Configuring Ports
Purpose
Ports are a fundamental requirement for communicating by means of the IDoc Interface. At least one port must exist for each external system. The figure below shows how IDocs are sent to two subsystems using three ports.
Using the port version, you inform the SAP System of the release status of the receiving system. For more information, see
Communication with Older Releases/Subsystems.Prerequisites
You must also make settings outside the IDoc Interface so that the port can be used. These settings depend on the required
Port type and are specified in the relevant subsections.Process flow
The process flow depends on the port type. The table below contains application areas and refers to the detail descriptions.
Port type |
Application area |
| File Interface |
Link to most EDI subsystems |
Transactional RFC |
ALE distribution scenarios |
| CPI-C |
Link to R/2 System: Direct communication with an R/2 System (from version 5.0F onwards) is only possible using this port type. |
| Programming Interface (PI) |
The IDoc is not exchanged with an external system but rather with a function module you have written. This means that any dispatch type can be used. |
| XML |
E-commerce |