Chapter 6; Ipx Configuration; Ipx Network Environment; Network And Node Number - ZyXEL Communications Prestige 641 User Manual

Adsl internet access router

Table of Contents

6.1

Novell bundles the protocol stack, the server software and routing functionality in their NetWare server

products, so a NetWare server is not only a file or print server, it is also a router.

Every IPX machine has a network number and a node number, together they form the complete address of

the machine. The IPX network number is a 32-bit quantity and is usually expressed in 8 hexadecimal

digits, e.g., 0893A8CF. The host number is a 48-bit quantity and usually is taken from the MAC (Media

Access Control) address of the Ethernet hardware, so you don't have to explicitly configure the node

number.

An IPX client obtains its network number from a server that has the network numbers statically configured.

If there are multiple servers on a network, only one server need to have the network numbers configured

and all other stations (clients and servers) can obtain the network numbers from it. The server with

configured network numbers is called a seed router.

If you have a NetWare server on the same LAN as the Prestige 641, we recommend that you set up a

NetWare server as a seed router. Even though the Prestige 641 is capable as a seed router, a NetWare

server offers a much more extensive facility for network management.

IPX can run on top of four different frame types on the Ethernet. These frame types are 802.2, 802.3,

Ethernet II (DIX), and SNAP (Sub-Network Access Protocol). Each frame type is a separate logical

network, even though they exist on one physical cable (see the following diagram).

Although there are four frame types available on the Ethernet, you should configure as few frame types as

possible on your NetWare server and use automatic frame detection on the clients to simplify management

and to reduce network overhead.

Prestige 641 ADSL Internet Access Router

This chapter shows you how to configure the

IPX parameters of the Prestige 641.

IPX Configuration

Chapter 6

6-1

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