Linksys Router with 4 Port Switch: Does it support IPX on the LAN or just TCP/IP?

[Noriaki]

Linksys Router with 4 Port Switch: Does it support IPX on the LAN or just TCP/IP?

I believe I'm looking at the BEFSR41 here, it's a 10mpbs router with an integral 4 port 10/100mbps switch.

One of the FAQ says very explicitly that this device supports only TCP/IP and no other protocols.
My question is, are they just talking about the WAN/Router part?

I can still use IPX/SPX and NetBIOS over the 4 port switch on my LAN right?

Above and beyond it's abilities as a router, this thing makes a fine 100baseTX 4 port switch for use at LAN parties...but it'd be pretty helpful to be able to use protocols other than TCP/IP on the internal LAN.

I can't envision any reason why it wouldn't allow any protocol on the LAN, I'm just verifying before I toss some pennies on it.

 

[rahvin]

Originally posted by: Noriaki
Linksys Router with 4 Port Switch: Does it support IPX on the LAN or just TCP/IP?

I believe I'm looking at the BEFSR41 here, it's a 10mpbs router with an integral 4 port 10/100mbps switch.

One of the FAQ says very explicitly that this device supports only TCP/IP and no other protocols.
My question is, are they just talking about the WAN/Router part?

I can still use IPX/SPX and NetBIOS over the 4 port switch on my LAN right?

Above and beyond it's abilities as a router, this thing makes a fine 100baseTX 4 port switch for use at LAN parties...but it'd be pretty helpful to be able to use protocols other than TCP/IP on the internal LAN.

I can't envision any reason why it wouldn't allow any protocol on the LAN, I'm just verifying before I toss some pennies on it.

AFAIK the switch portion doesn't care what format the information is in, it's just duplicating electrical signals on each port. The router on the other hand cannot route IPX traffic over a TCP/IP network (the internet).

 

[IanthePez]

if for some reason you absolutely need to do ipx over the internet, there are tunnel programs you can get to do ipx. Not too useful, but I suppose there could be a use....like playing Halo online

 

[Noriaki]

No no need to route IPX over the internet.

TCP/IP only over the internet both makes perfect sense and is fine.

It's just for when I get together for LAN parties some games are IPX/SPX and the 100baseTX switch in the Router beats Jesse's 10baseT hub (non-switched).

 

[Noriaki]

Bumpity bumpity bumpity.

Anyone have one of these bad boys and know for sure?

Maybe I should have posted in the Networking forum...hrmm...

 

[thorin]

I'm about 80% sure i've played local IPX games on my Linksys BEFSR41

Thorin

 

[Noriaki]

Thanks man

 

[Vegito]

IPX is a protocol, the switch will switch any protocol, heck you can even use netbeui if you want to