Open Datalink Interface

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Open Datalink Interface ( ODI ) is a specification developed by Novell and Apple for the integration of network cards and is located on layer 2 of the OSI model . It is mainly used in NetWare networks and corresponds to the NDIS .

ODI was developed to increase flexibility when using network cards. The predecessor IPX.COM was a monolith of card drivers and the IPX protocol and had to be generated with a special linker (WSGEN). This process had to be repeated every time the configuration of the network card was changed and the card driver was renewed. In addition, only IPX and only one network card could be used.

With ODI, a modularization was carried out by dividing the card driver MLID (Multiple Link Interface Driver), the intermediary LSL (Link Support Layer) and the network protocol. In addition to or as an alternative to IPX, further protocols such as TCP / IP could be used.