PC client LMHOSTS static configuration files

Connecting your PC Client with LMHOSTS

PC client operating systems can provide static configuration files that map server 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. Static configuration files are very useful, however, 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 server system names to IP addresses. The LMHOSTS file contains IP addresses and server system names. You can use these files to map the IP address for both the iSeries server and iSeries NetServer for clients. Mapping the IP address for both iSeries and iSeries NetServer allows clients to find the iSeries server and iSeries NetServer in a large, distributed network environment.

You may also add an entry into the LMHOSTS file that points to a LMHOSTS file that is administered centrally on the iSeries server. By pointing all clients to the central file on the iSeries server, 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 you must 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
   

   For example:

   10.5.10.1 QNETSERVER #PRE

   If the iSeries NetServer is a Logon Server:

   10.5.10.1 QNETSERVER #PRE #DOM:netdomain (netdomain is the domain name that 
   the Logon Server services).