Chapter 3. Network Services

Some network servers provide essential computer-to-computer services. These differ from application services in that they are not directly accessed by end users. Instead these services are used by networked computers to simplify the installation, configuration, and operation of the network.

The functions performed by the servers covered in this chapter are varied:

  • Name service for converting IP addresses to host names.

  • Configuration servers that simplify the installation of networked hosts by handling part or all of the TCP/IP configuration.

  • Electronic mail services for moving mail through the network from the sender to the recipient.

Servers on a TCP/IP network differ from traditional PC LAN servers. Every host on a TCP/IP network can be both a server and a client. The hosts on a TCP/IP network are peers. All systems are equal. The network is not dependent on any one server. All of the services discussed in this chapter can be installed on one or several systems on a network.

We begin with a discussion of name service. It is an essential service that you will certainly use on your network.

Names and Addresses

The Internet Protocol document[14] defines names, addresses, and routes as follows:

A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how to get there.

Names, addresses, and routes all require the network administrator’s attention. Routes and addresses are covered in the previous chapter. This section discusses names and ...

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