If GroupWise users are set up correctly in eDirectory, the GroupWise client can determine which post office to access for each user based on the information stored in eDirectory. This lets the GroupWise client start automatically in client/server mode without users needing to know and provide any IP address information. However, some GroupWise users might be on platforms where eDirectory is not in use. To fill the same function for non-eDirectory users, you can set up a GroupWise name server.
A GroupWise name server redirects each GroupWise client user to the IP address and port number of the POA that services the user's post office. By setting up a GroupWise name server, non-eDirectory GroupWise client users do not need to know and provide any IP address information when they start the GroupWise client in client/server mode. The GroupWise name server takes care of this for them.
The primary GroupWise name server must be designated using the host name ngwnameserver. You can also designate a backup GroupWise name server using the host name ngwnameserver2.
Each machine designated as a GroupWise name server must have a POA running on it that uses the default port number of 1677. Other agents can run on the same machine, but one POA must use the default port number of 1677 in order for the GroupWise name server to function. For setup instructions, see Using Client/Server Access to the Post Office.
After a machine has been designated as ngwnameserver, and a POA using the default port number of 1677 is running on that machine, the GroupWise client can connect to the POA of the appropriate post office by contacting the POA located on ngwnameserver. If ngwnameserver is not available, the client next attempts to contact the backup name server, ngwnameserver2. If no GroupWise name server is available, the user would need to provide the IP address and port number of the appropriate POA in order to start the GroupWise client in client/server mode.
To set up a GroupWise name server:
Make sure that TCP/IP is set up and functioning on your network.
Know the IP address of the machine you want to set up as a GroupWise name server.
Make sure the POA on that machine uses the default TCP port of 1677.
If you want a backup GroupWise name server, identify the IP address of a second machine where the POA uses the default TCP port of 1677.
Use your tool of choice for modifying DNS.
NetWare Note: On a NetWare server, you could use INETCFG.
Windows Note: On a Windows machine, you could use DNS Manager.
Create an entry for the IP address of the first POA, then give it the host name ngwnameserver.
If you want a backup name server, create an entry for the IP address of the second POA , then give it the host name ngwnameserver2.
You must use the host names ngwnameserver and ngwnameserver2. Any other host names will not be recognized as GroupWise name servers.
Save your changes.
As soon as the host name information replicates throughout your system, GroupWise client users can start the GroupWise client in client/server mode without specifying a TCP/IP address and port number.