4
Configuring the Network

This chapter describes how to configure your network, including:

• Configuring a Network
• Configuring a Simple Network without Oracle Names
• Configuring a Network with Oracle Names
• Configuring Oracle Names on the Client
• Configuring Connection Manager

Configuring a Network

Configure your network based upon one of two models:

Network Configuration Model	Suitable For...	Naming Method	Configuration Tool
Localized management	Network addresses are mapped in a configuration file on each node (no Oracle Names Server).	Host naming Local naming External naming	Oracle Net8 Easy Config
Centralized management	Networks where an Oracle Names Server performs network address resolution. An Oracle Names Server stores client configuration profiles in one location.	Oracle Names	Oracle Net8 Assistant

Note: Oracle Net8 Assistant only supports configurations using TCP/IP, SPX/IPX, Named Pipes, and Bequeath Protocol Adapters. To configure a service name using LU6.2 or DCE Protocol Adapters, you must manually edit the configuration files.

Additional Information: See: Appendix B, "Configuration File Content" for more information on configuring the LU6.2 Protocol Adapter. Chapter 7, "Using the Advanced Networking Option" for more information about configuring the DCE Protocol Adapter. Net8 Administrator's Guide for more information about network models.

Configuring a Simple Network without Oracle Names

After you have installed and verified the setup of Oracle Networking Products, use the Oracle Net8 Easy Config to configure a simple network by creating the client configuration files:

Configuration File	Description
TNSNAMES.ORA	Contains the names and addresses of services on the network. This configuration file is used by both clients and distributed servers to identify destinations servers. To see a sample and a detailed explanation of this configuration file, refer to Appendix B, "Configuration File Content". This file is saved to the directory ORACLE_HOME\NET80\ADMIN.
SQLNET.ORA	Used by all clients and servers on the network. The file contains client profile information including optional diagnostic parameters, client information about Oracle Names (if used), and other optional parameters such as native naming and security. To see a sample and a detailed explanation of this configuration file, refer to Appendix B, "Configuration File Content". This file is saved to the directory ORACLE_HOME\NET80\ADMIN.

.

Note: Default configuration files are automatically installed onto your system when you install Oracle Networking Products. Use Oracle Net8 Easy Config to modify these files.

To configure a simple network:

1. From the server or client machine, start the Oracle Net8 Easy Config application:

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95> Oracle Net8 Easy Config.

   Oracle Net8 Easy Config appears:

   

2. Enter a new service name (or database alias name) in the New Service Name field to create a new service name, and click Next. The service name can be any name you choose.

   The second screen appears:

   

3. Select the name of the network protocol you want to use (the protocol must be installed on both client and server), and click Next.

   The third screen appears:

   

4. Enter:

   Field	Description
   Host Name	The machine name where the database you want to connect to and communicate with resides.
   Port Number	The port number Net8 listener uses to listen to connection requests for the server (host). The default port number for the listener is 1521.

   The fourth screen appears:

   

5. Enter the System ID (SID) of the database to which you want to connect in the Database SID field, and click Next. The default SID is ORCL.

   Click Next to continue. The fifth screen appears:

   

6. Click Test Service to test the simple network you have just configured.

   The Connection Test screen appears:

   

7. Enter a valid User name and Password for the database you want to connect to, and click Test.

   The status of the test appears in the field below the Test button. Click Done when the test is complete.

   The Finish screen appears.

8. Click Finish to save your configuration and dismiss the Oracle Net8 Easy Config application.

   The next time Oracle Net8 Easy Config is invoked, the service name appears in the list box.

   

9. If you have more than one supported Oracle Protocol Adapter in your ORACLE_HOME directory, use Oracle Net8 Easy Config to configure other services following the same steps.
10. Go to Chapter 5, "Administration Tasks".

    The next section discusses how to modify the simple network configuration using Oracle Net8 Easy Config.

Modifying Service Names and Addresses

For a simple network environment like the one you just configured in the above section (that does not use Oracle Names), use Oracle Net8 Easy Config to:

• Modify a Service Name
• Delete a Protocol Address
• Delete a Service Name
• Add an Additional Address

These changes are saved to the TNSNAMES.ORA file.

Modify a Service Name

To modify a service name:

1. From the server or client machine, start the Oracle Net8 Easy Config application:

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Easy Config.

   Oracle Net8 Easy Config appears.

2. Select Modify to modify a service name.
3. Select the service name from the list box on the right side of the window, and click Next.
4. Select the network protocol you want to use.
5. Provide the information you are prompted for, which will depend upon which network protocol you have chosen.
6. Enter a valid User name and Password for the database you want to connect to, and click Test.

   The status of the test appears in the field below the Test button. Click Done when the test is complete.

   The Finish screen appears.

7. Click Finish to save your configuration and dismiss the Oracle Net8 Easy Config application.

Delete a Protocol Address

To delete a protocol address from a service name in the TNSNAMES.ORA file:

1. From the server or client machine, start the Oracle Net8 Assistant application:

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   The Oracle Net8 Assistant appears.

2. Double-click Service Names to expand the directory of existing service names.
3. Select the service name from which you want to delete the protocol address, and click Delete Address.
4. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu.

   The TNSNAMES.ORA file is re-created.

5. Choose Exit from the File menu.

   The Oracle Net8 Assistant exits.

Delete a Service Name

To delete a service name from the TNSNAMES.ORA file:

1. From the server or client machine, start the Oracle Net8 Easy Config application:

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Easy Config.

   Oracle Net8 Easy Config appears.

2. Select Delete.
3. Select the service name you want to delete from the list.
4. Click Next.

   A message appears asking you to confirm your decision to delete the service name.

5. Click Yes to confirm.

   The Finish screen appears.

6. Click Finish to save your modifications, and exit the Oracle Net8 Assistant. Click Cancel to abandon your changes, and exit the Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   If you click Finish, the service name is deleted, and the TNSNAMES.ORA file is re-created.

Add an Additional Address

Adding addresses to service name is an advanced networking configuration task and is usually not necessary on a simple network. To add an additional protocol address for a service name, use the Oracle Net8 Assistant:

1. From the server or client machine, start the Oracle Net8 Assistant application:

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   Oracle Net8 Assistant appears.

2. Double-click Service Names to expand the directory of existing service names.
3. Select the service name you want to add the additional address to, and click New Address.
4. Enter the Protocol, Host Name, Port Number, and SID.
5. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu.

   The TNSNAMES.ORA files is re-created.

6. Choose Exit from the File menu.

   The Oracle Net8 Assistant exits.

Specifying Naming Methods

To specify the type of names resolution you want to use:

1. Start Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Assistant.

2. Click Profiles.

   The profile details appear on the right side of the screen:

   

3. Select Naming from the drop-down list.
4. Click the Methods tab.
5. Choose from the Available Methods list which naming method you want to use:

   Naming Method	Description
   ONAMES	Oracle Names Service names are resolved centrally, through a Names Server. You may need to set a Preferred Names Server (using the Oracle Net8 Assistant). See the Oracle Net8 Assistant online help for more information.
   TNSNAMES	Local Naming Service names are resolved using the TNSNAMES.ORA file which resides on the client.
   HOSTNAME	Host Naming Service names are resolved using the Host Naming Adapter. Certain criteria must be met to use host naming names resolution. See "Specifying Naming Methods" and the Oracle Net8 Assistant online help for more information.
   CDS	Cell Directory Services This naming method is available with the Advanced Networking Option (ANO). See Chapter 7, "Using the Advanced Networking Option" and Oracle Advanced Networking Option Administrator's Guide.
   NDS	NetWare Directory Services (NDS) See "Specifying Naming Methods".

6. Order the naming methods according to which method you want Net8 to try first when resolving service names. Select the naming method in the Selected Methods list, and use the Promote or Demote button to move the selection up or down in the list.
7. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu.
8. Choose Exit from the File menu to exit the Oracle Net8 Assistant program.

Configuring a Network with Oracle Names

Note: Oracle Names Server configuration does not require a TNSNAMES.ORA file on the client side. Additionally, if the Dynamic Discovery Option (DDO) is used, SQLNET.ORA is not required on the client side. See the Net8 Administrator's Guide for further information about using Oracle Names with or without DDO.

Use the Oracle Net8 Assistant to configure a network with Oracle Names.

Choosing Whether to Use the Dynamic Discovery Option

Oracle Names provides an option that enables dynamic registration of servers with well-known Names Servers on the network and automatic replication of data between Names Servers. If you use Oracle Names to provide a naming service for your network, decide whether to use the DDO.

If you choose to use the DDO in your network, you do not have to use Oracle Net8 Assistant to create configuration files. If you are using Net8 for the first time, and are willing to accept all default parameters, the only configuration file needed is a LISTENER.ORA for each listener with the DDO. That file is created automatically as part of the installation process.

The DDO in Oracle Names 8.0 is not for every network. There are several factors to consider before using DDO on your network.

Yes, Use DDO	No, Do Not Use DDO
If you are setting up a new network, using the DDO is a good choice. DDO enables all Net8 services on the network to self-register with a well-known Names Server. This feature eliminates the need for any preconfiguration or maintenance for the network administrator.	If you have multiple naming domains in your network, or expect to grow to the point of needing multiple naming domains, using the DDO is not a good choice. The DDO relies on the existence of a flat naming space. While a flat naming space is convenient for small, local installations, it is not suitable for large, enterprise-scale networks.
If you have a simple existing network that is growing, the DDO is a good choice. Administrative changes can be made in a central location, and distributed to all the clients on the network.	If you have a network that stays the same for long periods of time, whether large or small, converting the network to use the DDO may not be worth the effort. Static networks, especially small ones, are easy for an administrator to update or maintain manually.
	If you have networks currently using Native Naming Adapters, carefully evaluate the steps involved in converting to an Oracle Names environment.

Note:: The instructions below describe basic configuration steps for Oracle Names Servers. For complete instructions, see the Net8 Administrator's Guide and the Oracle Net8 Assistant online help.

To configure an Oracle Names Server:

1. Ensure the listener is not running.

   From the taskbar, select Start > Settings > Control Panel. Double-click Services.

2. Check the status of the listener OracleTNSListener80. If the listener is stopped (the status column is blank), continue with the next step. If the status is Started, stop the listener.

   To stop the listener:

   1. Select OracleTNSListener80, and click Stop.

      A message appears confirming that you want to stop the listener.

   2. Click Yes.

      The listener is stopped. The status column will be blank.

3. Click Close to dismiss the Services Control Panel.
4. Ensure your network administrator has configured an alias for the installed Oracle Names Server in the Domain Name Server (DNS) with one of the following well-known names server:

   Well-known host names for TCP connections	Well-known computer Names for Named Pipes connections	Well-known service name for an SPX connection
   ORANAMESRVR0 ORANAMESRVR1 ORANAMESRVR2 ORANAMESRVR3 ORANAMESRVR4	ORANAMESRVR0 ORANAMESRVR1 ORANAMESRVR2 ORANAMESRVR3 ORANAMESRVR4	ORANAMESRVR

   Note: Oracle Names only supports TCP/IP, SPX, and Named Pipes protocols on Windows NT.

   If you want to change the default configuration settings, continue with the following steps. If you want to keep the default settings, go to Step 23..

5. Start Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   The Oracle Net8 Assistant appears:

   

6. Select Oracle Names Servers by clicking the folder icon.
7. Choose Create from the Edit menu, or alternatively click the + button on the toolbar.

   A message appears confirming that a Names Server has been created.

   A Names Server icon is added below the Oracle Names Servers folder (left side of window).

8. Select the Names Server icon.
9. A tabbed screen appears on the right side of the screen.
10. Select Configure Server from the drop-down list.
11. Click the General tab.

    

12. Enter:

    Field	Description
    Name	Enter a name for the Names Server. Oracle Net8 Assistant provides a default name onames_hostname.
    Password	Enter a password for the Names Server.

13. Click the Address tab.

    

    The default address appears in the field below the Add button.

14. Select the default address by clicking on the entry, or to specify different values, enter:

    Field	Description
    Protocol	Select the protocol you want to use.
    HOST	Enter the host name of the Names Server.
    PORT	Enter the port number that Names Server will listen on. The default port number is 1575.

15. Click Add to add the address.
16. Click the Domain tab.

    

17. Select the default values by clicking the entry in the field. If you want to specify different values, enter:

    Field	Description
    Domain Name	Enter any valid domain name.
    Time to Live (TTL)	Specify the TTL value.

18. Click the Database tab.

    

19. Enter:

    Field	Description
    Protocol	Enter the protocol used to communicate across the network.
    Host	Enter the host name of the Names Server Repository machine.
    Port	The port number on which the Names Server is listening on. The default port is 1575.
    SID	Enter the name for the System ID (SID) of the database to which you want to connect in the Database SID field, and click Next. The default SID is ORCL.
    Server Type	Choose the type of server process used for the Names Server: Dedicated Dedicated server processes are used to communicate with the server. Dispatched Dispatched server processes (Multi-Threaded Server) are used to communicate with the server.
    User	Enter a valid user name for the database specified.
    Password	Enter the password for the user account.

20. Click the Advanced tab.

    

21. Enter:

    Field	Description
    Cache Checkpoint File	Enter the full path and file name for this file.
    Config Checkpoint File	Enter the full path and file name for this file.
    Region Checkpoint File	Enter the full path and file name for this file.
    LOG Directory	Enter the directory where the log files will be written to.
    Trace Directory	Enter the directory where trace files will be written to.

22. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu.
23. Choose Exit from the File menu to exit the Oracle Net8 Assistant.
24. If you are using DDO, use an ASCII text editor to edit the LISTENER.ORA file.

    Add the GLOBAL_DBNAME and USE_PLUG_AND_PLAY_listener_name parameters on the server side:

    SID_LIST_listener_name=
       (SID_LIST =
          (SID_DESC =
             (SID_NAME = SID)
            (GLOBAL_DBNAME = global_dbname)
            )
    USE_PLUG_AND_PLAY_listener_name = ON
    

    You may choose any name for the value GLOBAL_DBNAME, provided it is a globally unique name for the database instance, similar to a database alias.

25. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu.
26. Choose Exit from the File menu to exit Oracle Net8 Assistant.
27. Start the Oracle Names Server. Enter at the command prompt:

    C:\>NAMESCTL80
    NAMESCTL>START
    

28. Run the following command for every client and the server:

    NAMESCTL>REORDER_NS
    

    This command produces an SDNS.ORA file at ORACLE_HOME\NET80\NAMES. This file contains the names of the Oracle Names Server(s). Client machines read this file to find the addresses of Oracle Names Servers.

29. Exit from the NAMCTL80 utility. Enter:

    NAMESCTL>EXIT
    

30. If you want to use the Connection Manager, continue to "Configuring Oracle Names on the Client" in this chapter.

    If you do not want to use the Connection Manager, continue to Chapter 5, "Administration Tasks".

Configuring Oracle Names on the Client

To configure your client to use Oracle Names:

1. Start Oracle Net8 Assistant.

   From the taskbar, select Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT or Windows 95 > Oracle Net8 Assistant.

2. Click Profiles.

   The profile details appear on the right side of the screen.

3. If you are not using DDO, select Preferred Oracle Names Servers from the drop-down list. If you are using DDO, go to Step 5..

   

4. Enter:

   Field	Description
   Protocol	The network protocol you are using.
   Host	The host name of the preferred Names Server machine. The preferred Names Server is typically the Names Server machine which is physically the closest Names Server to the client which you are configuring. The preferred Names Server is recorded in the SQLNET.ORA file located on the client machine. The client will read the file to obtain the preferred Names Server address when requesting a database connection.
   Port	The port number on which the Names Server is listening on. The default port is 1575.

5. Select Naming from the drop-down list.
6. Click the Oracle Names tab:

   

7. Enter:

   Field	Description
   Default Domain	Enter the default domain for your network. The default domain name for a simple network using a flat naming scheme is WORLD.
   Resolution Persistence	Specify: Maximum Wait Each Attempt This value indicates how long (in seconds) you want to allow Oracle Names to resolve the service name for a client connection request before the request is passed on to the next Names Server (or another naming method). Attempts Per Names Server This value indicates how many times you want to allow a single Names Server to try to resolve a service name for a client connection request.
   Performance	Specify: Maximum Open Connections This value indicates the number of open connections you want to allow for a single Names Server. Initial Preallocated Requests Oracle Names allows you to pre-allocate an initial number of messages in the client message pool. The default is 10 messages. You may choose a number between 3 and 256.

8. Choose Save Network Configuration from the File menu.
9. Choose Exit from the File menu to exit the Oracle Net8 Assistant.
10. Go to Chapter 4, "Configuring the Network" if you want to use Connection Manager. If you do not want to use Connection Manager, go to Chapter 5, "Administration Tasks".

    Additional Information: See Oracle Net8 Assistant online help for more information.

Configuring Connection Manager

In order to use the Connection Manager to support multiplexing, multiple protocol support, and access control, a CMAN.ORA configuration file must be created. This file defines the listener addresses, access control rules, and controlling parameters for the Connection Manager. At this release, CMAN.ORA must be manually created. To create the CMAN.ORA file, use the sample in Appendix B, "Configuration File Content" as a basis.

Note: Oracle Corporation strongly recommends that you use Oracle Names if you use Oracle Connection Manager.

After you create the CMAN.ORA file, to enable multiplexing and access control utilities, start administrative and main processes for Connection Manager.

Additional Information: For instructions on how to start administrative and main processes, see Chapter 5, "Administration Tasks". See Net8 Administrator's Guide for detailed information on how to enable multiplexing and access control features of Connection Manger.

In an Oracle Names environment, the administrative process:

• requests the listener address from the Names Server
• registers all source route addresses (made up of the Connection Manager listening address and the listening address) with the Oracle Names

In all naming environments, the main process:

• registers its listening address with the administration process, if it is present
• manages incoming session requests
• performs the actual connecting of a client session request with the destination machine
• evaluates the client and its intended destination if access control is activated (the rules for the access control are configured in CMAN.ORA), to see if they satisfy the conditions before the session is forwarded to the destination

Conditions for Using Connection Manager

• Multiplexing can only be used with MTS.
• TCP/IP must be installed and configured for local connectivity, because the Connection Manager Administration service (OracleCMAdminService80) uses TCP/IP for communication with Connection Manager.
• The parameter AUTOMATIC_IPC=OFF must be set up in the SQLNET.ORA configuration file in order for a client to use Connection Manager.
• Multiplexing and connection pooling cannot be used together.

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