ZyXEL Communications 641 IPX Configuration, IPX Network Environment, Network and Node Number

Prestige 641 ADSL Internet Access Router

Chapter 6

IPX Configuration

This chapter shows you how to configure the

IPX parameters of the Prestige 641.

6.1IPX Network Environment

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.

6.1.1 Network and Node Number

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.

6.1.2 Frame Types

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.

IPX Configuration 6-1