Configuring OptiConnect

 

You can use either the fast path method or the extended function path method to route data requests through OptiConnect. The fast path method provides faster communication, but it does not support two-phase commit as the extended function path method does.

Any i5/OS^® applications that are written to use distributed data management (DDM) can use OptiConnect. This applies to both new and existing applications. Many applications that use an i5/OS database can transparently use DDM without changes to the applications. OptiConnect uses the same mechanism as traditional DDM, where the DDM file controls access to a database. Applications that use OptiConnect DDM to access a database can also use traditional Advanced Program-to-Program Communication (APPC) DDM to access another database at the same time.

The fast path method for routing data requests through OptiConnect involves specifying a special keyword in the DDM file. If you use the fast path method, OptiConnect agent jobs start in the OptiConnect connection manager and run in the QSOC subsystem. These jobs follow the OptiConnect job naming convention. The fast path method is the faster means of communications because of a shorter code path, but it does not support two-phase commit protocols.

If you use the extended function path method, OptiConnect agent jobs are started by the APPC attach manager and run in the QCMN subsystem. These jobs follow the standard DDM naming conventions for communication jobs. The extended function path method supports two-phase commit protocols.

• Configuring fast path routing
  If you want fast communication, you can configure OptiConnect fast path routing. However, the fast path method does not support two-phase commit.

• Configuring extended function path routing
  You configure OptiConnect extended function path routing for two-phase commit and some Lotus^® Domino^® applications.

• Customizing OptiConnect
  Depending on your needs, you can route Systems Network Architecture distribution services (SNADS) over OptiConnect or change the job description for the agent jobs.

• Advanced OptiConnect customization
  OptiConnect provides several advanced customization functions.

• Configuring TCP/IP over OptiConnect
  This function allows applications that use TCP/IP to communicate over OptiConnect. Applications must run in a System i cluster with the HSL, Virtual, or SPD OptiConnect environment. Applications that are distributed across multiple systems can take advantage of the high bandwidth and the low latency of OptiConnect.

 

Parent topic:

OptiConnect

Related concepts
Distributed data management

Related tasks
Basic troubleshooting procedure