transfer between the MVS mainframe and PC environments in a variety of data formats and record sizes. Your BARR/RJE package includes BARR/TRAN.

BARR/RJE also supports PC-to-PC file transfer when two PCs run the Barr software.

See Chapter 26 for more information about these applications.

S/370 Channel-Attached Printer Support – The PRINT370 option drives S/370 channel-attached printers at their maximum speeds from a PC. PRINT370 includes an S/370 channel emulator adapter you install in the PC with BARR/RJE. You can attach up to six S/370 channel-attached printers to the adapter with a Bus and Tag cable.

PRINT370 also supports IBM’s Advanced Function Printing (AFP) and the Xerox Printer Access Facility (XPAF).

The PRINT370 option supports these S/370 printers:

The PRINT370 option supports these AFP printers:

* A special IBM 3820 software version is available at no additional charge.

The PRINT370 option supports these computer output microfiche devices:

Dataproducts Printer Interface Support – The Dataproducts Interface, which originated with the Dataproducts Corporation, drives high-speed printers and typesetting equipment. Barr Systems offers the BARR/DPI adapter for attaching a PC to a printer with the Dataproducts interface.

Because BARR/DPI appears as a parallel printer adapter (LPT1, LPT2, LPT3) to the PC, all software used with these ports functions with BARR/DPI. The BARR/DPI adapter is completely compatible with BIOS and DOS.

BARR/PRINT for LAT – You can share printing resources with your IBM mainframe and DEC VAX/VMS computers. The BARR/PRINT for LAT option allows your PC to accept VAX/VMS print output over Ethernet with the Local Area Transport (LAT) protocol. This option supports up to eight LAT print sessions.

BARR/PRINT for TCP/IP – You can share printing resources with your IBM mainframe and UNIX-based computers. BARR/PRINT for TCP/IP allows your PC to receive print output from UNIX hosts via Ethernet with TCP/IP. This option supports up to eight print queues with BSD 4.3 hosts or up to four print queues with System V hosts.

PRINT/TWINAX – You can share printing resources with your IBM mainframe, AS/400, and S/3X systems. PRINT/TWINAX allows you to print to PC-attached printers from your midrange system. This option supports up to 12 print sessions from one or two midrange systems. Each session can emulate a 5225, 5219, 5256, or 3812 (in 5219 mode) printer.