Abstract: Enhanced directory services for large and complex compound WAN/LAN networks includes the use of resource triplet identifications including the resource identification, the identification of the domain in which the resource resides, and the identification of the access node connecting the resource to the compound network. The creation and storage of these identification triplets are automatically initiated as new resources are added to the compound network. Features include the deliberate corruption or modification of triplet identifications to allow prior art directory services to access resources in foreign networks, and the use of these corrupted vectors (as well as the contents of the WAN network topology data base) to allow route selection regardless of the size or complexity of the WAN/LAN network.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting subarea SNA (systems network architecture) peripheral nodes into an APPN (Advanced Peer-to-Peer Network) network such that the peripheral nodes can function in the APPN network without upgrades to their existing software. This method also also enhances the manageability of the peripheral nodes by allowing the representation of the PU (physical unit) to reside in the peripheral node.