AppleTalk Setup 11-3

MacIP

When Macintosh computers encapsulate TCP/IP packets in AppleTalk, either because they are on LocalTalk or EtherTalk for administrative reasons, they must use the services of a MacIP gateway. This gateway converts network traffic into the correct format for AppleTalk or IP, depending on the traffic’s destination. Setting up MacIP involves enabling the feature and optionally setting up a range of addresses to be static.

See “IP address serving” on page 9-16for more information on how to set up MacIP and other IP addressing schemes.

AURP

AppleTalk Update-Based Routing Protocol (AURP) allows AppleTalk networks to communicate across an IP network. Your local AppleTalk networks (connected to the Netopia R9100) can exchange data with remote AppleTalk networks that are also connected to an AURP-capable router.

When two networks using AppleTalk communicate with each other through a network based on the Internet Protocol, they are said to be “tunneling” through the IP network. The Netopia R9100 uses AURP to allow your AppleTalk network to tunnel to designated AppleTalk partner networks, as well as to accept connections from remote AppleTalk networks tunneling to your AppleTalk LAN.

Routers and seeding

To configure AppleTalk networks, you must understand the concept of seeding. Seeding is the process by which routers (or more specifically, router ports) agree on what routing information is valid. AppleTalk routers that have been reset, for example, must decide what zones and network numbers are valid before they begin routing. In this case, a router may use the information it has stored or information it receives from another router, depending on how it has been configured.

To help ensure agreement between routers on a network, a seed router is configured with the correct information, and other routers obtain their information from that router when they are turned on or reset.

Routers commonly use one of three types of seeding procedures: hard seeding, soft seeding, and non-seeding.

Hard seeding: When a router that uses hard seeding is turned on or reset, it requests network number and zone name information from any existing routers on the networks it will serve. If no other routers reply, the router uses the network numbers and zone names specified in its own configuration. If other routers reply, and their information matches the router’s own configuration information, the result is the same—the router uses the values in its own configuration. However, if other routers provide network numbers or zone names that conflict with those in the router’s configuration, the router disables any of its own ports for which there are conflicts.

Soft seeding: When a router that uses soft seeding is turned on or reset, it requests network number and zone name information from any existing routers on the networks it will serve. If no other routers reply, the router uses the network numbers and zone names specified in its own configuration. If other routers reply, the router uses the information they provide, regardless of whether or not there are conflicts between the information received and its configured information. Once a soft- or hard-seeding router begins to route, it can serve as a seed router, providing network number and zone name information to other routers upon request. The default state of the Netopia R9100’s AppleTalk ports is soft seeding.

Non-seeding:When a router using non-seeding is turned on or reset, it requests network number and zone name information from any existing routers on the networks it will serve. For any network where no other routers reply, the non-seeding router will not have any active ports until the next reset.

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Farallon Communications R9100 manual MacIP, Routers and seeding

R9100 specifications

Farallon Communications R9100 is a high-performance network device designed to meet the demanding needs of modern telecommunications. This robust system specializes in delivering reliable, efficient, and scalable solutions for various networking environments. Its architectural design integrates cutting-edge technologies that enhance performance while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the R9100 is its advanced routing capabilities. Equipped with powerful processors, it supports multiple routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP. This flexibility allows network administrators to optimize data flow and maintain seamless connectivity across diverse network topologies. The R9100 also includes sophisticated Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, enabling prioritization of critical traffic, which is essential for latency-sensitive applications.

Another significant aspect of the R9100 is its support for various interfaces. Whether organizations require Ethernet, fiber, or wireless connections, the R9100 accommodates a broad range of interface options. This versatility ensures that it can be deployed in various environments, from large enterprise networks to smaller branch offices.

Security is a crucial consideration in today’s networking landscape, and the R9100 addresses this with built-in security features. These include stateful firewall capabilities, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and comprehensive Virtual Private Network (VPN) support. Such features allow organizations to safeguard sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

The R9100 also prioritizes ease of management. With a user-friendly interface and robust monitoring tools, network administrators can easily configure and manage the device. This capability facilitates rapid troubleshooting and performance tuning, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal user experience.

Energy efficiency is an additional characteristic that sets the R9100 apart from its competitors. Designed with eco-friendly technologies, it minimizes power consumption while maximizing output, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

In conclusion, Farallon Communications R9100 stands out as a versatile and powerful network device that meets the complexities of modern telecommunications. With its advanced routing features, robust security measures, varied interface options, and energy-efficient design, the R9100 is a formidable player in the networking landscape. Organizations can rely on this solution to enhance their network performance and evolve alongside their growing technological needs.