University Computer Help Desk

Configuring tn3270 for access to the mainframe

Configure tn3270 to access the mainframe at Illinois State University.

Before You Begin

To connect to the mainframe at Illinois State University, you must use a secure 3270 client. You can download tn3270 for Mac OS X from the Help Desk website. This client is preconfigured to connect to the mainframe.

Before using tn3270 to connect to the mainframe from off campus, you must establish a VPN connection using either the Cisco VPN client or Network Connect in WebVPN. For more information, refer to 1119: Connecting with Cisco VPN Client for Mac OS X or 1322: How to use Network Connect in WebVPN. 

For more information on the mainframe, refer to 1237: Overview of the mainframe.

Configure tn3270

Because tn3270 is preconfigured with the University's mainframe settings, it is not normally necessary to configure it yourself. However, if the need arises, you can configure tn3270 for access to the mainframe by following the instructions below.

To configure tn3270 to access the mainframe at Illinois State, do the following:

  1. Launch tn3270. To do this, double-click Macintosh Hard Drive > Applications > TN3270 > tn3270 x.
    • A new connection window will open by default.
  2. Enter mvs.cmp.ilstu.edu in the box labeled, Host Name:.
  3. Enter ISU Mainframe in the box labeled, Window Title:.
  4. Click Special.
  5. Enter 992 in the box labeled, Port number:.
  6. Select SSL next to Security:.
  7. Click the drop-down menu under SSL and select SSL 3.0 Preferred.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Click Open Connection.
    • tn3270 will connect to the mainframe. If you are off campus, make sure you connect to VPN first.
  10. Click File > Save Default Settings....
  11. Click OK when you are asked, Save the settings for "ISU Mainframe" (mvs.cmp.ilstu.edu) as the defaults?

tn3270 is now configured to connect to the mainframe.

Connecting with tn3270

To connect to the mainframe with tn3270, do the following:

  1. Launch tn3270. To do this, double-click Macintosh Hard Drive > Applications > TN3270 > tn3270 x.
    • A new connection window will open by default. If you completed the configuration instructions above, this window will contain the proper settings for connecting to the mainframe.
  2. Click Open Connection.

Article Information

  • Article ID: 1575
  • Last Review: Oct 29, 2009
  • Type: Instructions

Print this articleEmail this articleShare this article on Facebook

Article Feedback