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Internet Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX) is a routable protocol and can be used for small and large networks. IPX is a Novell communications protocol used by NetWare clients and servers to deliver packets within and between networks. SPX ensures reliable delivery of complete messages.
When compared to the TCP/IP protocol suite, IPX provides routing and inter-network services similar to IP, and SPX provides transport layer services similar to TCP. IPX and IP are connectionless datagram protocols, while SPX and TCP are connection-oriented protocols.
Currently, a number of other network operating systems, including Windows NT, include IPX protocol stacks to provide compatibility with legacy Novell NetWare networks. The name of the protocol is NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol. This protocol is easy-to-configure, suitable for small networks.
IPX provides datagram services over packet-switched Inter-networks. Its basic operation is similar to IP (Internet Protocol), but its addressing scheme, packet structure, and general scope are different. Inter-networking protocols operate in the network layer and include routing services.
