IPX Router Does Not Increase Transport Control Field Value by 1 When Propagating IPX Packets

ID: Q219323

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4

SYMPTOMS

Normally, when an IPX packet is propagated by the router, the Transport Control (TC) field is increased by 1. The router does not propagate any packets with TC=16. This guarantees that IPX packetets do not go further than 16 hops from the source. When the TC is not incremented, packets (especially broadcasts) are propagated an infinite number of hops, which has the potential to create huge network storms.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because this functionality was lost with Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT Server 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 4. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 5.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 nt4sp5fix
Version : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug