6. Multi-Tier Web System Set up

A Multi-Tier installation involves the installation of LANSA software on a Data/Application Server and a Web Server.

A Mixed Multi-Tier installation involves the installation of LANSA software on an IBM i Data/Application Server for example, and a Windows Web Server or a combination as shown:

The link between your IIS-based Web Server and your Data/Application Server (where the LANSA system runs) is provided by the LANSA Web IIS Plug-in, giving you a platform-independent solution for the multi-tier deployment model.

The LANSA Web IIS Plug-in extends Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS) Web server using the ISAPI technology.

The data transfer between the Web Server and the Data/Application Server is implemented as a Communications Extension connection using a LANSA Listener Job running on the Data/Application Server.

The components of a multi-tier system are:

Browser

Builds the client side front-end and displays the generated Web Pages.

Web Server

Runs the Web Server services. Must support the ISAPI technology (e.g. Microsoft Internet Information Server).

LANSA Web IIS Plug-in

The LANSA Web IIS Plug-in is the component used to build the link between the Web Server and the Data/Application Server.

LANSA Web Administrator (Local Configuration) is used for the connection to the Data/Application Server.

LANSA Communications Administrator is used for the TCP/IP settings for the communications layer.

Data/Application Server

The Data/Application Server is the back-end system generally hosting LANSA for i or Visual LANSA with LANSA Web enabled.

 

6.1 Before you Begin Checklist