Network Protocols

The A+ Certification Exams expect you to understand the major features of the four leading network protocols:

• TCP/IP

• NetBEUI/NetBIOS

• IPX/SPX

• AppleTalk

Although most current networks are based on TCP/IP, you might encounter the others in some older networks. The following sections cover the major features of these networks.

Some networks use two or more of these protocols, which makes configuration and troubleshooting more difficult.

For information about configuring these protocols, see "Networking Configuration," p. 791 .

TCP/IP

TCP/IP is short for Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. It is a multiplatform protocol used for both Internet access and for local area networks. TCP/IP is used by Novell NetWare 5.x and above and Windows 2000/XP as the standard protocol for LAN use, replacing NetBEUI (used on older Microsoft networks) and IPX/SPX (used on older versions of Novell NetWare). Using TCP/IP as a network's only protocol makes network configuration easier because users need to configure only one protocol to communicate with other network clients , servers, or with the Internet.

tip

Most networking you'll perform in the real world uses TCP/IP. TCP/IP is also the most complex network to configure, especially if you need to use a static IP address. Make sure you understand how it works before you take your exams!

NetBEUI/NetBIOS

NetBEUI (NetBIOS Extended User Interface), the simplest major protocol in use today, is an enhanced version of an early network protocol called NetBIOS (NetBIOS itself is no longer used for this purpose). NetBEUI is used primarily on peer networks using Windows, with direct cable connection between two computers, and by some small networks that use Windows NT Servers. NetBEUI lacks features that enable it to be used on larger networks: It cannot be routed or used to access the Internet.

NetBEUI is not officially supported in Windows XP, although Microsoft provides the NetBEUI protocol on the distribution CD in the Valueadd\MSFT\Net\NetBEUI folder for use with older networks or for troubleshooting. For details on how to install NetBEUI in Windows XP, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article 301401 available at http://support.microsoft.com.

IPX/SPX

IPX / SPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange) is a suite of protocols created by Novell for use on older versions of Novell NetWare. Unlike NetBEUI and NetBIOS, IPX/SPX is designed for large corporate networks; it can be routed but cannot be used to access the Internet. IPX/SPX is the standard protocol suite used by NetWare 4.x and earlier versions, but NetWare 5.x use this protocol for specialized operations or compatibility with older versions of NetWare only. NetWare 6.0 and later versions don't use IPX/SPX at all.

AppleTalk

Apple developed AppleTalk as a low-cost network for use with Apple computers and peripherals such as the Apple LaserWriter laser printer. AppleTalk supports up to 32 nodes per network. AppleTalk connection boxes attach to the serial (printer) port on Macintosh computers and peripherals. Gateway devices that contain both AppleTalk and Ethernet ports enable AppleTalk networks to connect to Ethernet networks.