IPX Description
20-2 Managing IPX
IPX Description
Introduction
The purpose of IPX is to allow Novell NetWare clients to dial in to (or directly attach
to) the network access server via asynchronous lines. Each remotely connected Novell
client looks and acts as if it was directly connected to the LAN.
The network access software provides PPP/IPXCP as the underlying data link on the
asynchronous lines. This allows multiprotocol support (IP/IPX/AppleTalk) over the
same asynchronous lines simultaneously.
Access Server Configuration
The access server can be set up to provide access for remote PC users to dial in over
standard telephone lines to establish an IPX connection to a Novell network. The
remote PC can access network resources such as file servers, printers, and electronic
mail. Once connected, the PC becomes a remote node on the network. The access
server facilitates IPX client-server communications between PC and NetWare file
servers over the standard telephone line.
The remote node service provides the same functions and features to remote PCs as
locally connected LAN users. The main difference between the remote node
connection and a local connection using Ethernet is the data transfer speed. However,
dial-in connections that use high-speed modems provide excellent performance.
The PC gains access to the IPX network through the access server by using any third-
party remote node access software that supports the point-to-point protocol (PPP) for
IPX. The remote access software must also facilitate the use of Novell NetWare
workstation software, which is used to communicate with the Novell network over the
dial-up connection.
By default, the access server will simultaneously communicate with all four frame
types on the LAN: Ethernet II, 802.2 SAP, 802.2 SNAP, and Novell 802.3. When IPX
is enabled on the access server, the network addresses for all four types will
automatically be learned.
