Configuring IPX Routing (Layer 3)

IPX Datagram Structure

The IPX datagram contains an IPX header and any data to be transferred on the network. The IPX header is a 30 byte header that contains 10 fields. Figure 4-1. illustrates a conceptual view of an IPX datagram:

Figure 4-1.IPX Datagram in Detail

Checksum (2 bytes)

Packet Length (2 bytes)

Transport Control (1 byte)

Packet Type (1 byte)

Destination Network (4 bytes)

Destination Node (6 bytes)

Destination Socket (2 bytes)

Source Network (4 bytes)

Source Node (6 bytes)

Source Socket (2 bytes)

30 Bytes

Table 4-1describes each field in the IPX datagram:

 

Table 4-1.IPX Datagram Fields

 

 

Field

Definition

 

 

Checksum

Provides integrity checking.

 

Note: Checksum is normally not enabled in IPX

 

networks and is usually set to 0xFFFF.

 

 

Packet Length

Length (in bytes) of the packet.

 

 

Transport Control

Number of routers a packet has traversed. This is used to

 

discard a packet if the packet traverses a maximum number

 

of routers (16).

 

 

4-2

Cajun P550/P220 Switch Operation Guide