Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!aplcen!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpda!hpcupt1!hprnd!pat
From: pat@hprnd.rose.hp.com (Pat Thaler)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Can Anyone Suggest The Best LAN Solution?
Message-ID: <2230115@hprnd.rose.hp.com>
Date: 15 Oct 90 18:41:49 GMT
References: <13093@sdcc6.ucsd.edu>
Organization: HP Roseville Networks Division
Lines: 21

> 
> Dealers have suggested everything from EtherNet to Novell.  
> ----------

I wanted to point out that Ethernet and Novell cover
different parts of your LAN implementation and don't conflict.  ISO
defines an LAN (or any network) architecture as partitioned into
seven layers.

Ethernet/802.3 covers the bottom two layers, the part generally
implemented in hardware.  Other possibilities for these layers
exist including 802.5 and FDDI.  Within Ethernet/802.3 several kinds
of media supported (by changing part of the bottom layer) including
coax, twisted pair, and fiber.

To communicate over your LAN, you need to put some upper layers over
the bottom two layers.  These are usually implemented in software
(or firmware).  Possibilities here include Novell, TCP/IP, OSI,
and a host of others.

Pat Thaler