Seed Routers

When you install a Windows 2000–based server and set up AppleTalk, you must specify whether the server computer is to seed each physical network to which it is attached. For example, a computer that is running Windows 2000 Server and is attached to three physical AppleTalk networks might serve as a seed router on two of the networks, but not on the third.

For networks that the server is to seed, specify the routing information. The server computer then functions as a seed router, seeding the routing information that you provide. If you specify that a server is a non-seed router, the port must be seeded by another AppleTalk router that is attached to the same network.

Using Multiple Seed Routers on a Network

To make your network more reliable, install multiple seed routers on the same physical network.

When you install multiple seed routers for a particular network, all of the seed routers must seed the same information for that network. When the network starts, the first seed router to start on the network becomes the actual seed router for the network.

If the first seed router to start on the network has different routing information than other seed routers that start later, the information established by the first seed router is used. If a seed router started subsequently has different information and is a Windows 2000–based server, the conflicting information is ignored, an event is written to the event log, and the subsequent server ceases to be a seed router. Non-Microsoft routers might behave differently.

Determining Seed Router Placement on a Network

When you plan a large mixed network, it is helpful to make a diagram of your AppleTalk network, including the physical network layout and connecting points. Figure 13.2 shows an example of an AppleTalk network.

Figure 13.2 Example of an AppleTalk Network

For example, if you have an existing network with six computers that are running Windows 2000 Server, you must determine which server is to seed each network.

• The seed router for Ethernet network 1 must be Server 1, Server 2, Server 3, or Server 4.

• The seed router for Ethernet network 2 must be Server 4 or Server 5.

• The seed router for Ethernet network 3 must be Server 5 or Server 6.

• The seed router for LocalTalk network 2 must be Server 5 because the router on Server 5 is the only router available for this network. Similarly, Server 3 must seed LocalTalk network 1.