1    Overview to Network Administration

Network administration comprises those tasks that deal with the setting up and configuration of network interfaces, software, and daemons, and those tasks that deal with the day-to-day management of those interfaces, software, and daemons, including solving problems that might arise.

This manual describes the administration of the following:

• Basic network connections, including Ethernet, Token Ring, and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) interfaces, and network daemons

• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

• Point-to-point connections, including Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

• Local Area Transport (LAT)

• Berkeley Internet Name Domain (BIND) service

• Network Information Service (NIS), formerly named Yellow Pages

• Network File System (NFS)

• UNIX-to-UNIX Copy Program (UUCP)

• Network Time Protocol (NTP)

• Mail environment

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Day-to-day management varies with each network service, as each one provides different capabilities. Typically, management involves making small changes and adjustments, such as adding users, mounting remote file systems or directories, obtaining status information, and setting up automatic maintenance scripts. Each chapter describes a specific task, presenting the generic steps required to perform the task followed by examples and additional information.

In addition to the day-to-day management of the network and network services, this manual contains information to help you solve problems that might occur. Problem solving is handled as a separate part of administration because it is not something that you have to do every day.

Unlike the administration chapters, problem-solving chapters are structured according to specific problems. Within each problem section are the steps to resolve the problem.

The key to successful problem solving is in isolating the source of the problem. Frequently, complex networks and interactions between network services make this difficult to do. If you encounter a problem, whether by error message or event (for example, slow response), do the following:

1. Check your system, its network interface, and connections to the network.

2. Check the network and your system's ability to reach a remote system.

Most problems can be solved after you perform these two steps. If not, go to the appropriate problem-solving section and follow the steps.