Configuration Decisions

For most boards, you only need to perform the basic board configuration described in How to Configure a LAN or WAN Board. However, there are four scenarios that require more than just the basic board configuration. Whether you need to configure additional information depends on the following decisions:

• Whether you are configuring the ATM LEC

  If you are configuring the ATM LEC (Asynchronous Transfer Mode LAN Emulation Client) software, you must perform the steps described in Configuring a Logical Adapter Board for ATM LEC.

  ATM LEC software emulates existing LAN services, making the ATM network appear connectionless, such as an Ethernet or token ring network. ATM LEC configurations allow existing network protocols to run over ATM without modification, and they allow interoperability between software applications residing on ATM-attached end systems and traditional LAN end systems.

• Whether you will be using NetWare Link/ATM ^TM software

  If you decide to use NetWare Link/ATM, you must perform the steps described in Configuring Logical Adapter Boards for NetWare Link/ATM.

  NetWare Link/ATM is used to transfer data over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks that use cell switching based on a 53-byte cell to provide low-latency, scalable virtual-circuit-multiplexed WAN connectivity.

• Whether you will be running PPP over ISDN

  If you decide to use PPP over ISDN, you must perform the steps described in Configuring Boards for Running PPP over ISDN.

  PPP over ISDN is used only in dial-up situations. ISDN lines have the advantage of being faster and more efficient than PPP dial-up analog lines, resulting in a lower cost to transfer the same amount of data. Synchronous on-demand connections over ISDN lines provide 5 to 10 times the bandwidth of analog connections at significantly lower error rates.

• Whether you will be running PPP over asynchronous ports

  If you decide to use PPP over asynchronous ports, you must perform the steps described in Configuring Boards for Running PPP over Asynchronous Ports.

  Asynchronous ports are used when only low-speed connections are required. They also have the advantage of a low cost. You can use one of your PC's existing COM ports, a low-cost third-party asynchronous board, or a high-performance third-party asynchronous board. For more information about the advantages and disadvantages of using asynchronous ports, contact the Novell^® Labs^TM group or refer to the Novell Labs WWW location http://labs.novell.com/infosys/mastr_06.htm.

• Whether you will be using PPTP

  If you decide to use PPTP, you must perform the steps described in How to Configure Boards for Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

  PPTP enables the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) to be tunneled through an IP network. PPTP is most commonly used for ISP connections. The use of a TCP connection for call control and management enables the server to control dial-in access from remote PPP clients and to initiate outbound calls.