nowicki@SUN.COM (Bill Nowicki) (01/19/88)
Last week there were several incorrect messages to this list about the IP subnet support in SunOS releases. As developer of this software, I would like to brave the flames and clear up the misconceptions. All SunOS releases support any number of any combination of Class A, B, or C internet addreses, and will route between them. Release 3.3 and beyond (3.5 is the current release) support any number of non-subnetted networks (standard subnet masks), and any number of interfaces on a subnetted IP network (a single non-standard mask). 3.3 was to support sites like Berkeley and Stanford, that tend to have a single class A or B network number, with routers connecting the various subnets together, and connecting them to the outside world (e.g. Arpanet). Suns can be used for any of these routing functions. Some more esoteric configurations with multiple (DIFFERENT) non-standard netmasks on the same machine are supported in a release that is currently in Beta test. ALL releases since 3.3 handled (and never forwarded) all six kinds of broadcast addresses. As described in RFC950, subnets of all zeros should not be used, and a single netmask should be used throughout a single IP network number. Some specific examples of supported configurations are given in the release documentation; in general it is a good idea to read the manual first before posting a message to a world-wide distribution list. -- Bill Nowicki Sun Microsystems
larry@pdn.UUCP (Larry Swift) (01/21/88)
In article <8801182146.AA03342@speed.sun.com> nowicki@SUN.COM (Bill Nowicki) writes: >Last week there were several incorrect messages to this list about the >IP subnet support in SunOS releases. As developer of this software, I >would like to brave the flames and clear up the misconceptions. Unfortunately, your messsage didn't offer any help to those having the problems. I inferred that you thought the problems were imaginary or due to ill-informed users. However, one of Sun's own reps has acknowledged some difficulties in the subnet routing area. Can you surmise what it is that is causing (at least several people) problems? Larry Swift UUCP: {codas,usfvax2}!pdn!larry Paradyne Corp., LF-207 Phone: (813) 530-8605 P. O. Box 2826 Largo, FL, 34649-9981
lekash@ORVILLE.NAS.NASA.GOV (John Lekashman) (02/09/88)
Some more esoteric configurations with multiple (DIFFERENT) non-standard netmasks on the same machine are supported in a release that is currently in Beta test. Any comment on when this might make it out of beta test? We have these suns about to become cray gateways, and there will be two different subnetted networks connected to them. One to two months is the time frame in which I have to figure out some workaround to deal with this subnet problem. thanks, john