Note: The following configuration is for IPX only. It is a good idea to consider adding TCP/IP to the routers as well as IPX. Even though your network demands are strictly IPX, having TCP/IP on the routers will allow easier management and configuration through a remote telnet session.

This sample configuration routes IPX and bridges all other protocols over a partially-meshed frame relay network using point-to-point subinterfaces. IPX routes and services are dynamically resolved using IPX RIP/SAP as the routing protocol. The IP addresses included in this example are not necessary, but added for remote access via a telnet session. Notice that the routers are on the same IP network number because IP is bridged.

Subinterfaces logically divide a single, physical interface into separate, virtual point-to-point interfaces. A single frame relay interface connecting to multiple destinations can now be treated as a collection of point-to-point network segments. Each subinterface segment requires a unique IP subnet and IPX network number. Fortunately, unnumbered IP segments can be used to alleviate the burden of designing the additional IP subnets.

In general, it is good practice to use subinterfaces for partially-meshed frame relay networks. A frame relay network designed with subinterfaces scales much easier to future expansion. Referring to the example, subinterfaces allow routing updates to exchange between Boston and Chicago through Atlanta. Without subinterfaces, Boston is unable to receive routing updates from Chicago and vice versa creating a condition known as split-horizon.

Info On Subinterfaces Faxback Doc #subifs

Before You Begin

Get The IOS Frame Relay Command Glossary. Faxback Doc #0550 Detailed descriptions of all IOS commands used in frame relay configurations. Also provides links to the IOS Command Reference if more information is required

Get The IOS Command Line Interface Tutorial Faxback Doc #ios_tutorial Instructions on configuring an IOS router using the command line interface

Note: Commands followed by a <*> are on by default and do not have to be configured. The "!" marks that appear in the configuration are automatically entered by the router and function as line separators for easier reading.

Atlanta Router Configuration
In IOS "show running-config" format

version 11.2 <*>
service udp-small-servers <*>
service tcp-small-servers <*>
!
hostname Atlanta
!
enable secret cisco
!
ip subnet-zero
no ip routing
no ip domain-lookup
ipx routing 0000.0caa.1111
!
interface Ethernet0
 ip address 10.1.1.1 255.0.0.0
 ipx network 100 encapsulation SAP
 ipx network 101 encapsulation NOVELL-ETHER secondary
 bridge-group 1
!
interface Serial0
 no ip address <*>
 encapsulation frame-relay
 frame-relay lmi-type ansi
!
interface Serial0.16 point-to-point
 description Frame Relay to Boston
 ip address 10.1.1.1 255.0.0.0
 ipx network AAAA
 frame-relay interface-dlci 16 broadcast
 bridge-group 1
!
interface Serial0.17 point-to-point
 description Frame Relay to Chicago
 ip address 10.1.1.1 255.0.0.0
 ipx network BBBB
 frame-relay interface-dlci 17 broadcast
 bridge-group 1
!
ip http server
!
bridge 1 protocol ieee
!
line con 0
 password console
 login
line aux 0 <*>
line vty 0 4
 password telnet
 login <*>
!
end <*>

Boston Router Configuration
In IOS "show running-config" format

version 11.2 <*>
service udp-small-servers <*>
service tcp-small-servers <*>
!
hostname Boston
!
enable secret cisco
!
ip subnet-zero
no ip routing
no ip domain-lookup
ipx routing 0000.0cbb.2222
!
interface Ethernet0
 ip address 10.2.2.2 255.0.0.0
 ipx network 200
 bridge-group 1
!
interface Serial0
 no ip address <*>
 encapsulation frame-relay
!
interface Serial0.16 point-to-point
 description Frame Relay to Atlanta
 ip address 10.2.2.2 255.0.0.0
 ipx network AAAA
 frame-relay interface-dlci 16 broadcast
 bridge-group 1
!
ip http server
!
bridge 1 protocol ieee
!
line con 0
 password console
 login
line aux 0 <*>
line vty 0 4
 password telnet
 login <*>
!
end <*>

Chicago Router Configuration
In IOS "show running-config" format

version 11.2 <*>
service udp-small-servers <*>
service tcp-small-servers <*>
!
hostname Chicago
!
enable secret cisco
!
ip subnet-zero
no ip routing
no ip domain-lookup
ipx routing 0000.0ccc.3333
!
interface Ethernet0
 ip address 10.3.3.3 255.0.0.0
 ipx network 300
 bridge-group 1
!
interface Serial0
 no ip address <*>
 encapsulation frame-relay
 frame-relay lmi-type ansi
!
interface Serial0.16 point-to-point
 description Frame Relay to Atlanta
 ip address 10.3.3.3 255.0.0.0
 ipx network BBBB
 frame-relay interface-dlci 16 broadcast
 bridge-group 1
!
ip http server
!
bridge 1 protocol ieee
!
line con 0
 password console
 login
line aux 0 <*>
line vty 0 4
 password telnet
 login <*>
!
end <*>

After You've Tried

You've tried the configuration and it doesn't work. Help is available!

Get IOS Router Frame Relay Troubleshooting Assistance Faxback Doc #fr_ts

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