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Status Future consideration
Workspace z/OS
Categories Communications Server
Created by Guest
Created on Mar 5, 2026

RELATED IDEAS

Enable Sysplex Distributor traffic draining (Disable/Quiesce) for zCX EXTTRG targets

Description

In environments using IBM z/OS Container Extensions together with Sysplex Distributor, zCX instances are commonly exposed as TCP targets so that inbound traffic can be distributed across multiple zCX environments running on different LPARs within the same sysplex.

Currently, zCX targets are classified as EXTTRG within Sysplex Distributor. Due to this classification, it is not possible to apply traffic management commands such as Deactivate or Quiesce to these targets.

 

Problem Statement

When maintenance or restart activities are required on a zCX instance, administrators need a way to:

  • stop accepting new inbound connections
  • allow existing connections and in-flight requests to complete
  • perform a graceful shutdown of the zCX environment

Because EXTTRG targets cannot be disabled or quiesced, Sysplex Distributor may continue routing new connections to the zCX instance that is about to be stopped.

This makes it difficult to perform controlled maintenance activities and increases the risk of connection interruptions or failed requests.

 

Current Workaround

The only available option today is to stop the zCX instance or the services running inside it while traffic may still be routed to the target. This approach does not allow for proper traffic draining and may cause disruptions for incoming requests.

 

Requested Enhancement

Provide the ability to apply traffic management controls (Deactivate, Quiesce, or equivalent) to zCX targets registered as EXTTRG in Sysplex Distributor.

This would allow administrators to temporarily prevent new traffic from being routed to a specific zCX instance while allowing existing sessions to complete before shutdown.

Alternatively, introduce a dedicated mechanism to support traffic draining for zCX instances integrated with Sysplex Distributor.

 

Expected Benefits

  • Enable graceful shutdown procedures for zCX instances
  • Support rolling maintenance scenarios in multi-zCX deployments
  • Reduce the risk of service disruption during maintenance activities
  • Improve operational integration between zCX workloads and Sysplex Distributor
Idea priority Urgent

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