Machines That Are Network Clients

Any host that gets its configuration information from a network configuration server is said to be "operating" in network client mode. Machines configured as network clients do not require local copies of the TCP/IP configuration files.

Network client mode greatly simplifies administration of large networks. It minimizes the number of configuration tasks that must be performed on individual hosts and assures that all machines on the network adhere to the same configuration standards.

You can configure network client mode on all types of computers, from fully standalone systems to diskless and dataless machines. Although it is possible to configure routers and servers in network client mode, local files mode is a better choice for these machines. Routers and servers should be as self-sufficient as possible.

Diskless Booting

Setting up systems for diskless booting is described in the System Administration Guide.