Configuring IBM i NetServer on IBM i

You can use IBM® i NetServer to make the IBM i Access for Windows install image on IBM i available to PC users.

Configure IBM i NetServer on your IBM i platform to let users install IBM i Access for Windows from your IBM i platform.

IBM i Access for Windows uses the network drive or network printer capabilities provided by IBM i Support for Windows Network Neighborhood (IBM i NetServer). By relying on IBM i NetServer, IBM i Access for Windows is able to take advantage of the file and print sharing capabilities integrated into Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Note:
  • IBM i NetServer allows a Kerberos ticket for user authentication. Kerberos is a third-party authentication mechanism where the client proves its identity to a Kerberos server (or Key Distribution Center), and then receives a ticket in return. The client can then use that ticket to cryptographically prove its identity to other systems on the network. The Kerberos ticket is used to authenticate a user to a system rather than passing user ID and password as the authentication data. Microsoft includes Kerberos authentication support in Windows XP and newer operating systems.

    For more information about Kerberos tickets, see Network authentication service protocols.

PCs can access and benefit from IBM i NetServer without additional software. However, if you need to administer IBM i NetServer properties from your PC client, you must install the Network feature of the System i® Navigator function in IBM i Access for Windows.
Note: To configure IBM i NetServer file and print sharing capabilities, see these instructions: Additional configuration instructions are available at Getting started with IBM i NetServer.

Configure IBM i NetServer

The following IBM i configuration is necessary if users in your network will be using file and print sharing.
Note:

To configure your IBM i for IBM i NetServer support with System i Navigator, do the following:

  1. Use the IBM i NetServer wizard. To open the wizard, follow these steps:
    1. Open a connection to System i Navigator on your IBM i .
    2. Expand Network.
    3. Expand Servers.
    4. Click on TCP/IP.
    5. Right-click IBM i NetServer and click on Configuration.
  2. Follow the prompts provided by the wizard.
    Note: For additional information about IBM i NetServer configuration, see IBM i NetServer.
  3. For easier management and resolution of TCP/IP addresses, add an entry for the IBM i NetServer to a Domain Name Server (DNS).
    Note: Configuration instructions are located in the System i Navigator online help and Configuring and connecting your PC client.
  4. Changes made to your IBM i NetServer properties do not take effect until the next time IBM i NetServer is started. To start or stop IBM i NetServer:
    1. Open a connection to System i Navigator on your IBM i platform.
    2. Expand Network.
    3. Expand Servers.
    4. Click on TCP/IP.
    5. Right-click IBM i NetServer and click on Start or Stop.
Parent topic: Setting up the system for IBM i Access for Windows