Dial-out Client for Windows cannot see Perle servers over IPX

Issue:

In some instances the Dial-out Client cannot obtain a "map" of the IPX network.

In a non-tranasparent network, broadcasts are not automatically passed through bridges and routers. The netwrx.dat file is used to ensure that broadcast messages are seen on all of the legs of the network. The netwrx.dat file is gathered only when you start the Client for the first time.

Solution:

The netwrx.dat file is built as an ASCII file and has the format:
nnnnnnnn,ssssssssssss
where-
nnnnnnnn is an eight hexadecimal digit network identifier
ssssssssssss is the 12 hexadecimal digit address if the local leg bridge or router through which the network is   addressed

The network description file is not needed if your network has only a single leg or if your network is transparent.

If the Client builds a netwrx.dat file for a single leg or transparent network it will contain only a single entry that contains the local network number and might look like this:
00000000,FFFFFFFFFFFF

If you change your bridge or router configuration you will need to edit the netwrx.dat file or delete the file to allow the Client to build a new file (you may need to reboot the host after making changes).

If your bridges and routers do not obey the standard SPX diagnostic protocol, you will need to manually build the netwrx.dat file to correctly describe your configuration.

To manually create the file you will need at least two of following:

1. The IPX/SPX Network Number(s) used on the LAN segment where the Perle resides.
2. The IPX Network Number used on the local segment (where the Dialout Client resides).
3. If the Perle is on a remote LAN segment then you will need the MAC address of the router interface that can route to that segment.

Refer to your network administrator for the Network Numbers used on your LAN.
To find the Network Numbers the Perle is using:
Connect to the Perle with the Manager.
Get Statistics -> IPX

Edit the C:\Program Files\Perle\Dialout\Netwrx.dat file

There will most likely be one entry:
00000000, FFFFFFFF
The broadcast entry (first line) should show the local IPX network number for the workstation. Additional entries are remote IPX networks.

[local Network Number], FFFFFFFF
[remote Network Number], [MAC address of gateway]

example:

00000100, FFFFFFFF               -> this is your PC's local segment
00000200, 00e07ba9ae04        -> remote segment, bridge/router MAC address

After editing the file, save it, and reboot the PC.


Article ID:
309
Published:
3/19/2003 8:58:26 AM
Last Modified:
10/9/2003 9:47:35 AM
Keywords:
dialout,dial out
Issue Type:
Trouble Shooting