VLAN - NOVELL Problem

Hi guys!

I've got problems in VLAN. We have setup a vLAN using hp switches and things are working fine - Windows Servers are working. But our dilemna is that we have a Novell server which has a very vital role in the company and i wonder if it will work in our vlan? I think vLAN uses tcpip and since novell uses ipx is it possible?

Thanks!!!!

Tracer.

Tracer,

If your Novell is running only the IPX/SPX protocol, then you'll stumble across a few minor problems with your vlans.

As you noted, Vlans do use tcp/ip, but not all the times.

If you read our VLAN article, you'll see that you can break your layer 2 network into separate networks using VLANs, without even caring what protocols through them. In other words, you can have VLAN1 assigned to ports 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and use IPX/SPX in that vlan without a problem.

The limitations here will be obvious when you require -InterVlan routing -, where the switch's VLAN interface participates in the above VLAN, and all other exisiting VLANs in order to route between them (for layer 3 switches). To the best of my knowledge, InterVLAN routing is not supported 100% for the IPX/SPX protocol, but I can be wrong - you need to check your HP switches and see what they are capable of.

On the other hand, you can have a IPX/SPX server that is part of all your VLANs and do the routing for you:)

Which ever the case, placing a IPX/SPX Novell server on a VLAN will not mean that it won't work - it will! You'll just need to figure out a way to do your routing.

Hope that helps.

p.s I've deleted your duplicate post.

Thanks Chris!

Were going to check the Switches if they are capable.

I've just read the article about supernetting and we are considering to use supernets - as one of our option.Though we are aware that this will create network traffic we got no choice,specially if the switches won't work.

Thanks!

More power to the firewall team!!!!