Name: KNET
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What does KNET do?

Accepted Answer

KNET was a TCP/IP stack designed for IBM's z/VM and z/OS mainframe operating systems. It provided networking capabilities, allowing mainframes to communicate using the TCP/IP protocol suite. It also included hardware to enable PC access to mainframes.

Question 2

Is this a system, application, or tool?

Accepted Answer

KNET is best described as a system, providing a full TCP/IP stack for mainframe environments. It includes applications like FTP, Telnet, SMTP, and NFS, making it a comprehensive networking solution. It also included hardware components.

Question 3

What types of organizations used this?

Accepted Answer

Organizations that previously relied on KNET were those operating IBM mainframe systems (z/VM and z/OS) and needing TCP/IP networking capabilities. These organizations typically included large enterprises in industries like banking, finance, insurance, and government. They needed to connect their mainframes to TCP/IP networks.

Question 4

When should we consider KNET?

Accepted Answer

KNET is no longer supported, so it is not recommended for new deployments. Organizations still using KNET should migrate to a supported TCP/IP stack for z/VM or z/OS. Consider migration if you are still running KNET.

Question 5

What are the alternatives to KNET?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives to KNET include IBM TCP/IP for z/OS, and other third-party TCP/IP stacks designed for mainframe environments. These alternatives provide similar networking capabilities and are actively supported.

Question 6

What infrastructure is required?

Accepted Answer

KNET ran on IBM z/VM and z/OS mainframe operating systems. It required the base operating system to be installed and configured. It also utilized specific hardware, such as the K200 Ethernet controller and K3000 network controller, for PC connectivity.

Question 7

Is this a standalone product or does it extend another product?

Accepted Answer

KNET operated as a standalone TCP/IP stack within the z/VM or z/OS environment. It provided its own implementation of TCP/IP protocols and services. It did not require or extend any specific IBM TCP/IP product.

Question 8

What are the main system components?

Accepted Answer

KNET included components such as FTP, Telnet, SMTP, and NFS servers and clients. These components communicated using standard TCP/IP protocols. Configuration files defined network settings, user access, and service parameters.

Question 9

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

Accepted Answer

KNET used configuration files to manage network settings, user accounts, and service parameters. The exact format and location of these files are specific to KNET. Command-line utilities were used for administration and monitoring.

Question 10

What business problem did it solve?

Accepted Answer

KNET provided TCP/IP connectivity for mainframe systems, enabling them to participate in modern networks. This allowed organizations to integrate mainframe applications with distributed systems, web services, and other TCP/IP-based resources. It also enabled file transfer, remote access, and email services.

Question 11

What would happen if an organization did NOT use this product?

Accepted Answer

Without a TCP/IP stack like KNET, mainframe systems would be isolated from modern networks. This would prevent them from communicating with other systems, accessing web services, or participating in distributed applications. Data transfer and remote access would be severely limited.

Question 12

What is the business value of KNET?

Accepted Answer

KNET allowed organizations to leverage their existing mainframe investments by providing TCP/IP connectivity. This enabled them to integrate mainframe applications with newer technologies and extend the life of their mainframe systems. It also provided a cost-effective way to enable PC access to mainframe resources.

Question 13

How does KNET provide security?

Accepted Answer

KNET provided security features such as user authentication and access control. It supported various authentication methods, including username/password and potentially integration with mainframe security systems. Access control lists (ACLs) were used to restrict access to resources.

Question 14

Does KNET integrate with mainframe security systems?

Accepted Answer

KNET likely integrated with mainframe security systems such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret for user authentication and authorization. This allowed organizations to leverage their existing security infrastructure to manage access to KNET resources. Specific integration methods would depend on the mainframe security system in use.

Question 15

What auditing/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

KNET provided logging capabilities to track network activity, user access, and system events. These logs could be used for auditing and security monitoring. The logs could be configured to capture specific events and stored in a secure location.

Question 16

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Accepted Answer

KNET required ongoing operational tasks such as monitoring network performance, managing user accounts, and applying security patches. Regular maintenance was needed to ensure the stability and security of the TCP/IP stack. Skilled mainframe system programmers were required to manage KNET.

Question 17

How is KNET typically deployed?

Accepted Answer

KNET was typically deployed on-premise, within the organization's data center. It required dedicated mainframe resources and network infrastructure. The deployment process involved installing the KNET software, configuring network settings, and integrating with existing systems.

Question 18

What are common implementation challenges?

Accepted Answer

Implementing KNET required expertise in mainframe systems, TCP/IP networking, and security. Common challenges included configuring network settings, resolving compatibility issues, and integrating with existing security systems. Careful planning and testing were essential for a successful implementation.

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KNET

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What does KNET do?

Is this a system, application, or tool?

What types of organizations used this?

When should we consider KNET?

What are the alternatives to KNET?

What infrastructure is required?

Is this a standalone product or does it extend another product?

What are the main system components?

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

What business problem did it solve?

What would happen if an organization did NOT use this product?

What is the business value of KNET?

How does KNET provide security?

Does KNET integrate with mainframe security systems?

What auditing/logging capabilities exist?

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

How is KNET typically deployed?

What are common implementation challenges?

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