The Microsoft IPX/SPX-compatible protocol (NWLINK.VXD) supports the 32-bit Windows Sockets programming interface, so that any Win32-based Windows Socket application can run on IPX/SPX with Windows 95. (There are no 16-bit Windows Sockets applications using IPX/SPX.)
The IPX/SPX-compatible protocol can be used by Client for NetWare Networks to communicate with NetWare servers or computers running File and Printer Sharing for NetWare Networks.
This protocol can also be used by Client for Microsoft Networks to communicate with computers running Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or Windows NT that are running the same protocol.
The IPX/SPX-compatible protocol uses the NWNBLINK.VXD module to support computers that use NetBIOS over IPX and to support the NetBIOS programming interface. This protocol can also use NetWare servers configured as routers (and other IPX routers) to transfer packets across LANs.