PC client LMHOSTS static configuration files

 

In large distributed networks, LMHOSTS static configuration files are helpful for mapping system names to IP addresses.

Connecting your PC client with LMHOSTS

The operating systems on the supported PC client can provide static configuration files that map system names to TCP/IP addresses. These files are typically more difficult to manage than a solution that involves more centralized control, for example, a DNS or WINS server. This difficulty results because your network administrator must configure each PC client individually. However, static configuration files are useful in large distributed networks. In this environment, clients and servers exist in different subnets (network segments) and possibly different workgroups (domains). Static configuration files help clients locate servers.

All PC clients supported by iSeries™ NetServer™ provide the LMHOSTS file that can map system names to IP addresses. The LMHOSTS file contains IP addresses and system names. You can use these files to map the IP address for both the system and iSeries NetServer. Mapping the IP address for both the system and iSeries NetServer allows clients to find the system and iSeries NetServer in a large distributed network environment.

You can also add an entry into the LMHOSTS file that points to an LMHOSTS file that is administered centrally on the i5/OS® operating system. By pointing all clients to the central file on the system, you need to maintain only one LMHOSTS file for the network.

You can find more information about LMHOSTS files in the sample LMHOSTS file that is provided with your Windows® operating system. Additional information is available in your operating system documentation.

Configuring your PC client with LMHOSTS

If you are using the LMHOSTS file, then configure LMHOSTS with the system name and IP address for iSeries NetServer to ensure client connectivity. To add a preloaded entry to the LMHOSTS file, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the \WINNT\system32\drivers\etc directory.

  2. Add the following entry to the LMHOSTS file: 
    TCP/IP-address iSeries-NetServer-server-name #PRE
    10.5.10.1 QNETSERVER #PRE
    For example, if the iSeries NetServer is a logon server, you can add the following entry to the LMHOSTS file: 
    10.5.10.1 QNETSERVER #PRE #DOM:netdomain (netdomain is the domain name that 
the logon server services).

 

Parent topic:

Configuring and connecting your PC client

Related concepts
iSeries NetServer User Datagram Protocol broadcasts