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AppleTalk networks

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

AppleTalk networks

Because AppleTalk networks differ from x86-based networks, you must consider some special concepts and issues when you set up an AppleTalk network.

One important concept is the internet. (Note that this is a different concept than the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol [TCP/IP] Internet.) Most large AppleTalk networks are not single physical networks in which all computers are attached to the same network cabling system. Instead, they are internets, which are multiple smaller physical networks connected by routers.

Routers maintain a map of the physical networks on the internet and forward data received from one physical network to other physical networks. Routers are necessary so that computers on different physical networks can communicate with one another. They also reduce network traffic on the internet by isolating the physical networks. In other words, routers only send data that is usable by a network.

Some routers on the network are seed routers. A seed router initializes and broadcasts routing information about one or more physical networks. This information tells routers where to send each packet of data. Each physical network must have one or more seed routers that broadcast the routing information for that network.

Not all routers are seed routers. Routers that are not seed routers maintain a map of the physical networks on the internet and forward data to the correct physical network. Seed routers perform these functions too, but they also initialize the routing information, such as network numbers and zone lists, for one or more physical networks.

A computer running Services for Macintosh can function as a seed router or as a nonseed router. If it is a seed router, it must be the first server you start so that it can initialize the other routers and nodes with network information. If it is a nonseed router, it cannot be started until a seed router has initialized all ports. You can also use dedicated hardware routers on your network.