open datalink interface (Novell) (ODI)

The Open Datalink Interface (ODI) specification was developed by Novell to prevent uncontrolled use of network adapters, drivers, and protocols. ODI drivers are generally best suited for use with NetWare protocol stacks.

The Open Datalink Interface uses the Link Support Layer( LSL) layer to create a " virtual network card" to allow different types of packets to be sent over one card. The LSL layer performs the routing function between the protocol stacks and the Multiple Link Interface Drivers (MLID). The Link Support Layer (LSL) isolates the transport protocols from the transmission media and hardware. Furthermore, it mediates the data packets coming from a particular NIC to the correct protocol stack and vice versa. The LSL eliminates any transmission medium or hardware dependency.

Below the LSL layer are one or more MLID drivers. An MLID is written for a specific network card and supports all specific frame types present on a transmission medium. Above the LSL layer are the various protocol stacks, such as the Internetwork Packet Exchange Protocol( IPX), the Sequenced Packet Exchange Protocol ( SPX) or Transmission Control Protocol( TCP), and the IP protocol, DECnet, and so on.

By multiplexing the data between the MLIDs and the protocol stacks through the LSL layer, it is possible to establish a one-to-many or many-to-many relationship between adapters and protocol stacks.