Multiple protocol network integration: a case study in internetworking with IP/IPX

The coexistence of Internet protocol (IP) and internetwork packet exchange (IPX) traffic on the same workstation is investigated. A case study of selected commercial and public domain software is presented along with many considerations in selecting a solution model for integration. While these solutions work well in a single subnet environment, integrating several departmental LANs through routers and bridges to create a large network poses many technical and administrative challenges. These challenges include: type of router to use; selection of software solutions for the coexistence of multiple protocol stacks on the desktop workstation; subnetting and assignment of IP addresses where workstations are shared by more than one user; integration of ROM bootable workstations; security with respect to user authentication on the Internet in a shared environment; costs of implementation; and universal electronic mail systems.<>