jon@jonlab.UUCP (Jon H. LaBadie) (10/04/89)
We're new to AIX (not to UNIX) and babes in the woods where networking is concerned. We could use some serious hand-holding in setting up the TCP/IP network on our systems. It will be a VERY simple network! We have 2 systems, model 125's running AIX 2.2.1. The baseband adapters and transceivers are installed and now it is time to proceed to network administration. Our goals include file and mail transfer; remote backup of one system (only one has a tape drive); remote printing (yup, one printer); and eventually, external communications via one system with modems. If someone has a blow by blow description of getting started, that would be ideal. Otherwise, perhaps a few clarifications would allow progress. 1. TCP/IP vs. Distributed Services I'm not sure how these tie together. Seems that each has its own set of administrative requirements. 2. Addressing Node name - set via "uname -S", used only by uucp?? Node id number - printed by "uname -a" and listed as the local "nickname" when entering "ndtable". What is its use and how (or should) it be set. Internet address - big HUH? Seems to be required at many points. But I have no plans to get onto any external Internet. Is it still required? How is it chosed/set? Domain name - same HUH? as Internet address. Hostname - seems to be set with "hostname". Should this be the same as Node name? 3. Sendmail.cf and associated needs I think I have a minimum config established, but some assurances would be welcome. 4. NFS/YP software This has not been obtained. Is it needed, would it be nice, for our basic requirements? 5. Cabling We have appropriate coax to connect the two systems. It would mean routing the cable through the dropped ceiling between offices. An alternative (attractive physically and visually) is to use the already installed coax for our synchronous terminals. Each office has a number of these going to a patch panel in the computer room. It would be simple to run coax to the wall plate, and jumper the two connections at the patch panel. Is this a no-no because of the different types of coax cable? I would appreciate any input you might have; posted or mailed. I would prefer mailings however as the propogation delay on new articles is about 3 days to my site. Mail is nearly immediate. Thanks in advance, Jon LaBadie, many-backbones!princeton \ bcr !jonlab!jon / AT&T-sites!att -- Jon LaBadie {att, princeton, bcr}!jonlab!jon {att, attmail, bcr}!auxnj!jon