[Question:] What exactly are the three protocols: NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP? Especially the first two, sometimes they are installed and sometimes not. Why is that? What are the differences and unique features? When must they be installed?
[Answer:] Many users have asked this question. Here, I have researched and compiled relevant information to provide a detailed explanation.
A network protocol is a special type of software that is the most fundamental mechanism for computer networks to function. The essence of network protocols is rules, which are common guidelines that various hardware and software must follow. Network protocols are not a standalone software; they are integrated into all other software systems, so it can be said that protocols are omnipresent in networks. Network protocols span all levels of the OSI communication model, from well-known protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP to protocols like OSPF and IGP, totaling thousands. For the average user, there is no need to worry too much about the underlying communication protocols; understanding the communication principles is sufficient. In practical management, underlying communication protocols generally operate automatically without manual intervention. However, for protocols above the third layer, manual intervention is often required; for example, the TCP/IP protocol needs to be manually configured to function properly.
[Question:] What exactly are the three protocols: NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP? Especially the first two, sometimes they are installed and sometimes not. Why is that? What are the differences and unique features? When must they be installed?
[Answer:] Many users have asked this question. Here, I have researched and compiled relevant information to provide a detailed explanation.
A network protocol is a special type of software that is the most fundamental mechanism for computer networks to function. The essence of network protocols is rules, which are common guidelines that various hardware and software must follow. Network protocols are not a standalone software; they are integrated into all other software systems, so it can be said that protocols are omnipresent in networks. Network protocols span all levels of the OSI communication model, from well-known protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP to protocols like OSPF and IGP, totaling thousands. For the average user, there is no need to worry too much about the underlying communication protocols; understanding the communication principles is sufficient. In practical management, underlying communication protocols generally operate automatically without manual intervention. However, for protocols above the third layer, manual intervention is often required; for example, the TCP/IP protocol needs to be manually configured to function properly.
The three commonly used communication protocols in local area networks are TCP/IP, NetBEUI, and IPX/SPX. Among these three, TCP/IP is undoubtedly the most important protocol. As the foundational protocol of the internet, it is impossible to go online without it; any operation related to the internet relies on the TCP/IP protocol. However, the TCP/IP protocol is also the most complicated to configure among these three. While single-machine internet access is straightforward, accessing the internet through a local area network requires detailed settings for IP address, gateway, subnet mask, DNS server, and other parameters.
Although TCP/IP is currently the most popular network protocol, its communication efficiency in local area networks is not high. When browsing computers in ‘My Network Places’, there are often issues with normal browsing. In such cases, installing the NetBEUI protocol can resolve this issue.
NetBEUI, which stands for NetBios Enhanced User Interface, is an enhanced version of the NetBIOS protocol. It has been adopted by many operating systems, such as Windows for Workgroup, Windows 9x series, Windows NT, etc. The NetBEUI protocol is quite useful in many situations and was the default protocol for operating systems before Windows 98. The NetBEUI protocol is a compact and efficient broadcast protocol that requires no configuration after installation, making it particularly suitable for data transmission in ‘My Network Places’. Therefore, it is recommended that computers in small local area networks also install the NetBEUI protocol alongside TCP/IP. Additionally, it is important to note that if a Windows 98 machine only has the TCP/IP protocol installed and wants to join a WINNT domain, the NetBEUI protocol must also be installed.
The IPX/SPX protocol was originally developed by Novell specifically for use in NetWare networks, but it is now also widely used—most online games support the IPX/SPX protocol, such as StarCraft and Counter-Strike. Although these games can also connect via the TCP/IP protocol, it is evidently easier to use the IPX/SPX protocol since no configuration is required. Furthermore, the IPX/SPX protocol does not seem to have much use in local area networks; if it is confirmed that there will be no online gaming in the local area network, this protocol is optional.