Remote Host-to-Remote Host Configuration

Use the host-to-host configuration to establish point-to-point communications between two remote hosts in different physical locations. This configuration is useful for two standalone machines in remote offices that need to exchange information. No physical network is involved.

• Network interface - This basic point-to-point link uses the ipdptpn virtual network interface. You must specify the interface in the configuration files of both endpoints.

• Addressing method - The configuration file must include the host names or IP addresses of the machines that can communicate over the link. Use the existing host names and the IP addresses assigned to the primary network interface, if they already exist. Otherwise, create IP addresses for the endpoints. Refer to "Determining IP Addressing for Your PPP Link" for complete details.

• Name service - Because only two peer hosts are involved, you don't need a true name service. The /etc/inet/hosts files on both peer hosts are used for address resolution.

• Dial-in and Dial-out support - Both machines need to perform dial-in and dial-out operations. You must modify the UUCP databases and /etc/passwd on both endpoints.

• Routing requirements - Because RIP is part of the Solaris TCP/IP protocol stack, it runs by default on remote hosts. Turn off RIP to improve performance, if necessary, and instead use static routing. See "To Select Static Routing on a Host" and "Turning Off RIP" for details.