Windows Server 2003 Network Administration

Chapter 3. Network Services

Some network services provide essential computer-to-computer functions . These differ from application services in that they are not directly accessed by end users. Instead, these services are used by networked computers to simplify the installation, configuration, and operation of the network.

The functions performed by the services covered in this chapter are varied. They include:

• Name service for converting IP addresses to hostnames and hostnames to addresses

• Configuration servers that simplify the installation of networked hosts by handling part, or all, of the TCP/IP configuration

• Electronic mail services for moving mail through the network from the sender to the recipient

• File servers that allow client computers to transparently share files, and print servers that allow printers to be shared

• Directory services that provide a shared repository for information about network objects, such as users, computers, files printers, and other servers1

The protocols discussed in this chapter are a combination of:

• Standard TCP/IP protocols, such as Domain Name System (DNS), Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

• Microsoft network services, such as Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), Common Internet File System (CIFS), and Active Directory

We begin with a discussion of name service. It is an essential service that you will certainly use on your network.

Names and Addresses

RFC 791, Internet Protocol, defines names , addresses, ...