A directed broadcast is a broadcast intended for all nodes on a non-local network. For example, the broadcast address 255.255.255.255 reaches all nodes on a network; the directed broadcast address 128.1.255.255 is intended for all nodes whose network address is 128.1.0.0. A router not directly attached to 128.1.0.0 simply forwards the directed broadcast packet to the next hop. A router on network 128.1.0.0---if it has directed broadcast forwarding enabled---accepts and forwards the packet to all nodes whose network address is 128.1.0.0. Routers connecting subnets of 128.1.0.0 also accept and forward the packet to the nodes on their respective subnets.

IMPORTANT: For all nodes on network 128.1.0.0 to receive the directed broadcast, each router attached to network 128.1.0.0 must have Directed Broadcast Forwarding enabled.

How to Enable Directed Broadcast Forwarding

To enable the router to forward directed broadcasts for its network, complete the following steps:

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

   Select Configure NIAS > Protocols and Routing > Protocols > TCP/IP > Expert Configuration Options

2. Select Directed Broadcast Forwarding, then select Enabled.

3. Press Esc until you are prompted to save your changes, then select Yes.

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

5. If you want these changes to take effect immediately, select Reinitialize System and select Yes to activate your changes.