Troubleshooting IPX Connectivity

MORE INFORMATION

To troubleshoot the most frequent causes of this behavior, try the following:

1. In Windows NT, go into Control Panel. Click Network, Protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX, and Properties.
2. If the Frame Type is set for "Auto," change it to force the computer to use the same Frame Type and Network Number of Novell server.
3. To determine the configured Frame Type and Network Number on the Novell server, you can do one of two things. Either run the Novell utility, RCONSOLE, remotely, and go to the System Prompt. Or, from the Novell server's console, go to the System Prompt. Run the command CONFIG. You will get the following results:
   
   NOTE: Your Network numbers, server name and frame type may vary from those shown below. This is only an example of what the Novell CONFIG command displays.

   RED_DOG:config
   
            File server name: RED_DOG
            IPX internal network number: 0FA41030
            Intel EtherExpress(tm) 16
            Version 2.26    May 20, 1993
            Hardware setting: I/O Port 300h to 30Fh, Interrupt 5h
            Node address: 00AA00342846
            Frame type: ETHERNET_802.2
            No board name defined
            LAN protocol: IPX network 9D396800

Notice the "Frame Type (Ethernet_802.2)" on your Novell server, and the "LAN Protocol: IPX Network 9D396800." You will use these numbers to configure the Windows NT computers.

On a Computer Running CSNW

Go into Control Panel. Click Network, Protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX, and click Properties. In the field for Frame Type, choose the frame type that matches "Frame Type" on the Novell server. In the field for "Network Number," enter the number that matches the "IPX Network" number on the Novell server.

On a Computer Running GSNW

Go into Control Panel. Click Network, Protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX, and click Properties. Choose the radio (option) button for Manual Frame Type Detection. Choose the ADD button. Choose the frame type that matches "Frame Type" on the Novell server. In the field for "Network Number," enter the number that matches the "IPX Network" number on the Novell server.

1. Your trouble with slow performance or the inability to connect or browse other clients and servers running the IPX protocol should disappear.
2. If clients or servers are across a router, ensure that Type 20 Packets on the router are enabled in both directions. Type 20 Packets are not enabled by default on routers. Contact the router vendor for information on how to check or manipulate this setting.

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