Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange

What Does Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange Mean?

Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX) is a set of network protocols that provide packet switching and sequencing for small and large networks. IPX works at layer three of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and SPX works at layer 4.

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Techopedia Explains Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange

IPX/SPX was designed as a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) alternative. These protocols share similarities but have slight differences.

IPX/SPX is compatible with local area networks (LAN) or private networks and different communication protocol functions. For example, the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) function is used to route server information, which provides optimal data routing.

SPX is connection-oriented and used for routing information and connection-related functions. Like IP, IPX is connectionless and contains end-user data, such as IP addresses.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…