does anybody know what ipx header compression is?does this slow down my dial up modem

[bigslammer]

another question for us poor dial up people. By trial and error I've noticed that when I turn off error control (compression data) and flow control my ping improves. I've tried like 2 dozens times with and without ipx header compression and I can't see any definite differences. As for game playing I would assume that I don't want anykind of compression whatsover(since I want it to go from A to B as quickly as possible). just need a little explanation on what this ip header compression does?

[RobRich]

If I remember my advanced networking theory class correctly, this is how it goes. Every data packet transmitted has certain information (header data) that describes the data its carry. This address the send/receive issues, plus allows for asynchonous operation, meaning data flows from multiple sources, instead of just a simple open/close gate scenerio. Headers are small amounts of data, but they are easily compressable. The result is slightly better throughput at no real expense. Always enable header compression, it will benifit you in the long run. Without it you could have shorter pings, but the data carried in the packets is increased, thus using higher bandwidth. Header compression is a default standard, and almost evey modern dial-up network uses it.

[This message has been edited by RobRich (edited 09-23-99).]

[bigslammer]

wow thanks alot robrich. Well I'm gonna use header compression now. How in the world do you know so much. You've answered so many of my posts. Thx again.

[reddog4629]

Isn't IPX/SPX a NOVELL header protocol used only for NOVELL NETWARE clients and servers only? That would make all of the above N/A.

[RobRich]

Header compression can apply to many different network protocols. As for dial-up networking, enabling IPX header compression under your dial-up adapter properties will enable header compression for the dial-up connection, which can be protocol independent. IPX header compression is a Novell concept, but the concept applies to other protocols as well. If you are talking about true IPX/SPX, it is Novell's defualt network protocol. Most people assume it is only a LAN based standard. Truth is, many new ISP's use it for dial-up networking, too.

[reddog4629]

Learn something every day. /forum/smile.gif