Domain logon support

To remove the need for a Windows^® server to handle domain logon services in a Windows NT^® domain, iSeries™ NetServer™ provides this support.

Windows clients are able to sign on to an iSeries NetServer domain just as they would sign on to an NT domain. iSeries NetServer provides the following services as additional advantages:

• The i5/OS^® operating system as a primary location for user information and domain logon authentication (including home directory and logon scripts).

• Storage and retrieval of Windows user profiles on the system, including Desktop, Start Menu, Favorites, and so on.

• Storage, retrieval, and maintenance of Windows system policies from the system.

iSeries NetServer provides specific services necessary or directly related to logon support. Thus, iSeries NetServer will identify itself as a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) and function as a Domain Master Browser (DMB) if it is configured as a logon server, but iSeries NetServer cannot function as a Backup Domain Controller (BDC); nor can it dynamically replicate logon related information to WinNT Domain Controllers.

• iSeries NetServer and client PC configuration
  You need to install the IBM Network Primary Logon Client (IPLC) product to use the logon server support of iSeries NetServer.

• Logon server setup
  When iSeries NetServer starts as a logon server, you need to take these actions in addition to normal startup.

• Logon server home directories
  The logon server that authenticates the user determines the location of the user's home directory.

• Roaming profiles
  When iSeries NetServer is configured as a logon server, it supports roaming profiles. Roaming profiles store their personal PC configuration, including desktop icons, start menu, and registry, on a file server in addition to caching these files locally.

• Logon scripts
  Logon scripts are DOS batch files that the client downloads and runs during the logon process.

• Policy serving
  Policies are a batch of changes applied to the PC's registry that controls and restricts a number of things.

• Browsing support
  Browsers maintain the list of computers for their respective domain and a list of accessible domains.

• Tips and techniques
  The tips and techniques help you to effectively use iSeries NetServer as a logon server.

• Troubleshooting the logon server
  You can use these methods to resolve problems with iSeries NetServer and the logon server.

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