Multi-Protocol Router Installation and Configuration (138793)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
This article was previously published under Q138793

SUMMARY

MPR (Multi-Protocol Router) consists of the following: RIP (Routing Information Protocol) for TCP/IP, BOOTP (Boot Protocol) relay agent for DHCP, and RIP for IPX. RIP is used by routers to dynamically exchange routing information. With RIP for IP and RIP for IPX installed, Windows NT will route these protocols and dynamically exchange routing information with other routers running the RIP protocol. The BOOTP relay agent will allow the Windows NT Router to forward DHCP requests to DHCP servers on other subnets. This allows one DHCP server to service multiple IP subnets. See Riproute.wri in the MPR directory for additional documentation on MPR.

MORE INFORMATION

Installation

MPR requires Windows NT Server 3.51 and Service Pack 2. In addition, two or more network cards are needed for full MPR functionality.

To install MPR:
  1. Run UPDATE.EXE from the MPR\i386 directory (or the directory for the appropriate hardware type) on the Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack 2 CD-ROM disc.

    Update.exe copies files to your Windows NT installation and make new software choices available under Control Panel Network (Add Software).

    NOTE: You need to run this UPDATE.EXE program in addition to the UPDATE.EXE program used to install Service Pack 2.
  2. Run Control Panel, click Network, and click Add Software.
  3. Select RIP for Internet Protocol, Bootp Relay Agent, or RIP for NWlink IPX/SPX compatible transport, and then click Continue.
  4. When prompted, provide the path for the MPR distribution files (for example, D:\MPR\I386).
WARNING: After you install RIP, Windows NT will start exchanging routing information with other RIP routers. If you have misconfigured the IP address of your network cards or used a fake IP address, this could have a severe impact on your network. Do not install RIP without fully understanding TCP/IP and the design of your network.



RIP for IP, Configuration and Troubleshooting

No manual configuration is needed. After installing RIP for IP, the Enable IP Routing box in Advanced TCP/IP configuration will automatically be selected. RIP for IP runs as a service and can be stopped and started using Control Panel Services.

To see what routes your computer has, type ROUTE PRINT at the Windows NT Command Prompt. This will show the routes that Windows NT creates by default, and routes learned through RIP.

If RIP for IP is installed on a computer that has only one network card, it is configured for Silent Mode. In Silent Mode, Windows NT listens to RIP broadcasts and updates its route table but does not advertise its own routes. If an additional network card is later installed in the computer, RIP will automatically turn off Silent Mode and enable IP routing.

Bootp Relay Agent, Configuration and Troubleshooting

After you install the BOOTP Relay Agent you will be prompted with a configuration screen. You must enter the IP address of DHCP servers that you would like to send DHCP requests to. Maximum Hops and Seconds Threshold can be left at the defaults. If you later need to change the configuration, click the Config Relay Agent button under Advanced TCP/IP Configuration.

RIP for NWlink IPX/SPX compatible Transport, Configuration and Troubleshooting

When installing RIP for NWlink, Setup displays a message that NetBIOS Broadcast Propagation (broadcast of type 20 packet) is currently disabled. If you are using NetBIOS over IPX or are unsure, choose Yes to enable broadcast of type 20 packets. Reboot the computer as directed. Type 20 broadcast can be later configured by selecting RIP for NWlink IPX in Control Panel Network and clicking configure.

Enable RIP Routing is automatically selected when you install RIP for NWlink IPX. RIP for NWlink IPX can be enabled or disabled by clicking Enable RIP Routing in NWlink IPX/SPX Protocol Configuration. The SAP agent is automatically installed with RIP for NWlink IPX. SAP is a service, and can be started and stopped from Control Panel Services. Microsoft recommends that you configure the Internal Network number through the NWLink configuration in Control Panel Network. If you do not, a random number will be generated for you.

The command line utility Ipxroute.exe has been updated and can be used to get RIP, SAP, and source routing information and statistics.

For more information on MPR, refer to Riproute.wri in the Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack 2 CD-ROM disc \MPR directory.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/10/2002
Keywords:kbnetwork KB138793
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.