Hosts on a Virtual Network

Use a virtual network configuration to connect three or more physically separated computers into a virtual network of phone lines, modems, and PPP software.

• Network interface - This type of configuration requires a multipoint link, which uses the ipdn virtual network interface. This interface connects each endpoint system with the other endpoints on the virtual network.

• Addressing method - The configuration file must include the host names or IP addresses of the machines that communicate over the link. Refer to "Determining IP Addressing for Your PPP Link" for more information. You must assign a network number to the virtual network. Refer to "Creating a Unique IP Address and Host Name" for complete details.

• Name Service - You can run NIS and NIS+ for the virtual network; however, this can affect the performance of the link. DNS is a better alternative. Refer to Solaris Naming Administration Guide for instructions on setting up these name services. If you use files for name service, be sure to update /etc/inet/hosts on each machine with the host names and IP addresses of all machines on the virtual network.

• Dial-in and dial-out support - All machines in the virtual network must be configured for both dial-in and dial-out operations, so you should update their UUCP and /etc/passwd files.

• Routing requirements - The ipdn interface does not support RIP; you do not need to disable it.