Network Databases

When you install the operating system, you supply the host name and IP address of your server, clients, or standalone machine as part of the procedure. The Solaris installation program enters this information into a network database called the hosts database. The hosts database is one of a set of network databases that contain information necessary for TCP/IP operation on your network. These databases are read by the name service you select for your network.

Setting up the network databases is a critical part of network configuration. Therefore, you need to decide which name service to use as part of the network planning process. Moreover, the decision to use name services also affects whether or not you organize your network into an administrative domain. Chapter 4, Configuring TCP/IP on the Network, has detailed information on the set of network databases.