What Is the Difference between APPC and APPN®?

APPC is a communications protocol that enables programs on different computers to talk to each other. APPC provides the interface between the programs and the networking hardware and software and defines the rules that programs use to exchange information.

Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking® (APPN®) is the underlying networking protocol that routes APPC traffic through intermediate nodes in the network. For instance, when Program A uses APPC to talk to Program B, APPN® finds the node where Program B is located and directs the APPC traffic through the network.

APPN® includes several features that help reduce the amount of configuration required to set up and maintain a network. These features automate many tasks that are time-consuming, complicated, and error-prone. For example, if you're installing a new workstation that uses APPN®, you don't have to set up configuration information for every workstation you want to communicate with. You simply provide the name of the computer and the address of the intermediate node that handles your traffic. APPN® takes care of the rest of the information needed to route APPC traffic to and from your workstation.

If you connect to an APPN® network, you simplify your own configuration and make it easier for other computers in the network to find you.