Using TCP/IP in Heterogeneous Networks

Because most modern operating systems support TCP/IP protocols, heterogeneous computers on an internetwork can use simple networking applications and utilities to share information. TCP/IP enables Windows NT to communicate with many non-Microsoft systems, including

• Internet hosts

• Apple Macintosh systems

• IBM mainframes

• UNIX systems

• Open VMS systems

• Printers with network adapters connected directly to the network

Figure 30.3 Microsoft TCP/IP Connectivity

As shown in Figure 30.3, Microsoft TCP/IP provides a framework for interoperable heterogeneous networking. The modular architecture of Windows NT networking with its transport-independent services contributes to the strength of this framework. For example, Windows NT supports the following transport protocols:

• IPX/SPX for use in NetWare environments, using the Microsoft NWLink transport. Besides providing interoperability with NetWare networks, IPX/SPX is a fast LAN transport for Windows-based networking as well.

• TCP/IP for internetworks based on IP technologies. TCP/IP is the preferred transport for internetworks and provides interoperability with UNIX and other TCP/IP-based networks.

• NetBEUI as the protocol for local area networking on smaller networks and compatibility with existing LAN Manager and IBM LAN Server networks.

• AppleTalk for connecting to and sharing resources with Macintosh systems.

Note

Transport protocols (such as DECnet and OSI) from third-party vendors can also be used by Windows NT networking services.