Deciding Where to Install rpc.pcnfsd

You can install and run rpc.pcnfsd on a single server, on several servers, or on all servers on the network.

If you run rpc.pcnfsd on a single server, this machine will be used for all PCNFSD authentication and printing. In this case, make sure this server is always available and is accessible to all client computers. When the PC user configures Solstice Network Client software, the user can identify this server by name, and the software will always try to use this server for authentication.

This method has disadvantages, however, particularly in a large network. For example, if there is only one PCNFSD server and it fails, users will not be able to log in or print from their computer to a network printer. Also, a client may not be able to access the PCNFSD server if a router in the network fails.

It is better to run rpc.pcnfsd on several servers on the network. Users can enter the server's name or IP address when they set up Solstice Network Client software, or they can broadcast for a PCNFSD server on the local subnetwork by entering an asterisk (*) rather than a server name or IP address.

You do not need to reinstall the SUNWpcnfd package if your server is already running the PCNFSD daemon.