Local AS400 Connectivity
There are numerous ways to give your users access to your locally attached AS400.
5250 Twinax Terminal
The traditional way for end users to access an AS400 has been with a 5250 Twinax terminal (also referred to as a dumb terminal). Twinax terminals are usually low cost devices and are ideal if all your user requires is a green screen.
Benefits:
- Works with any Twinax 5250 host including the S/36
- Low cost
- Virtually maintenance free
- Comes with a 122 keyboard option
Drawbacks:
- Does not have the functionality of PCs (Word, Excel, email, etc)
- Requires Twinax, will not work with newer iSeries models that do not have a Twinax port
Emulation Board
Twinax emulation boards are cards that install in your PC (usually in the PCI slot) to give you access to your AS400. They include a Twinax pigtail which you can connect to Twinax or to a twisted pair balun to connect back to your AS400. Most support Win 9x/NT/200/Me/XP. For Vista support use Compumaster or NLynx as those are the only two that currently support Vista.
Benefits:
- Your user has the benefits of having all the functionality of a PC and AS400 screens on the same device
- Saves desktop space
- Maintains Windows functionality
- File transfer software can be added
- 122 keyboard support
Drawbacks:
- Requires Twinax, will not work with newer iSeries models that do not have a Twinax port
TCP/IP Software
Provides Windows and Citrix users on the TCP/IP or Twinax network with 5250e emulation, native AS400 file transfer, and network printing.
Benefits:
- Your user has the benefits of having all the functionality of a PC and AS400 screens on the same device
- Saves desktop space
- Maintains Windows functionality
- Easy to install, no hardware is involved
- Does not require Twinax host
- File transfer for the AS400 is included
Ethernet Terminals and Thin Clients
A good alternative to Twinax terminals is thin clients. With thin clients you can have all the functionality of a 5250 Twinax terminal, with the added benefits of PC functionality. For more information on thin clients click here.
