ATM LAN Emulation Client

The LAN Emulation Client (LEC) is a component of an emulated LAN (ELAN). The ATM LEC on a client workstation runs over the Novell Client^TM for DOS and Windows 3.1x or Novell Client for Windows 95 NIOS (network input/output system). It is loaded as a LAN driver in the server and client environments. The LEC interfaces with LAN applications and the ATM network to enable client access to other NetWare^® servers or routers using ATM LAN emulation.

The ATM LEC features provide support for connectionless services, such as Ethernet (ATMELEC) and token ring (ATMTRLEC), by emulating Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 or 802.5 LAN port characteristics.

ATM LEC configurations support LAN-specific services such as the following:

• Connectionless service---Sends data without a previously established connection.
• Interconnectivity---Supports source route bridging to provide ATM-to-LAN, as well as LAN-to-ATM, connectivity.
• LAN emulation---Provides a logical analogy between ATM devices and LAN stations.
• MAC driver interfaces---Provides MAC driver support.
• Multicast services---Provides multicast and broadcast support.

ELANs can be created for administrative reasons (for example, creating a LAN for each work group) or for grouping users who run a specific application. Each workstation and server that belongs to the emulated network runs the LEC. The LEC emulates a LAN station (an Ethernet port or token ring port). An ELAN is created by associating one or more LECs, a LES, and BUS components. All LECs in an ELAN communicate with the same instance of LES and BUS components. A LEC instance is created each time the LEC is loaded with a unique set of values for the ATMBOARD, NODE, and ELAN parameters. Because ELANs are created by logical association between the LEC, LES, and BUS, any workstation or server can be easily moved or configured to operate on another emulated LAN.

For more information about the ATM LEC, refer to:

• ATM LEC Configuration
• ATM LEC Component Communication