Internetworking is hidden from applications by underlying
NetBIOS drivers or programs and bridges which together provide Source Routing of packets.(7) Simply put, Source Routing is a protocol in which a sender node specifies the route (through LANs and bridges) to the destination node in the frame itself.
NET3270 workstations can connect to the gateway using either Novell's SPX protocol or IBM'S
NETBIOS protocol.
"We're strictly using SNA and
Netbios protocols across the LAN-to-LAN connection; therefore, we have IBM remote bridges;' notes Van Laer.
IBM has also made public applications interfaces such as
Netbios, and has announced a new application program interface, Advanced Progam-to-Program Communications for the PC (APPC/PC).
With the March release of its NetWare
Netbios Emulator, Novell also supports the IBM PC network and Microsoft Networks.