IBM 3174 Introduction

Chapter 1. Introducing the 3174 Establishment Controller
The IBM 3174 Establishment Controller is part of the IBM 3270 Information Display
System family
of products. The 3270 display family is known and accepted
throughout the computer industry as the standard for end-user-to-host
communication.
It can also be customized for many different display applications.
The 3174 controller is a fundamental component in the 3270 system. It connects
the
personal computers, display stations, printers, and other devices to the host
processor.
It can provide this host connectivity to either an IBM host, an ASCII
host-or to both at once, using a variety of connection methods.
There are many kinds of connectivity: device-to-host, device-to-device,
device-to-controller, and device-to-network.
Some devices are intelligent and can
perform some data processing activities
themselves; some are dependent and
need a
controller to run. Some devices and hosts are geared toward one
communication
protocol, such as ASCII, and others are designed for another
protocol, such as 3270. The 3174 connects them all, providing the necessary
conversions between communication
technologies and managing the networks
involved.
This controller is designed to run constantly, monitor its own performance, accept
upgrades- whether hardware or microcode-easily, and to be flexible about each
customer's unique customizing requirements. The
3174 comes in many different
models and supports a wide variety of features and functions. Figure 1-1 on
page 1-2 provides an overview of the
3174, its attached components, and its place
in the 3270 display system.
Chapter 1. Introducing the 3174 Establishment Controller 1-1

IBM 3174 Specifications

General

Brand	IBM
Model	3174
Category	Controller
Language	English