The service node assigns VIP addresses to clients. When a client is powered on, it broadcasts a request for servers. All servers that hear the request respond. Client subnetwork addresses are typically assigned sequentially, starting with 8001H. Server subnetwork addresses are always 1. Clients always choose their own server as a first-hop router, even if another server on the same cable provides a better route to the ultimate destination.
Clients can learn about other routers by receiving redirect messages from their own server.
Hello packets indicate that the client is still operating and network-ready. The servers themselves send routing updates to other servers periodically. Routing updates alert other routers to changes in node addresses and network topology. If the current server is the destination, the server handles the request appropriately. If the packet is a broadcast, the current server checks to see if the packet came from the least-cost path.