Does the new Client32 also require drivers specific to the LAN adapter?
Articles and Tips: qna
01 Feb 1996
Q.
Dear Ab-end: I am currently running Netware 3.12 on my server with the Ethernet 802.3 frame type. My client PCs run the older NetWare Shell (NETX). When I upgraded my server from NetWare 3.11 to 3.12, I didn't switch to the DOS Requester/VLMs because I understood, maybe incorrectly, that you needed drivers specific for your workstation LAN adapters. A lot of my client PCs have old David Systems Ether-T PC/AT Model 6503-00 adapters for which there are no drivers for the VLMs, so I stayed with NETX and 802.3 frames.
Now we're looking at moving to the new 32-bit NetWare Client to get the enhanced functionality and use less conventional memory. My question for you is, does the new Client32 also require drivers specific to the LAN adapter, or is there some sort of generic driver that might work? I would hate to explain to my boss why I need to replace the 25 David Systems adapters when they are still functioning well.
--Job Hanging in the Balance
A.
Dear Job Hanging: If I understand your question correctly, you are running NETX because you don't have LAN drivers for your network boards. There are two parts to communicating with the network: the LAN driver software which talks to the network board and cable, and the client software that communicates with the network servers and asks for services. The DOS Requester and Client 32 simply replace NETX. They don't necessarily change the LAN driver software.
A while ago, Novell changed from a single, generic LAN driver that was linked with IPX.COM to the Open Data-Link Interface (ODI) driver method. ODI is comprised of three pieces of software: LSL.COM, the LAN driver, and IPXODI.COM. While the DOS Requester and Client32 installation software update the LSL and IPXODI software, they allow you to continue using your present LAN driver.
If you are already using ODI drivers with NETX (which most people are), things should work out okay. If you are still using IPX.COM, call the board manufacturer and see if they have ODI-based LAN drivers available. If they are out of business, check NetWire on CompuServe or on the World Wide Web at http://netwire.novell.comand see if you can find a LAN driver for the network board you are using or a compatible LAN driver.
* Originally published in Novell AppNotes
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