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Installation and Configuration Considerations for
FASTPTCP
Spooler FASTP Network Print Processes Manual — 427528-006
3 - 14
Using the HOSTS Keyword Entry
For a complete discussion about the use and creation of the FASTCNFG file, see
Configuring a FASTCNFG File
on page 2-17.
Using the HOSTS Keyword Entry
In addition to the DEVICE and DEFAULT keywords, each FASTCNFG file for
FASTPTCP can contain a HOSTS keyword entry. The HOSTS entry directs
FASTPTCP to a local hosts file for address resolution.
By default, if a host name is used instead of a dotted decimal address for the
ADDRESS attribute, FASTPTCP attempts to resolve the address from a DNS server
identified in
$SYSTEM.ZTCPIP.RESCONF
. Note that name lookup from a DNS server
is a blocking action. In most cases, names are resolved within milliseconds, and are
subsequently cached by the TCP/IP service. In these situations, performance should
not be affected. However, if network or configuration problems occur, FASTPTCP can
be blocked from processing other I/O activity. In these cases, FASTPTCP writes a
warning message to the EMS collector noting the time spent waiting for the name
lookup to complete. If these errors persist, consider using a local hosts file as an
expedient alternative.
A local hosts file can be specified in a HOSTS entry listed in the FASTCNFG file or in a
related Spooler supervisor DEFINE. When specified in the FASTCNFG file, the HOSTS
entry should appear before the DEVICE entries. Only one HOSTS entry can be
specified.
The syntax for a FASTCNFG HOSTS entry is as follows:
where
hosts-file-name
specifies the name of the local file to be used for address resolution if the
ADDRESS is a host name.
For example, a FASTCNFG file might contain the following:
HOSTS $SYSTEM.HOSTS.HOSTS ! File for addresses
DEVICE $PRNT1
CONTYPE = TCP/IP
PROTOCOL = NONE
ADDRESS = SPARCC ! Use HOSTS file for address
PORT = 2001
HOSTS
hosts-file-name