Configuring a large LAN for TCP/IP, Appletalk, and IPX

This paper discusses a particular network configuration plan used at New Mexico State University which enables us to effectively manage IP, Appletalk, and IPX. The network addressing scheme is based on an IP configuration of the network. From this configuration we derive Appletalk and IPX configurations. In this manner, we configure the network only once, and benefit from this configuration each time that we implement another network protocol. This configuration has helped us manage a network supporting 5000 hosts in 100 buildings at five geographically distinct locations. We believe that our network addressing scheme is simple and, hence, easy to administer. As we demonstrate in this paper, our scheme is easily applicable to other protocols and, therefore, can be a benefit to network managers.