STP Overview and Planning Considerations

This overview will provide you with an introduction to Server Time Protocol (STP). The Server Time Protocol feature is designed to provide the capability for multiple servers and Coupling Facilities to maintain time synchronization with each other, without requiring a Sysplex Timer.

Server Time Protocol is a server-wide facility that is implemented in the Licensed Internal Code (LIC) of servers and CFs and presents a single view of time to PR/SM. STP uses a message-based protocol in which timekeeping information is passed over externally defined Coupling Links. These can be the same links that already are being used in a Parallel Sysplex for Coupling Facility (CF) message communication.

Server Time Protocol requires a considerable amount of planning prior to implementation. Time spent understanding the planning issues will ensure a much smoother transition to STP. It's imperative that clients understand how the new timing network can affect their configuration plans and their budget.

This presentation provides the information needed to prepare the computing environment for Server Time Protocol. Sample nondisruptive migration scenarios are provided.

Tracks: Enterprise Data Center Management and z/OS Systems Programming