IPX/SPX: Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX) is a networking protocol used by the Novell NetWare operating
systems. It is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications. Sequenced Packet Exchange
(SPX) is a transport layer protocol (layer 4 of the OSI Model) also used in Novell NetWare networks. The SPX
layer sits on top of the IPX layer (layer 3) and provides connection-oriented services between two nodes on
the network. SPX is used primarily by client/server applications. Whereas the IPX protocol is similar to IP,
SPX is similar to TCP. Therefore, IPX/SPX together provides a connection services similar to TCP/IP. It is
routable and can be used to create large professional networks. Usually, it is not used in home-networks,
unless explicitly required by some computer games.
TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the suite of communications protocols
used to connect hosts on the Internet. It utilizes several protocols (the two main ones being TCP and IP).
TCP/IP is built into the UNIX operating system and is used by the Internet, making it the de facto standard for
transmitting data over networks.
NetBEUI: NetBios Enhanced User Interface is an enhanced version of the NetBIOS protocol used by
network operating systems such as LAN Manager, LAN Server, Windows 95/NT and Windows for
Workgroups. This is considered to be a very fast protocol as long as the computer name and workgroup are
defined correctly and is a good choice for small home-networks. However it is not routable, it can not be used
to connect networks in different locations and it is not supported by Microsoft on Windows XP.
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