Exercise 2.1: Configuring a connection to an iSeries system

When you first open the Remote System Explorer, you are not connected to any system except your local hard drive on your workstation. To connect to a remote iSeries system, you need to define a connection. When you define a connection, you specify the name or IP address of the remote system and you give your connection a unique name that acts as a label in your workspace so that you can easily connect and disconnect. When you connect to the iSeries system, the workbench prompts you for your user ID and password on that host.

The first time you connect to an iSeries system, you need to specify a profile. All connections, filters, and filter pools belong to profiles. Filters are described in a later exercise. Profiles are discussed when you create your first connection.

Ok, let's get started. Remember you have already opened the Remote System Explorer perspective in the previous module.

  1. In the Remote Systems view, New Connection is automatically expanded to show the various remote systems types you can connect to through the Remote System Explorer.
    Configure a connection
    Click the plus sign + beside iSeries to configure a connection to an iSeries system.

    The Name personal profile page opens.
    Name personal profile

  2. Click Next to accept the default value.

    The profile defaults to the name of the workstation. Your profile will be different from the one shown here.

    The Remote iSeries System Connection page opens.
    Connection information page

    On this second page you specify the information for your connection. The cursor on this page is positioned in the Host Name field.

  3. In the Host name field, type the IP address or the name of your host system.

    The Connection name is automatically filled with the host name. Leave it this way. This name displays in your Remote Systems view and must be unique to the profile.

  4. Leave the Parent profile default value. You don't need to change it.
  5. Leave the Verify host name check box selected.
  6. Click Finish to define your system.

You have configured a connection and now you are ready to begin Exercise 2.2: Connecting to an iSeries system.