Network Protocols

Protocols are specifications for standardized packets of data that make it possible for networks to share information. Windows 2000 supports many different protocols. The packets of information are moved up and down the protocol stack, and across the transmission media. Network protocols include:

• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
• Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
• NetWare Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX)
• NetBIOS Enhanced User Interface (NetBEUI)
• AppleTalk
• Data Link Control (DLC)
• Infrared Data Association (IrDA)

Note

The Systems Network Architecture (SNA) protocols are not included in Windows 2000. SNA protocols are available with the addition of Microsoft SNA Server. SNA Server is a separate product that supports interoperability with IBM midrange and mainframe computers. For more information about SNA protocols, see "Interoperability with IBM Host Systems" in the Windows 2000 Internetworking Guide.

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