A workstation or NetWare server running software that manages the exchange of information (in the form of data packets) between network cabling systems.

A NetWare router runs as part of a NetWare server. It connects separate network cabling topologies or separate networks by way of the server's NetWare operating system.

NetWare automatically routes IPX/SPX packets. However, NetWare is enabled for non-routing TCP/IP and AppleTalk protocols. To set your server to route TCP/IP and AppleTalk packets, use the INETCFG utility.

Figure 66
Router

A NetWare router, unlike a traditional bridge, does more than just transfer data packets between networks that use the same communications protocol.

A NetWare router is intelligent. It not only passes packets of data between different cabling systems, but also routes the packets through the most efficient path.

A NetWare router can also connect cabling systems that use different kinds of transmission media and different addressing systems.

For example, a NetWare router can connect a network using the Ethernet addressing structure and RG/58 coaxial cable to another network using the ARCnet addressing structure and RG/62 coaxial cable.

Local versus Remote

When a router is used within the cable length limitations for its LAN drivers, it is a local router. If the router is connected beyond its driver limitations or through a modem, it is a remote router.