Abstract: Input/output (I/O) communications subadapters, such as subchannels, of an I/O subsystem are dedicated to components, such as I/O devices, of the I/O subsystem. The subadapters provide information about the associated components, in response to the execution of I/O instructions. To enhance I/O connectivity, a plurality of sets of I/O subadapters is provided to an operating system image. This allows programs of the operating system image to access a same component via different sets of I/O communications subadapters. Further, it enables an operating system image to use more than 64k subchannels.

Abstract: Configuring of a communications environment is facilitated. A mapping tool is provided that aids in the configuring of various components of a communications environment, such as an input/output (I/O) subsystem of the environment. Data generated from an order process and a logical configuration definition are used as input to the mapping tool. The tool performs mapping and generates as output a physical configuration definition, and optionally, one or more reports. The mapping tool has a manual function, as well as an automatic function.