Cabletron Systems SmartSwitch manual SAP Service Advertising Protocol

Chapter 16: IPX Routing Configuration Guide

this information is immediately broadcast to any neighboring routers. Routers also send periodic RIP broadcast packets containing all routing information known to the router.

The SSR uses IPX RIP to create and maintain a database of internetwork routing information. The SSR's implementation of RIP allows the following exchanges of information:

•Workstations locate the fastest route to a network number by broadcasting a route request.

•Routers request routing information from other routers to update their own internal tables by broadcasting a route request.

•Routers respond to route requests from workstations and other routers.

•Routers perform periodic broadcasts to make sure that all other routers are aware of the internetwork configuration.

•Routers perform broadcasting whenever they detect a change in the internetwork configurations.

SSR's RIP implementation follows the guidelines given in Novell's IPX RIP and SAP Router Specification Version 1.30 document.

SAP (Service Advertising Protocol)

SAP provides routers with a means of exchanging internetwork service information. Through SAP, servers advertise their services and addresses. Routers gather this information and share it with other routers. This allows routers to create and dynamically maintain a database of internetwork service information. SAP allows a router to exchange information with a neighboring SAP agent. As a router becomes aware of any change in the internetwork server layout, this information is immediately broadcast to any neighboring SAP agents. SAP broadcast packets containing all server information known to the router are also sent periodically.

The SSR uses IPX SAP to create and maintain a database of internetwork service information. The SSR’s implementation of SAP allows the following exchanges of information:

•Workstations locate the name and address of the nearest server of certain type

•Routers request the names and addresses of either all or certain type of servers

•Servers respond to the workstation’s or router’s request

•Routers make periodic broadcasts to make sure all other routers are aware of the internetwork configuration

•Routers perform broadcasting whenever they detect a change in the internetwork configurations

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