IPX interface configuration _L_i_n_u_x supports network connectivity to _N_o_v_e_l_l networks using native Novell protocols. The basic transport protocol used by Novell is IPX. This screen shows the minimum steps to prepare your computer for IPX/Novell connectivity. 11.. IIPPXX iinntteerrffaacceess An IPX interface is like a virtual device: it can be enabled or disabled. An IPX interface is defined by these elements: +o An Ethernet device +o A frame type (type of packet sent on the wire) +o A network number Furthermore, an IPX interface may be qualified as the primary IPX interface. A _L_i_n_u_x computer may have several IPX interfaces and even several IPX interfaces sharing the same Ethernet device, but only one IPX interface may be the primary one. This dialog enforces this fact. 22.. AAuuttoo--ccoonnffiigguurriinngg tthhee iinntteerrffaacceess On an active network, _L_i_n_u_x can probe some packets and learn the type of interface needed. There is some functionality in the _L_i_n_u_x kernel to auto-configure the interface frame types and also to assign the primary interface. When using _L_i_n_u_x as a client workstation on an IPX network (the default case), auto-configuration is a safe bet. 33.. DDeessccrriippttiioonn ooff tthhee ddiiaalloogg The IPX configuration is done with a huge dialog, letting you select all the interfaces needed on your network at one time. 33..11.. AAccttiivvaattiinngg IIPPXX nneettwwoorrkkiinngg A checkbox lets you turn on IPX networking. This checkbox allows you to do this without losing the configuration you previously entered. If you activate the IPX networking, _L_i_n_u_x_c_o_n_f will search for IPX network support in the kernel. If unavailable, it will try to load the IPX kernel module. 33..22.. AAuuttoo--ccoonnffiigguurree sseeccttiioonn Most _L_i_n_u_x workstations will need to have the Autoconfigure primary and Autoconfigure interfaces frame types radio buttons toggled. 33..33.. MMaannuuaall ccoonnffiigguurraattiioonn The dialog offers you several sections for each Ethernet adapter, allowing you to configure each possible IPX interface based on the available packet types. Each subsection has a checkbox letting you turn on and off this interface. A radio button lets you select this interface if it is the primary one. "Checking" this radio button deselects all related radio buttons including the autoconfigure primary one. A field also lets you enter the network address, which is a hexadecimal number. A value of 0 means to autoconfigure it based on packets seen on the wire. 44.. RReellaatteedd iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn This dialog is an exhaustive front-end for two programs, ipx_configure and ipx_interface.