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MAX 6000/3000 Network Configuration Guide 13-1
13
AppleTalk Routing
Introduction to AppleTalk routing
The MAX functions as an AppleTalk internet router, providing routing functions for AppleTalk
nodes (Macintosh workstations or Apple printers) that are connected to the MAX over
Ethernet or a WAN. MAX routing supports the following AppleTalk protocols:
• Datagram Delivery Protocol (DDP)
• Routing Table Maintenance Protocol (RTMP)
• AppleTalk Echo Protocol (AEP)
• Zone Information Protocol (ZIP)
• Name Binding Protocol (NBP)
• AppleTalk Control Protocol (ATCP— for router-to-router applications)
When to use AppleTalk routing
Use AppleTalk routing to connect two or more networks that have AppleTalk nodes such as
Mac OS computers or Apple printers. The primary benefits of routing AppleTalk traffic (as
opposed to bridging this traffic) are:
• Increased control over calls
• Reduced broadcast and multicast traffic over the WAN
• Provides startup information to local AppleTalk devices
Reducing broadcast and multicast traffic
AppleTalk uses multicast and broadcast addresses extensively, so routing with AppleTalk can
greatly improve the efficiency of a LAN or WAN. By using AppleTalk zones to segment
traffic, you can significantly reduce the amount of broadcast and multicast traffic on a LAN or
WAN. When you set up a router for the first time, you identify the cable range
(network-number range) for the subnetwork segment and one or more zones.
For example, when a user on a network without a router selects a device in the Chooser, the
MAC OS computer sends out a Name Binding Protocol (NBP) Lookup as a broadcast packet.
Because a bridge forwards all broadcast traffic, all devices on the network receive the Lookup
Introduction to AppleTalk routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
Configuring AppleTalk routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5