IPX/SPX Configuration and Management Manual

Introduction to NonStop™ IPX/SPX
IPX/SPX Configuration and Management Manual—425731-001
2-3
Overview of the NetWare LAN
Figure 2-2 shows the components of a NetWare LAN.
Each workstation on the LAN contains both driver software and a network interface card
(NIC). The LAN driver software is usually configured and linked to the workstation’s
operating system and allows the workstation software to communicate with the NIC.
The NIC enables file servers and workstations on the LAN to communicate with one
another.
A NetWare network can consist of several separate physical networks. A router is a
system that physically connects two or more networks. Router software passes data from
one NIC on the router to another NIC.
Figure 2-2. NetWare LAN Components
004CDT .CDD
NetWare NOS
NetWare
File ServerServer
Client
Router
Client
Client
Application
Requestor
Operating System
Service
NOS Software
Operating System