TCP/IP Support for Universal Link
Reliable, secure TCP/IP connectivity for high-volume data exchange between IBM mainframes and distributed systems — with scheduling, unattended operation, monitoring, and integration with enterprise security (RACF / ACF2 / Top Secret).
Overview
Universal Link supports TCP/IP transport for host↔remote communications alongside SNA (LU6.2 / LU1) and non-BTAM bisync options. TCP/IP enables flexible integration with PCs, servers, and other mainframes over IP networks, on-prem or across WAN links.
- Inbound and outbound transfers with host- or remote-initiated sessions
- Scheduling windows for controlled throughput and maintenance periods
- Unattended operation via autodial/autoanswer workflows
- Comprehensive monitoring and audit reporting
Capabilities
- Two-way file transfer for EDI, EFT/ACH, POS polling, and RJE workloads
- Automatic EBCDIC ↔ ASCII translation for mainframe↔PC interoperability
- Support for large record sizes (up to 4,096 bytes)
- Error recovery/restart for robust long-running transmissions
- Broadcast to multiple remotes without duplicating input data
For LU6.2/LU1 and non-BTAM bisync details, see Features and Non-BTAM Bisync.
Security & Controls
- Mainframe-controlled sessions with user ID/password verification
- Integration with RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret
- Configurable user exits to invoke external programs during key events
- Audit trails and transmission reports for compliance needs
Operations
- Policy-based scheduling and time-window transfer control
- Automated, unattended transfers (host or remote initiated)
- Multi-line operation (200+ leased or switched lines)
- Centralized monitoring for throughput, errors, and completion status
Compatibility
Universal Link is designed for MVS and VSE environments and maintains release independence across supported mainframe versions.
Need protocol specifics or configuration guidance? Contact us and we’ll align settings with your site standards.