Attributes for Transport Files

File attributes describe the organization and format of the data in the transport file that is transferred to a target machine. A transport file must have these attribute values:

Logical record length (LRECL)	80
Block size (BLKSIZE)	8000 bytes
Record format (RECFM)	Fixed block

Note  

In some cases, a Block Size value of less than 8000 bytes might be more efficient for your storage device. The Block Size value must be an exact multiple of the Logical Record Length value.

Caution  

For z/OS only you must specify a Block Size that is 80 or a multiple of 80, for example, 160, 240, 320.

Although not required, file attributes can be set for all other source machines. How file attributes are declared depends on the source machine that the transport file is created on and the transfer method used.

In addition, you must specify file attributes for files in operating environments that require them by using the communications software protocol. For example, if you transfer a transport file from a UNIX operating environment to a z/OS operating environment, you must specify file attributes through the communications software.

Besides setting file attributes for those operating environments that require it, be sure that your communications software does not alter the default file attribute settings for any operating environment.

Alternatively, in order to transfer a transport file from a source machine to tape and then from tape to disk at the target machine, you use operating environment-specific commands that define the input and output devices for the operating environments involved in the transfer.

After the transport file is created, it must then be transferred to the target machine either across the network or by means of a mountable magnetic medium such as a floppy disk or a tape.

For details about setting file attributes or using tape commands for these operating environments, see the appropriate topic:

• Chapter 7, "OpenVMS Operating Environment," on page 45

• Chapter 8, "z/OS Operating Environment," on page 51

• Chapter 9, "UNIX Operating Environment," on page 55

• Chapter 10, "Windows Operating Environment," on page 59

File attributes that are set incorrectly can corrupt or invalidate a transport file.