3 Selecting Database Creation and Oracle Net Services Configuration Methods

This chapter describes Oracle9i database creation and Oracle Net Services configuration methods available during installation. At a minimum, you must understand the creation and networking methods before performing an installation.

This chapter contains these topics:

About Database Creation and Network Configuration Methods
Types of Database Environments
Selecting a Database Creation Method
Configuring Your Network
See Also:

The Glossary for definitions of terms used in this chapter

Oracle9i Net Services Administrator's Guide for detailed descriptions of the networking concepts in this chapter

About Database Creation and Network Configuration Methods

Oracle Universal Installer provides several methods for creating an Oracle9i database and configuring your Oracle Net Services networking environment during installation.

The method to select during installation depends upon:

Your own expertise with database creation and network configuration
The requirements of your database and network environment

You must understand these methods before you begin installation. By reviewing the information in this chapter, you can ensure that you create and configure a database and network environment that best matches your needs from the beginning.

Oracle9i and Oracle Net Services components are installed through several installation types. Review the installation types in Table 3-1 to identify how much user input is required for database creation and network configuration during installation. See the remaining sections of this chapter for specific details on what information is automatically created, and what information you must provide.

Table 3-1 User Input Required for Installation Types

Installation Types	User Input Required for Database Creation	User Input Required for Oracle Net Services ConfigurationAmount of Input
Oracle9i Database
Enterprise Edition	Minimal	None
Standard Edition	Minimal	None
Personal Edition	Minimal	None
Custom, and select:	-	-
Oracle Net Services or Oracle9i	Not applicable Extensive^Foot 1	None or Extensive^Foot 2 Not applicable
Oracle9i Client^Foot 3
Administrator	Not applicable	Minimal
Runtime	Not applicable	Minimal
Oracle9i Management and Integration
Oracle Management Server	Not applicable	Minimal
Oracle Internet Directory	Minimal	Minimal
Custom, and select:
Oracle9i or Oracle Net Services	Extensive^Footref 1 Not applicable	Not applicable Minimal or Extensive

^Footnote 1Selecting through the Custom installation type offers several database creation choices, from a complete custom creation requiring extensive user input to a creation requiring minimal user input. See "Selecting a Database Creation Method" for more information.

^Footnote 2Selecting through the Custom installation type prompts you to create a configuration requiring either no user input or a configuration requiring extensive user input. See "Configuring Your Network" for more information.

^Footnote 3You cannot install an Oracle9i database from the Oracle9i Client top-level component.

Notes:

If you select the Oracle Internet Directory installation type described in Table 3-1, then an Oracle9i database is automatically installed if one is not currently installed in the same Oracle home. Use this database only for storing Oracle Internet Directory information.

Types of Database Environments

Oracle Universal Installer enables you to create an Oracle9i database that operates in one of the environments shown in Table 3-2. Identify the environment appropriate for your Oracle9i database.

Table 3-2 Database Configuration Types

Environment	Description
General Purpose	Users perform a variety of database tasks, ranging from simple transactions to complex queries. Select this database environment for general purpose usage.
Transaction Processing	Users perform large numbers of concurrent transactions, where each transaction is a relatively simple operation processing a small amount of data. Transactions consist of reading, writing, and deleting data in database tables. Billing databases, such as those commonly found on internet commerce sites, are the most common example of this database configuration. These are also known as online transaction processing (OLTP) databases.
Data Warehouse	Users perform numerous complex queries that process large volumes of data. Response time, accuracy, and availability are key issues. These queries (typically read-only) range from a simple fetch of a few records to complex queries that sort thousands of records from many different tables. Data warehousing environments are also known as Decision Support System (DSS) environments.
Customized	Allows you to create a customized database configuration or a custom installation of Oracle components that meets specialized requirements. Select this configuration method only if you are prepared to provide detailed component and database environment information. Choosing this option requires a longer installation session than choosing a preconfigured database.
Software Only	Allows you to install Oracle components without creating a database. Select this method only if you are prepared to provide extensive database configuration information when you create a database. Oracle Corporation recommends that you install at least one seed database to serve as a template for database configuration.

Selecting a Database Creation Method

Database Configuration Assistant is a tool that enables you to create an Oracle9i database for Transaction Processing, Data Warehouse, or General Purpose environments. Database Configuration Assistant is automatically started by Oracle Universal Installer when you select to create an Oracle9i database as part of the installation process or can be manually run as a standalone tool after installation.

When you run Oracle Universal Installer and select Oracle9i Database in the Available Products window, the Installation Types window appears and presents you with four installation types. Each installation type enables you to create the database configuration types listed in Table 3-2.

If You Perform These Steps...	Then...
Select the Enterprise Edition or Personal Edition installation type.	Database Configuration Assistant automatically starts at the end of installation and configures the database according to the selected database configuration type: Default initialization parameters Automatic installation and configuration of various database options, such as Oracle JVM and Oracle Spatial components^Foot 1 Advanced replication capabilities Database configured in dedicated server mode^Foot 2 Archiving mode set to `NOARCHIVELOG` No user input is required other than the global database name and SID you are prompted to enter prior to Database Configuration Assistant startup. At the end of the database creation process, you are required to change the `SYS` and `SYSTEM` passwords. Note: Personal Edition does not offer Oracle Real Application Clusters.

If You Perform These Steps...	Then...
Select the Standard Edition installation type.	Database Configuration Assistant automatically starts at the end of installation and configures the database according to the selected database configuration type. At the end of the database creation process, you are required to change the `SYS` and `SYSTEM` passwords. Refer to "Oracle9i Licensable Database Options" or Appendix A, "Individual Components Available for Installation" for a list of components that are not part of the Standard Edition installation type.

If You Perform These Steps...	Then...
Select the Custom installation type. Select Oracle9i and additional products in the Available Product Components window. Select Yes when prompted to create a starter database. Database Configuration Assistant prompts you to select a database environment: Transaction Processing Data Warehouse General Purpose	Database Configuration Assistant guides you in the creation of a database customized to match the environment (Transaction Processing, Data Warehouse, or General Purpose) and configuration mode (dedicated server or shared server) you select. Database options such as Oracle JVM, Oracle Spatial, and advanced replication (if installed) are automatically configured. Select this option only if you are experienced with advanced database creation procedures, such as customizing: Data, control, and undo log file settings Tablespace and extent sizes Database memory parameters Archiving modes, formats, and destinations Trace file destinations Character set values At the end of the database creation process, you are required to change the `SYS` and `SYSTEM` passwords.

Configuring Your Network

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant is a tool that enables you to configure the Oracle Net Services environment to enable Oracle clients to connect to an Oracle9i database. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant can be automatically started from Oracle Universal Installer through most installation types or manually started as a standalone tool.

Depending on the installation type selected, Oracle Net Configuration Assistant configures your network in one of the following ways:

Automatically configures the network for standard database connection methods with minimal user input
Creates a customized network by prompting for extensive input

Configuration consists of creating and modifying network configuration files located in the default ORACLE_BASE\ORACLE_HOME\network\admin directory.

Configuring the Server Network

The type of network configuration created with the server installation types and the amount of user input required are described in subsequent sections. Review Table 3-6 and Table 3-7 and identify the network configuration that best matches your requirements and network configuration expertise.

Table 3-6 Net Services Configuration—Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition, or Personal Edition

If You Perform These Steps... Then...

If You Perform These Steps...	Then...
Select Oracle9i Database. Select the Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition, or Personal Edition installation type.	Oracle Net Configuration Assistant automatically creates your Oracle Net Services environment by configuring information in the following files: `listener.ora` file Configures a listener named `LISTENER` with protocol addresses for both the Oracle9i database (using the preferred protocol for your operating system, which is typically TCP/IP on port 1521) and for external procedures (using the IPC protocol) Configures service information for external procedures `sqlnet.ora` file Configures the database to accept operating system authenticated connections (OPS$). Refer to "Windows Native Authentication Overview" of Oracle9i Security and Network Integration Guide for more details. Configures the server's network domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string Configures the naming methods the server uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor `tnsnames.ora` file Creates a net service name file to use for external procedure connections Note: You cannot configure access to a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP)-compliant directory server through the Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition, and Personal Edition installation types. Directory server configuration is available only through the Custom installation type.
	Database Configuration Assistant automatically configures additional Oracle Net Services information in the following files during successful creation of the Oracle9i database: `listener.ora` file Configures service information for the Oracle9i database `tnsnames.ora` Configures a net service name for the database to connect back to itself Note: Database Configuration Assistant configures additional information for Oracle Real Application Clusters installations. See Oracle9i Real Application Clusters Setup and Configuration for more information.

Select Oracle9i Database.
Select the Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition, or Personal Edition installation type.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant automatically creates your Oracle Net Services environment by configuring information in the following files:

listener.ora file

Configures a listener named LISTENER with protocol addresses for both the Oracle9i database (using the preferred protocol for your operating system, which is typically TCP/IP on port 1521) and for external procedures (using the IPC protocol)

Configures service information for external procedures
sqlnet.ora file

Configures the database to accept operating system authenticated connections (OPS$). Refer to "Windows Native Authentication Overview" of Oracle9i Security and Network Integration Guide for more details.

Configures the server's network domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string

Configures the naming methods the server uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor
tnsnames.ora file

Creates a net service name file to use for external procedure connections

Note: You cannot configure access to a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP)-compliant directory server through the Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition, and Personal Edition installation types. Directory server configuration is available only through the Custom installation type.

Database Configuration Assistant automatically configures additional Oracle Net Services information in the following files during successful creation of the Oracle9i database:

listener.ora file

Configures service information for the Oracle9i database
tnsnames.ora

Configures a net service name for the database to connect back to itself

Note: Database Configuration Assistant configures additional information for Oracle Real Application Clusters installations. See Oracle9i Real Application Clusters Setup and Configuration for more information.

Table 3-7 Net Services Configuration—Custom Database

If You Select These Installation Types... Then...

If You Select These Installation Types...	Then...
Select Oracle9i Database. Select Custom. Select Oracle Net Services.	Oracle Net Configuration Assistant first prompts you to select a naming method to a connect descriptor for connection to an Oracle9i database: Complete directory server usage configuration. This requires that you enter a directory server type and location, if you have one, and specify which Oracle Context should be used by default for this Oracle home. You are prompted for this information if you have never configured the Oracle home for directory usage. Create listeners to use for database connections Select the naming method to use when connecting to the local database. By default, the local naming method is selected. In most circumstances, Oracle Corporation recommends this default. You also have the option to use one of the following naming methods: directory naming if directory usage configuration was completed, local naming, Oracle Names, host naming, or external naming. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant then automatically creates the Oracle Net Services environment by configuring information in the following files: `listener.ora` file Configures a listener with a name and protocol address that you choose. In addition, a protocol address and static service information for external procedures are configured. `sqlnet.ora` file Configures the database to accept operating system authenticated connections (OPS$). Refer to "Windows Native Authentication Overview" of Oracle9i Security and Network Integration Guide for more details. Configures the server's network domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string. Configures the naming methods the server uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor `tnsnames.ora` file Creates a net service name entry for external procedure connections `ldap.ora` file Configures access to the directory server
	Database Configuration Assistant automatically configures additional Oracle Net Services information in the following files during successful creation of the Oracle9i database: `listener.ora` file Configures service information for the Oracle9i database `tnsnames.ora` Configures a net service name for the database to connect back to itself

Select Oracle9i Database.
Select Custom.
Select Oracle Net Services.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant first prompts you to select a naming method to a connect descriptor for connection to an Oracle9i database:

Complete directory server usage configuration. This requires that you enter a directory server type and location, if you have one, and specify which Oracle Context should be used by default for this Oracle home. You are prompted for this information if you have never configured the Oracle home for directory usage.
Create listeners to use for database connections
Select the naming method to use when connecting to the local database. By default, the local naming method is selected. In most circumstances, Oracle Corporation recommends this default. You also have the option to use one of the following naming methods: directory naming if directory usage configuration was completed, local naming, Oracle Names, host naming, or external naming.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant then automatically creates the Oracle Net Services environment by configuring information in the following files:

listener.ora file

Configures a listener with a name and protocol address that you choose. In addition, a protocol address and static service information for external procedures are configured.
sqlnet.ora file

Configures the database to accept operating system authenticated connections (OPS$). Refer to "Windows Native Authentication Overview" of Oracle9i Security and Network Integration Guide for more details.

Configures the server's network domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string.

Configures the naming methods the server uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor
tnsnames.ora file

Creates a net service name entry for external procedure connections
ldap.ora file

Configures access to the directory server

Database Configuration Assistant automatically configures additional Oracle Net Services information in the following files during successful creation of the Oracle9i database:

listener.ora file

Configures service information for the Oracle9i database
tnsnames.ora

Configures a net service name for the database to connect back to itself

Configuring the Client Network

The type of network configurations created with the client installation types and the amount of user input required are described in the following tables. Review Table 3-8 and Table 3-9 and identify the network configuration that best matches your requirements and network configuration expertise.

Table 3-8 Net Services Configuration—Administrator or Runtime

If You Perform These Steps... Then...

If You Perform These Steps...	Then...
Select Oracle9i Client. Select Administrator or Runtime.	Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to configure the directory naming or local naming method based upon if you choose to use a directory server or not. If you choose to use a directory server, Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to complete directory server usage. If you do not choose to use a directory server, the Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to configure a net service name in a `tnsnames.ora` file. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant then automatically creates your client environment by configuring information in the following files: `sqlnet.ora` file Configures the client's domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string. Configures the naming methods the client uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor `tnsnames.ora` file Configures a net service name to connect to the database, if the local naming method was selected `ldap.ora` file Configures access to the directory server

Select Oracle9i Client.
Select Administrator or Runtime.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to configure the directory naming or local naming method based upon if you choose to use a directory server or not.

If you choose to use a directory server, Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to complete directory server usage. If you do not choose to use a directory server, the Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to configure a net service name in a tnsnames.ora file.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant then automatically creates your client environment by configuring information in the following files:

sqlnet.ora file

Configures the client's domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string.

Configures the naming methods the client uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor
tnsnames.ora file

Configures a net service name to connect to the database, if the local naming method was selected
ldap.ora file

Configures access to the directory server

Table 3-9 Net Services Configuration—Custom Client

If You Perform These Steps... Then...

If You Perform These Steps...	Then...
Select Oracle9i Client. Select Custom. Select Oracle Net Services.	Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to configure a naming method to resolve a name to a connect descriptor for a connection to an Oracle9i database. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant provides you with the option of selecting one or more naming methods (directory naming, local naming, Oracle Names, host naming, or external naming) or using the Perform typical configuration option. The Perform typical configuration option automatically selects the local naming or directory naming method based on your existing directory usage configuration. Depending on your selection, you are prompted for additional information. For the local naming method, you are prompted to enter a net service name, a database service name, and a networking protocol to use. By default, the database service name is its global database name. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant then automatically creates your Oracle Net client environment by configuring information in the following files: `sqlnet.ora` file Configures the client to request operating system authenticated connections (OPS$). Refer to "Windows Native Authentication Overview" of Oracle9i Security and Network Integration Guide for more details. Configures the client's domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string. Configures the naming methods the client uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor `tnsnames.ora` file Configures a net service name to connect to the database, if the local naming method was selected

Select Oracle9i Client.
Select Custom.
Select Oracle Net Services.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant prompts you to configure a naming method to resolve a name to a connect descriptor for a connection to an Oracle9i database. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant provides you with the option of selecting one or more naming methods (directory naming, local naming, Oracle Names, host naming, or external naming) or using the Perform typical configuration option.

The Perform typical configuration option automatically selects the local naming or directory naming method based on your existing directory usage configuration.

Depending on your selection, you are prompted for additional information. For the local naming method, you are prompted to enter a net service name, a database service name, and a networking protocol to use. By default, the database service name is its global database name.

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant then automatically creates your Oracle Net client environment by configuring information in the following files:

sqlnet.ora file

Configures the client to request operating system authenticated connections (OPS$). Refer to "Windows Native Authentication Overview" of Oracle9i Security and Network Integration Guide for more details.

Configures the client's domain as the default domain (the TCP/IP domain in which your computer is located). This domain is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name given in the connect string.

Configures the naming methods the client uses to resolve a name to a connect descriptor
tnsnames.ora file

Configures a net service name to connect to the database, if the local naming method was selected