Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!mcsun!ukc!mucs!logitek!martino From: martino@logitek.co.uk (Martin O'Nions) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans Subject: NetWare Driver Standards Summary: Packet Drivers, NDIS, ODI and Novell Keywords: Novell Message-ID: Date: 27 Feb 91 09:59:44 GMT Distribution: comp Organization: Logitek Plc. Lines: 48 There's been a couple of posts recently relating to the use of alternative LAN driver schemes for use with Novell's NetWare; so far as I am aware, the current position is as follows. NetWare servers will only use Novell's own driver scheme - the operating system runs in protected mode on the 286/386/486 chip, with its own conventions for call mechanisms, multi-tasking etc., and consequently DOS based schemes will not work. The packet driver scheme can be used on DOS workstations, because of the provision of an IPX driver stage which talks to the packet interface, rather than directly to the card hardware. This allows ready interoperation of IPX and TCP/IP or other protocols. This technique is not directly compatible with Novell's ODI standard, introduced with 3.0 NetWare, as the driver stage is different to that supported by the packet IPX, but this does not restrict access to NetWare 386 servers - it merely means that some of the new driver features are unavailable. Novell have stated a number of times that they regard ODI as the way ahead, and refuse to make use of the NDIS specification in their standard releases. It is possible that this rule may be compromised by the forthcoming NetWare over OS/2, but I have no information on this issue at this time. There are however manufacturers who are producing IPX->NDIS drivers in much the same vein as that available for the packet drivers. Typical of these is 3Com, with the Connectivity for NetWare product, designed for multiprotocol workstations, and now bundled with their TCP/IP product. If anyone out there would like to expand on this, I'm always interested in new info. (or corrections........). Martin P.S. Novell's comment on the one-sided NFS release is that it is designed to permit Unix client access, and is consequently more like the Macintosh support, where the server mimics the client's native networking system, than a full integration tool. Roll on phase II. -- DISCLAIMER: All My Own Work (Unless stated otherwise) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martin O'Nions Logitek Group Support martino@logitek.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Auntie did you feel no pain / Falling from that willow tree? Could you do it, please again / 'Cos my friend here didn't see. (Harry Graham - Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes)