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NetWare Core Protocol (NCP)
NetWare Core Protocol (NCP) facilitates communication with Novell NetWare servers, handling essential network tasks such as file and print sharing, directory services, and time synchronization. Commonly deployed on legacy enterprise networks, it enabled efficient access to server resources and centralized management, remaining prevalent in environments still utilizing NetWare infrastructure..
NetWare Core Protocol (NCP) operates primarily to enable seamless resource sharing and remote procedure calls between Novell NetWare clients and servers. It supports critical networking operations, including file system management, directory services, and printer operations. Communication occurs over both TCP and UDP on port 524, ensuring interoperability across varied network environments.
Originally designed for IPX/SPX transport, NCP later gained support for IP-based communication to adapt to modern networking standards. The protocol defines a series of commands encapsulated within its message formats, facilitating detailed server interactions such as authentication, directory traversal, and resource manipulation. Its flexibility allows it to support multiple session management features crucial for enterprise deployments.
NCP’s tight integration with Novell Directory Services (NDS), later known as eDirectory, offers centralized directory management and authentication mechanisms. This integration streamlines network administration and resource allocation, making NCP foundational to the operational architecture of NetWare-centric networks.