This appendix describes the possibilities of conversion from FICON channel connectivity to ESCON or connectivity to Bus and Tag (B/T) devices (parallel channel). An ESCON channel feature is not supported on any marketable IBM mainframes.

This appendix includes the following sections:

The following are the available solutions for channel conversion.

FICON to ESCON conversion

Prizm Protocol Convert from Optica Technologies Inc. provides a FICON-to-ESCON conversion function that has been qualified for use with IBM Z. To view qualification letters, see the IBM Z I/O Connectivity web page:

Select the Products tab, then FICON / FCP Connectivity. Scroll down to the “other supported devices” area on the web page.

The Optica Prizm converter can be implemented in point-to-point, switched, and cascaded FICON configurations as shown in Figure D-1.

Also, for IBM Z platforms that still require connectivity to B/T devices, a combination of two Optica converters can be used: The Optica Prizm to convert FICON to ESCON and the Optica ESBT to convert ESCON to B/T that is operating for devices in block mode only, as shown in the Figure D-2.

For more information about Prizm Protocol Convert, see the Optica website:

IBM Facilities Cabling Services ESCON-to-FICON migration services can help you take advantage of high-speed FICON to support an upgraded IBM Z environment. Also, it is possible to keep using ESCON-attached devices to reduce migration costs.