Netra System Routers

With the addition of one or more network interfaces, the Netra system can be configured as one of the following:

• A dynamic router

• A static router

• Not a router (the default)

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 Internet Control Message Protocol (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.

Static Router

A static router relies on the manual addition of routes. Routing information is not exchanged with other routers.

Static routers are typically used in very stable, simple networks.

If machines on the LAN require a static router, it must be specified as a default router.

Not a Router

A non-gateway system need not be a router in networks that already have dynamic routers. The Netra server listens for dynamic routers to broadcast route information using the RIP and the ICMP router discovery protocols.