book.AnyNet® is an IBM® implementation of the Multiprotocol Transport Networking (MPTN) architecture, such as AnyNet/2 and AnyNet/Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS™). AnyNet capability allows applications and associated services that use application programming interfaces, such as sockets, intersystem communications function (ICF), or CPI Communications, the flexibility to use alternative network protocols, such as Systems Network Architecture (SNA) or TCP/IP. AnyNet is a family of products that allow applications that are written for one type of network protocol to run over a different type of network protocol. For example, without AnyNet, your choice of application programming interface (API) dictates your choice of network protocol, or your choice of network protocol dictates your choice of APIs.
AnyNet allows you to mix and match applications with network protocols. In fact, you can do this without changing your application programs. Your destination address (such as a remote location) determines the type of network protocol to use.
This support converts TCP/IP addresses to SNA addresses that are based on tables that are configured by the network administrator. Programs supported include File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), PING, and user-written sockets programs over SNA.
This support allows programs that are written to traditional APPC APIs (such as ICF, CPI-Communications, and CICS/400®) to be run over non-APPC networks. The application program uses Location names to specify the source and destination address. A TCP/IP domain name server converts these location names to IP addresses. Programs supported include distributed data management (DDM), Distributed Relational Database Architecture™ (DRDA®), SNA distribution services (SNADS), display station pass-through, iSeries™ Access for Windows®, user-written CPI-Communications programs, and user-written ICF programs over TCP/IP.
For more information about AnyNet, see: