Ch6: Models of network and system administration

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering models of network and system administration including directory services, X.500 standards, infrastructure organization, and network types.

System Interaction

The concept that systems are made up of interacting components that depend on one another, where ignoring dependencies can lead to false assumptions and management errors.

Adaptability

The ability of a system to cope with unexpected changes, change original assumptions if they fail, and contribute to predictability in change and recovery from failure.

System management’s role

To secure the conditions necessary for a system's components to carry out their function rather than controlling every detail.

Directory service

A software application that manages information about resources in a network, providing a centralized database for storing and organizing information about users, computers, printers, and other devices.

White Pages lookup

A type of directory service use where one starts with a lookup key for a specific resource, similar to finding a number in a telephone book.

Yellow Pages

A directory service usage where the user does not know exactly what they are looking for and needs a list of possible categories to match, such as browsing for users or services.

Directory server (or Name server)

A server that provides a directory service and considers each resource on the network as an object.

Namespace

A definition for the network that assigns a unique identifier (name) to each object and establishes rules to ensure identifiers are unique and unambiguous.

X.500

A set of ITU-T standards that define a protocol for creating and managing a global directory service for networked resources using a hierarchical structure.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

A simpler directory protocol that has largely replaced X.500 for accessing directory information.

Abstract object class

Object classes that form the upper levels of the hierarchy; they are meant to be 'inherited from' and entries can only be populated if inherited by a structural object class.

Structural object class

The 'meat' of an object class used for making actual entries; the object class to which an entry pertains is declared in an 'objectClass' attribute.

Auxiliary object class

Used for defining special-case attributes that can be added to specific entries to provide additional hints, such as a web page or telephone number.

System homogeneity (Uniformity)

The idea that all hosts in a computer system should be identical or very similar in hardware and software configuration to increase predictability and ease of management.

Delegation

The process of assigning responsibilities to local administrators who have better knowledge of the hosts' usage patterns.

Ad hoc Network (AHN)

A networked collection of mobile objects forming an arbitrary graph that changes with time as nodes move randomly and unpredictably.

Peer-to-peer service

A platform that directly connects parties to a transaction without a third-party intermediary, leveraging technology to overcome transaction costs of trust and enforcement.

DAP

Directory Access Protocol, one of the protocols defined by X.500.

DISP

Directory Information Shadowing Protocol, a replication protocol defined by X.500.

DOP

Directory Operational Bindings Management Protocol, defined by X.500 standards.

What system principle can lead to misconceptions if components are disregarded?

The concept of System Interaction, which emphasizes the importance of acknowledging dependencies among interacting components.

What ability allows a system to adjust when faced with unpredicted changes?

Adaptability, the capacity to cope with changes and revise assumptions to enhance recovery from failure.

What is the main objective of system management?

The primary role is to ensure necessary conditions for component functions rather than micromanaging every detail.

Which service acts as a centralized database for network resources?

Directory service, a software application that organizes information about users, computers, and other devices.

What is the primary distinction between White Pages and Yellow Pages in directory services?

White Pages involve searching for specific resource entries while Yellow Pages involve browsing categories for services or users.

What protocol has largely replaced X.500 in directory services?

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), a simpler alternative for accessing directory information.

In directory services, what is the purpose of an auxiliary object class?

It is used to define specific attributes that can be added to entries, providing additional context like web pages or phone numbers.

Which X.500 protocol is responsible for replication in directory services?

Directory Information Shadowing Protocol (DISP), which manages the replication process.

What does the term 'system homogeneity' imply in system design?

It suggests that all hosts in a computer system should be very similar in hardware and software configurations to facilitate management.

What process involves assigning responsibilities to local administrators for better resource management?

Delegation, which empowers local administrators with knowledge of usage patterns to efficiently manage resources.