Configuring Novell for Different Ethernet Packet Types (98568)
This article was previously published under Q98568
SUMMARY
If you run Novell NetWare's IPX protocol on a server or workstation, you
can choose the type of packet/frame used. It is important, though, that
you make sure the NetWare server and workstation are configured for the
same frame format--if they are not, communications will be unreliable,
and the problem will affect LAN Manager workstations using NetWare
Connectivity and Windows for Workgroups workstations using the MS$IPX
driver.
MORE INFORMATION
You can configure machines running NetWare or NetWare Connectivity
products to use either the 802.3 or DIX frame formats. NetWare 3.11
servers and ODI workstations can also be configured to run SNAP and
802.2 frame types.
The rest of this article describes ways to configure the IPX protocol
stack for different frame types.
NetWare 2.2, NetWare IPX-based, LM NetWare Connectivity
NetWare 2.2 servers, NetWare IPX based workstations, and LAN Manager
NetWare Connectivity workstations use the Econfig program (on the NetWare
WSGEN disk) to configure the frame type they will use. The syntax for
this command is:
ECONFIG filename option:type number
The "filename" parameter is the name of the file you are configuring
(for example, IPX.COM [workstation] or NET$OS.EXE [NetWare 2.2
operating system]).
The "option" parameter is "SHELL" for a workstation and A, B, C or D
for NetWare 2.2, representing the LAN driver letter associated with the
card you are setting the frame type for.
The "type" parameter is "N" for 802.3 or "E" for Ethernet II or DIX
frame format.
The "number" parameter is the packet type value represented in the type
field of a DIX packet. You should use the NetWare default of 8137; since it
is the default you don't have to specify it.
Typing "econfig filename" without any other options displays the current
settings. NetWare 3.11 servers are configured when the LAN driver is
loaded at the server console or through AUTOEXEC.NCF. The frame type
defaults to 802.3, or you can change it by including a FRAME= option on
the load line. The following frame options are supported:
FRAME=Ethernet_802.3
FRAME=Ethernet_II
FRAME=Ethernet_Snap
FRAME=Ethernet_802.2
ODI-BASED
For an ODI-based workstation, you can specify the frame type to use
in the NET.CFG file's "Link Driver drivername" section in the
format "FRAME frametype." The supported frame types are the same as the
NetWare 3.11 server above. Refer to the NetWare "Using the Network" guide
for more information.
Windows for Workgroups
Windows for Workgroups workstations are configured for frame type in
the PROTOCOL.INI file, in the [ms$ipx] section. The "MediaType=" parameter
defines the frame format to be used. You can set it by editing the
PROTOCOL.INI file, or working through the Control Panel Networks
application. When using Control Panel, choose Network, Adapters, Setup,
Protocols, select the IPX protocol, then select settings. Valid values
are "Novell/Ethernet" for 802.3 (the default) and "Ethernet_II (DIX)."
NOTE: The difference between IEEE 802.3 packets and Ethernet II
packets is the Type or Length field as shown below.
--------------------------------------------
| Destination | Source | Len | Data Unit |
-------------------------------------------- IEEE 802.3
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 46-1500 | Packet
| bytes | bytes | bytes | bytes |
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
| Destination | Source | Type | Data Unit |
-------------------------------------------- Ethernet II
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 46-1500 | Packet
| bytes | bytes | bytes | bytes |
--------------------------------------------
REFERENCES
Novell NetWare installation and user manuals
| Modification Type: |
Major |
Last Reviewed: |
2/19/2002 |
| Keywords: |
kbnetwork KB98568 |
|