Inbound workload queuing for OSA OSA-Express3 introduced inbound workload queuing (IWQ), which creates multiple input  queues and allows OSA to differentiate workloads “off the wire.” It then assigns work to a  specific input queue (per device) to z/OS. Each input queue is a unique type of workload, and includes unique service and processing  requirements. The IWQ function allows z/OS to preassign the appropriate processing  resources for each input queue. This approach allows multiple concurrent z/OS processing  threads to process each unique input queue (workload), which avoids traditional resource  contention.  IWQ reduces the conventional z/OS processing that is required to identify and separate  unique workloads. This advantage results in improved overall system performance and  scalability. A primary objective of IWQ is to provide improved performance for business-critical  interactive workloads by reducing contention that is created by other types of workloads. In a  heavily mixed workload environment, this “off the  wire” network traffic separation is provided  by OSA-Express6S, OSA-Express5S, or OSA-Express4S$^{11}$ features that are defined as  CHPID type OSD. OSA IWQ is shown in Figure 7-5. The following types of z/OS workloads are identified and assigned to unique input queues: Network traffic that is associated with a distributed virtual Internet Protocol address (VIPA)  is assigned to a unique input queue. This configuration allows the Sysplex Distributor  traffic to be immediately distributed to the target host. Network traffic that is dynamically associated with a streaming (bulk data) TCP connection  is assigned to a unique input queue. This configuration allows the bulk data processing to  be assigned the appropriate resources and isolated from critical interactive workloads. IWQ for the OSA-Express features is enhanced to differentiate and separate inbound  Enterprise Extender traffic to a dedicated input queue. Figure 7-5 OSA inbound workload queuing GLYPH<SM590000> z/OS Sysplex Distributor traffic GLYPH<SM590000> z/OS bulk data traffic GLYPH<SM590000> EE (Enterprise Extender / SNA traffic) 11 Only OSA-Express4S GBitEthernet SX and LX cards are supported on z14 ZR1 as carry forward. Chapter 7. Operating system support  263