Lucent Technologies PortMaster, Configuration Manual

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Configuring Global Settings 3-7
Configuring Name Resolution
Using the Host Table
Each host attached to an IP network is assigned a unique IP address. Every PortMaster
supports a local host table to map hostnames to IP addresses. If your network lacks a
computer that can perform hostname resolution, the PortMaster allows entries in a local
host table. Hostnames are used by the PortMaster only for your convenience when
using the command line interface, or if you require users to enter hostnames at the host
prompt.
To avoid confusion and reduce administrative overhead, Lucent recommends using the
Domain Name System (DNS) or Network Information Service (NIS) for hostname
resolution rather than the local host table. The PortMaster always checks the local host
table before using DNS or NIS. For information on setting the NIS or DNS name service,
refer to “Setting the Name Service” on page 3-7.
Setting the Name Service
The PortMaster can work with network name services such as the Network Information
Service (NIS) or the Domain Name System (DNS). Appendix A, “Networking Concepts,”
describes these name services. You must explicitly identify any name service used on
your network.
The PortMaster stores all information by address rather than name. As a result,
configuring the name server is useful only if you are using the command line interface
for administration or if you prompt a login user for a host. If you are not using either of
these features, you do not need to set the name service.