Troubleshooting IPX Connectivity

ID: Q193033

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
Microsoft BackOffice Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0

SUMMARY

When you are using Client Services for NetWare (CSNW) or Gateway Services for NetWare (GSNW), you may experience slow performance, or you may not be able to connect to or browse other clients and servers running the IPX protocol.

MORE INFORMATION

To troubleshoot the most frequent causes of this behavior, try the following:

In Windows NT, go into Control Panel. Click Network, Protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX, and Properties.

If the Frame Type is set for "Auto," change it to force the computer to use the same Frame Type and Network Number of Novell server.

To determine the configured Frame Type and Network Number on the Novell server, you can do one of two things. Either run the Novell utility, RCONSOLE, remotely, and go to the System Prompt. Or, from the Novell server's console, go to the System Prompt. Run the command CONFIG. You will get the following results:

NOTE: Your Network numbers, server name and frame type may vary from those shown below. This is only an example of what the Novell CONFIG command displays.
```
RED_DOG:config

         File server name: RED_DOG
         IPX internal network number: 0FA41030
         Intel EtherExpress(tm) 16
         Version 2.26    May 20, 1993
         Hardware setting: I/O Port 300h to 30Fh, Interrupt 5h
         Node address: 00AA00342846
         Frame type: ETHERNET_802.2
         No board name defined
         LAN protocol: IPX network 9D396800 
```

Notice the "Frame Type (Ethernet_802.2)" on your Novell server, and the "LAN Protocol: IPX Network 9D396800." You will use these numbers to configure the Windows NT computers.

On a Computer Running CSNW

Go into Control Panel. Click Network, Protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX, and click Properties. In the field for Frame Type, choose the frame type that matches "Frame Type" on the Novell server. In the field for "Network Number," enter the number that matches the "IPX Network" number on the Novell server.

On a Computer Running GSNW

Go into Control Panel. Click Network, Protocol, NWLink IPX/SPX, and click Properties. Choose the radio (option) button for Manual Frame Type Detection. Choose the ADD button. Choose the frame type that matches "Frame Type" on the Novell server. In the field for "Network Number," enter the number that matches the "IPX Network" number on the Novell server.

Your trouble with slow performance or the inability to connect or browse other clients and servers running the IPX protocol should disappear.

If clients or servers are across a router, ensure that Type 20 Packets on the router are enabled in both directions. Type 20 Packets are not enabled by default on routers. Contact the router vendor for information on how to check or manipulate this setting.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words:

Keywords :
Version : winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbinfo