Dynamic Router

A dynamic router relies on information broadcast from other routers to update its routes and reflect changes in the network topology. It also broadcasts this information to other dynamic routers.

Dynamic routers are typically required when systems act as gateways between networks or within large networks where route information is constantly changing. The Netra server supports the following dynamic routing protocols:

• The Xerox NS Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

• The ICMP router discovery protocol

If client host systems are required to use the dynamic router, they must either run programs that can communicate using these protocols, or they must specify the dynamic router as a default router.

When the Netra server is configured as a dynamic router, broadcasting RIP information over point-to-point (PPP) links can be enabled or disabled. If additional PPP links are defined after the dynamic router is configured, you must reconfigure the dynamic router to ensure that it is aware of the new links.

To Configure the Netra System as a Dynamic Router

1. From the Main Administration page, under "Network Connection Administration," click Routing.

   The Routing Administration page is displayed.

2. Click Configure dynamic router.

   The Dynamic Router Administration page is displayed.

3. Complete the form using the information in the following table.

   Table 7-6 Dynamic Router Administration

   Option	Description
   Host/Net	Specify if a destination address is a Network or a Host. If a value of "net" is entered incorrectly, the system attempts to add the routing entry as a "host."
   Destination Address	Network/Host address to which information is routed.
   Gateway Host Address	Host address of the gateway used for accessing the destination address. If the router is unreachable when this form is configured, it is not used for routing until dynamic routing is reconfigured or the Netra system is restarted.
   Hop Count	A value of 0 or greater. 0 means the Netra server is the router; a value greater than 0 means that another system is the router.
   Status	Active or Passive. Gateways marked "active" are removed from the routing information if they become inaccessible. Gateways marked "passive" are part of the routing information until explicitly removed. Routes to passive gateways are also not broadcast to the other systems on the network.
   Dynamic Routing Information over Point-to-Point Links	Enables or disables RIP over PPP links. Choices: Yes or No.

4. Click OK.

To Modify a Dynamic Router

1. From the Main Administration page, under "Network Connection Administration," click Routing.

   The Routing Administration page is displayed.

2. Click Modify dynamic router.

3. Complete the form using the information in Table 7-6.