IPX/SPX Protocols

IPX/SPX is a routable protocol and can be used for small and large networks. It was created by Novell primarily for Novell NetWare networks, but is popular enough that it is used on products that are not from Novell.

• NCP - NetWare Core Protocol provides for client/server interactions such as file and print sharing. It works at the application, presentation, and session levels.
• SAP - Service Advertising Protocol packets are used by file and print servers to periodically advertise the address of the server and the services available. It works at the application, presentation, and session levels.
• SPX - Sequenced Packet Exchange operates at the transport layer providing connection oriented communication on top of IPX.
• IPX - Internetwork Packet Exchange supports the transport and network layers of the OSI network model. Provides for network addressing and routing. It provides fast, unreliable, communication with network nodes using a connection less datagram service.

Network Level	Protocols
Application	NCP	SAP
Presentation
Session
Transport	IPX	SPX
Network
Data Link	NDIS/NIC drivers

Other Network Support

• ODI - Open Data-link Interface operates at the data link layer allowing IPX to work with any network interface card
• RIP - Routing Information Protocol is the default routing protocol for IPX/SPX networks which operates at the network layer. A distance-vector algorithm is used to calculate the best route for a packet.
• MHS - Message Handling Service by Novell is used for mail on Netware networks.