Turning Off IPX Packet Forwarding

As a typical part of its operation, a NetWare file server forwards (routes) IPX packets between its network interfaces. By disabling the Packet Forwarding parameter, you turn off IPX packet forwarding on a NetWare file server. This is useful when you have more than one NetWare system on a network and you want to make more computing resources available for file and print services.

A server with IPX packet forwarding disabled still operates as a file server, but broadcasts only its own services and internal network number---not those associated with its network interfaces. A server operating in this way is sometimes called a multihomed server. Although a multihomed server does not reply to routing requests from NetWare workstations, it still accepts incoming RIP and SAP broadcasts to maintain its bindery.

Figure 11 shows how the tasks of routing and file service can be divided between a NetWare file server and a dedicated router on the same network. Typically, the task of routing IPX traffic between the two internetworks is shared by the router and the file server. When you disable IPX packet forwarding on the file server, the dedicated router assumes the task of routing all IPX traffic. The file server, now free from the tasks of routing IPX packets and answering route requests, can devote its full processing resources to file service.

Figure 11
Turning Off IPX Packet Forwarding on a NetWare File Server

You should turn off IPX packet forwarding if you do not want the server to forward IPX packets between its interfaces.

For more information about IPX routing and related topics, refer to Understanding. For more information about NetWare file and print services, refer to your NetWare documentation.

How to Turn Off IPX Packet Forwarding

Before you begin, you must have at least two NetWare servers, or one NetWare server and a dedicated router on the same IPX network.

To turn off IPX packet forwarding, complete the following steps:

1. Load NIASCFG, then select the following parameter path:

   Select Configure NIAS > Protocols and Routing > Protocols > IPX

2. The Packet Forwarding parameter is already highlighted; select it, then select Disabled .

3. Press Esc and save your change.

4. Press Esc to return to the Internetworking Configuration menu.

5. If you want this change to take effect immediately, select Reinitialize System .

   If you want to configure other parameters, do so now, then reinitialize the system when you are finished.