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A tangentially related networking trivia that probably won’t be useful to anyone here: NetBEUI (the original MS networking, running directly over Ethernet rath

by ay 2y ago

A tangentially related networking trivia that probably won’t be useful to anyone here: NetBEUI (the original MS networking, running directly over Ethernet rather than TCP/IP), was using LLC-2 Ethernet frames, and as such it was a great way to test DLSw (data link switching) in a very simple lab (two windows 95 machines, separated by two routers, connected via IP link). Why was that ever a thing? Because of https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zos-basic-skills?topic=llc2-how-connection-is-established-over-lan https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zos-basic-skills?topic=llc2-how-... And most of IBM networking used Token Ring rather than Ethernet, which was harder to get hold of and more expensive.

nyrikki 2y ago
A bit of additional information. NetBEUI, which was originally part of a unified NETBIOS, before the latter became what remained after the API separated out due to the rise of routed networks was an IBM invention. NetBEUI wasn't dependant on Ethernet, and in the late 80s ARCNET was quite popular because it was cheaper and more reliable than coax based Ethernet, especially with thinnet T adapters. Tokenring is closer IBMs response to the DIX consortium getting the ISO to adopt Ethernet as a standard, trying to maintain the domonice they had with SNA. By the time windows 95 was released, inexpensive twisted pair Ethernet was quite popular. But when that physical layer market was developing LAN segment communications were the main drivers. Novell releasing low cost ne2000 cards had a lot to do with Ethernet winning out in systems that were small enough to not be forced into proprietary solutions.