Skip Headers

Oracle® Database Net Services Administrator's Guide 10g Release 2 (10.2) Part Number B14212-02 |
Home | Book List | Contents | Index | Master Index | Feedback

Previous | Next
| View PDF

# 6 Configuration and Administration Tools Overview

This chapter introduces the various administration tools of Oracle Net Services. It discusses the main administration applications, Oracle Enterprise Manager and Oracle Net Manager. It also introduces the command-line control utilities.

This chapter contains these topics:

- User Interface Tools

- Oracle Net Control Utilities

- Duties of a Network Administrator

## User Interface Tools

Oracle Net Services provides the following tools to help you perform configuration and administrative tasks:

- Oracle Enterprise Manager

- Oracle Net Manager

- Oracle Net Configuration Assistant

### Oracle Enterprise Manager

Oracle Enterprise Manager enables you to configure Oracle Net Services for any Oracle home across multiple file systems. It also provides common administration functions for listeners. Oracle Enterprise Manager provides an integrated environment for configuring and managing Oracle Net Services.

You can use Oracle Enterprise Manager to configure and administer the following from multiple Oracle homes:

- Listeners—Configure listeners to receive client connections.

- Naming—Define simple names, connect identifiers, and map them to connect descriptors to identify the network location and identification of a service. Oracle Net Manager supports configuration of connect descriptors in local `tnsnames.ora` files or a centralized directory service.

- File Location—Change the file location of the Oracle home.

  See Also: Oracle Enterprise Manager documentation set and online Help for information about using Oracle Enterprise Manager

Accessing the Net Services Administration Page

To access the Net Services Administration page:

1. From the Login to Database page, enter the database credentials, and then click Login.

   The Database page appears.

2. In the General section, click the listener.

   The Listener Home page appears.

3. In the Related Links section, click Net Services Administration.

   The Net Services Administration page appears.

4. Select an Oracle home location for network configuration files.

5. From the Administer list, select one of the following options:

   - Listeners

   - Directory Naming

   - Local Naming

   - File Location

6. Click Go.

   If you selected Listeners, Directory Naming, or Local Naming, then the Net Services Administration: Host Login page appears.

7. Enter the username and password credentials for the computer, and then click Login.

   If you selected Directory Naming, then the Net Services Administration: Directory Server Login page appears.

8. In the User DN field, enter an authorized user that has access to the directory.

9. If you want to add or modify entries, then enter a directory administrator user that has been given add and modify privileges in the form of a distinguished name. `c=US,o=ACME,ou=admin,cn=scott`, for example, is the DN for an administrator named Scott.

10. In the Password field, enter the password for the user.

11. Click Login.

### Oracle Net Manager

Oracle Net Manager enables you to configure Oracle Net Services for an Oracle home on a local client or server host.

You can use Oracle Net Manager to configure the following network components:

- Naming—Define simple names, connect identifiers, and map them to connect descriptors to identify the network location and identification of a service. Oracle Net Manager supports configuration of connect descriptors in local `tnsnames.ora` files or a centralized directory service.

- Naming Methods—Configure the different ways in which connect identifiers are resolved into connect descriptors.

- Profiles—Configure preferences for enabling and configuring Oracle Net features on the client or server.

- Listeners—Create and configure listeners to receive client connections.

This section introduces you to the features of Oracle Net Manager. However, the primary documentation for using Oracle Net Manager is the accompanying online Help. This section contains these topics:

- Starting Oracle Net Manager

- Navigating Oracle Net Manager

- Toolbar

- Menus

- Oracle Net Manager Wizards

Starting Oracle Net Manager

You can start Oracle Net Manager using the Oracle Enterprise Manager Console or as an independent application.

To start Oracle Net Manager from the Oracle Enterprise Manager console, on the Oracle Enterprise Manager console, choose Tools > Service Management > Oracle Net Manager.

To start Oracle Net Manager as standalone application:

- On UNIX, run `netmgr` from `$ORACLE_HOME/bin`

- On Windows, choose Start > Programs > Oracle - HOME_NAME >Configuration and Migration Tools > Net Manager.

Note: You can also launch Oracle Net Manager from the Oracle Enterprise Manager framework. See the Oracle Enterprise Manager documentation set and online help for information about using Oracle Enterprise Manager

Navigating Oracle Net Manager

The Oracle Net Manager interface includes two panes, a toolbar, and various menu items.

Panes

The Oracle Net Manager interface has two panes: the navigator pane and the right pane.

Navigator Pane

The navigator pane provides a graphical tree view of network objects and the objects they contain, organized in hierarchies of folders. You can use the navigator pane to view, modify, add, or delete objects in each folder.

The navigator pane functions the same way as it does in other Oracle Enterprise Manager applications. That is, the navigator pane lets you:

- Expand and contract folders so that you can navigate to the network object you want to monitor or manage. Examples of objects are connect identifiers, listeners, and profiles.

- Right-click an object to perform operations on the object.

When you expand a folder, you see a nested list of objects and folders. When a object is selected, information about the object is displayed in the right pane of the Oracle Net Manager.

Table 6-1 lists the main folders in the navigator pane.

Table 6-1 Oracle Net Manager Navigator Pane Folders

Option | Description
--- | ---
Local | Displays networking elements configured in local configuration files: Net service names in the `tnsnames.ora` file Listeners in the `listener.ora` file Profile in the `sqlnet.ora` file
Directory | Displays connect identifiers configured in a directory server

Right Pane

The right pane contains property sheets that enable you to configure network components. XREF to 5-2 shows the Service Identification property sheet used for connect identifier configuration.

Toolbar

The toolbar contains buttons that correspond to the network objects in the folder hierarchies. The toolbar buttons are enabled depending on the objects viewed or selected in a pane. Move the mouse cursor over a toolbar button to display the description of the button's function. The toolbar buttons are:

Create

This button creates new connect identifiers, listeners objects under the Directory or Local > Service Naming, Listeners folders.

Delete

This button deletes connect identifier and listener objects under the Directory or Local > Service Naming and Listeners folders.

Verify Connectivity

This button verifies the connectivity of a selected connect identifier to an Oracle database service. During a connectivity test, a connection to a database service is made by using connect descriptor information stored in a directory server or a `tnsnames.ora` file.

Help

The Help button opens the Oracle Net Manager online Help.

Menus

You use Oracle Net Manager menus to perform actions, such as testing connectivity to an Oracle database, and to open wizards and dialog boxes. The following list describes the items available under each menu.

File Menu

Table 6-2 describes the contents of the File menu.

Table 6-2 File Menu Contents

Option | Description
--- | ---
Open Network Configuration | Opens the local configuration files
Save Network Configuration | Saves the current configuration settings to the default location
Save As | Saves the current configuration settings to a nondefault location
Revert to Saved Configuration | Does not save any of the current configuration settings. Instead, retrieves the last saved configuration
Exit | Closes Oracle Net Manager

Edit Menu

Table 6-3 describes the contents of the Edit menu.

Table 6-3 Edit Menu Contents

Option | Description
--- | ---
Create | Creates new connect identifiers and listeners under the Directory or Local > Service Naming, Listeners.
Delete | Deletes connect identifier and listener objects under the Directory or Local > Service Naming and Listeners folders.
Rename | Renames a network object

Command Menu

Table 6-4 describes the contents of the Command menu.

Table 6-4 Command Menu Contents

Option | Description
--- | ---
Directory | The Directory submenu contains the following menu items: Change Current Context: Enables you to change the current Oracle Context. The Oracle Context is a subtree in the directory that stores Oracle entries, including net entries, for use with directory naming. When a new Oracle Context is selected, objects in the navigator's Oracle Net Configuration > Directory > Service Naming folder display for the new Oracle Context. Set Authentication: Enables you to set authentication credentials to the directory server Export Net Service Names: Launches the Directory Server Migration Wizard. This wizard exports net service names stored in a `tnsnames.ora` file to a directory server.
Test Service | Connects to a database service using connect descriptor information stored in a directory server or a `tnsnames.ora` file

Help Menu

Table 6-5 describes the contents of the Help menu.

Table 6-5 Help Menu Contents

Option | Description
--- | ---
Contents | Opens Oracle Net Manager online Help
About Oracle Net Manager | Opens a window that displays the Oracle Net Manager version number and copyright information

Oracle Net Manager Wizards

The Oracle Net Manager wizards provide step-by-step guidance for tasks that require many steps. The wizards simplify complex tasks by guiding you through the task in manageable steps. The wizards are not intended to provide all configuration options. Once you have completed a task with a wizard, use other components of Oracle Net Manager to modify the configuration.

The following topics describe the Oracle Net Manager wizards:

- Net Service Name Wizard

- Directory Server Migration Wizard

Net Service Name Wizard

The Net Service Name Wizard guides you through creating a basic net service name in a directory server or a `tnsnames.ora` file.

To start the Net Service Name Wizard to create net service names:

1. In the navigator pane, choose Directory or Local > Service Naming.

2. Choose plus (+) from the toolbar, or choose Edit > Create from the menu bar.

Figure 6-1 Opening Page of the Net Service Name Wizard

Description of "Figure 6-1 Opening Page of the Net Service Name Wizard"

See Also: Create Net Service Name topic in the Oracle Net Manager online help for detailed information about using the Net Service Name Wizard to create a net service name. To access this topic in the online help, choose Local or Directory > Service Naming > How To > Configuring Net Service Names > Create a Net Service Name.

Directory Server Migration Wizard

If a `tnsnames.ora` file already exists, its net service names can be exported to a directory server with the Directory Server Migration Wizard.

To start the Directory Server Migration Wizard, choose Command > Directory > Export Net Service Names in the Oracle Net Manager menu bar.

Figure 6-2 Opening Page of the Directory Server Migration Wizard

Description of "Figure 6-2 Opening Page of the Directory Server Migration Wizard"

See Also: "Exporting Local Naming Entries to a Directory Naming Server"

### Selecting When to Use Oracle Enterprise Manager and Oracle Net Manager

In Oracle Database 10g, much of the functionality previously only available in Oracle Net Manager has been integrated within Oracle Enterprise Manager. Oracle Enterprise Manager provides the ability to manage configuration for multiple Oracle homes across multiple file systems; Oracle Net Manager only enables you to manage configuration for one Oracle home on a local host computer. Table 6-6 describes the key differences between the tools.

Table 6-6 Key Differences Between Oracle Enterprise Manager and Oracle Net Manager

User Interface Tool | Features
--- | ---
Oracle Enterprise Manager | Configures the following features: - Local naming (`tnsnames.ora` files) - Directory naming - Listeners Provides multiple Oracle home support across multiple file system Provides the ability to search and sort local and directory naming entries Export directory naming entries to a `tnsnames.ora` file Performs the following administrative tasks for a selected listener: - Show current status - Change status - Change tracing settings - Change logging settings
Oracle Net Manager | Configures the following features: - Local naming (`tnsnames.ora` files) - Directory naming - Listeners - Profiles Provides Oracle home support for single host

### Oracle Net Configuration Assistant

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant is provided primarily to configure basic network components during installation, including:

- Listener names and protocol addresses

- Naming methods the client will use to resolve connect identifiers to connect descriptors

- Net service names in a `tnsnames.ora` file

- Directory server usage

Oracle Net Configuration Assistant runs automatically during software installation, as described in your Oracle installation guide.

It can also be run after installation in standalone mode to configure naming method usage, the listener, net service names in the `tnsnames.ora` file, and directory server usage in a similar way that is provided during installation.

To start Oracle Net Configuration Assistant:

- On UNIX, run `netca` from `$ORACLE_HOME/bin`.

- On Windows, choose Start > Programs > Oracle - HOME_NAME > Configuration and Migration Tools > Net Configuration Assistant.

  See Also: Oracle Net Configuration Assistant online help

Figure 6-3 Opening Page of Oracle Net Configuration Assistant

Description of "Figure 6-3 Opening Page of Oracle Net Configuration Assistant"

Table 6-7describes the configuration options in the Welcome page:

Table 6-7 Oracle Net Configuration Assistant

Option | Description
--- | ---
Listener configuration | Click to create modify, delete, or rename a listener.
Naming Methods configuration | Click to configure this computer to resolve connect identifiers to connect descriptor through one or more of following naming methods: Local naming Directory naming Host naming Network Information Service Cell Directory Service
L ocal Net Service Name configuration | Click to create, modify, delete, rename, or test connectivity of a connect descriptor stored in a local `tnsnames.ora` file.
Directory Usage Configuration | Click to configure a directory server for directory-enabled features.

## Oracle Net Control Utilities

Oracle Net Services provides the following tools to help you start, stop, configure, and control each network component:

- Listener Control Utility

- Oracle Connection Manager Control Utility

### Listener Control Utility

The Listener Control utility enables you to administer the listener. The basic syntax for this utility is as follows:

    LSNRCTL command [listener_name]

For example, the following command starts a listener named `lsnr`:

    LSNRCTL START lsnr

You can also issue Listener Control utility commands at the `LSNRCTL>` program prompt. To obtain the prompt, enter `lsnrctl` with no arguments at the operating system command line. When you run `lsnrctl`, the program is started. You can then enter the necessary commands from the program prompt.

For example:

    lsnrctl
    LSNRCTL> START lsnr

See Also: Oracle Database Net Services Reference for further information about the Listener Control utility

### Oracle Connection Manager Control Utility

The Oracle Connection Manager Control utility enables you to administer an Oracle Connection Manager. When you issue commands from the operating system, the basic syntax for this utility is as follows:

    cmctl {command} [argument1. . . argumentN]instance_name} {-ppassword}

For example, the following command starts both the CMGW and the CMADMIN processes:

    cmctl STARTUP -c cman1 -p my_credentials

You can also issue Oracle Connection Manager utility commands at the `CMCTL>` program prompt. To obtain the prompt, enter `cmctl` with no arguments at the operating system command line. When you run `cmctl`, the program is opened. You can then enter the necessary commands from the program prompt.

For example:

    cmctl
    CMCTL> STARTUP

Note: Before issuing `STARTUP`, you must issue the `ADMINISTER` command to choose an instance to start.

See Also: "Oracle Connection Manager Architecture" on page 4-16 for an overview of the Oracle Connection Manager processes Oracle Database Net Services Reference for a complete description of Oracle Connection Manager Control utility commands

## Duties of a Network Administrator

Network configuration and administration tasks are described throughout this guide. Table 6-8 lists the common tasks, the tools associated with them, and points you to the topic in the guide that describes the task.

Table 6-8 Common Tasks for Configuring and Administering Oracle Net Services

Task | Tools to Perform Task | See Also
--- | --- | ---
Configuring Directory Server for Oracle Net Usage |  |
Configure directory server usage. | Oracle Internet Directory Configuration Assistant | Oracle Internet Directory Administrator's Guide
Add users to the OracleNetAdmins group. | `ldapmodify` | "Administering the OracleNetAdmins Group"
Authenticate with the directory. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager | Online Help in Oracle Enterprise Manager Choose Directory > Service Naming > How To > Change the Oracle Context in the online Help for Oracle Net Manager
Change the Oracle Context. | Oracle Net Manager | Online Help in Oracle Enterprise Manager Choose Directory > Service Naming > How To > Set Authentication Credentials in the online Help for Oracle Net Manager
Configuring Naming Methods |  |
Configure the local naming method. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager Oracle Net Configuration Assistant | "Configuring the Local Naming Method"
Configure the directory naming method. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager | "Configuring the Directory Naming Method"
Configure the easy connect naming method. | Oracle Net Manager | "Using the Easy Connect Naming Method"
Configure external naming methods. | Oracle Net Manager | "Configuring External Naming Methods"
Migrating to Directory Naming |  |
Export from `tnsnames.ora` files. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager | "Exporting Net Service Names from a tnsnames.ora File"
Configuring Profiles |  |
Prioritize naming methods. | Oracle Net Manager Oracle Net Configuration Assistant | "Prioritizing Naming Methods"
Configure a default domain that is automatically appended to any unqualified net service name. | Oracle Net Manager Oracle Net Configuration Assistant | "Configuring a Default Domain for Clients"
Route connection requests. | Oracle Net Manager Oracle Net Configuration Assistant | "Routing Connection Requests"
Configure access control. | Oracle Net Manager | "Configuring Database Access Control"
Configure an authentication method available with Oracle Advanced Security. | Oracle Net Manager | "Configuring Oracle Advanced Security" Choose Oracle Advanced Security > How To in the online help See Also: Oracle Advanced Security Administrator's Guide
Configure connect request timeouts. | Manual Configuration | "Configuring the Listener and the Oracle Database To Limit Resource Consumption By Unauthorized Users"
Configuring Listeners |  |
Configure listening protocol addresses. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager Oracle Net Configuration Assistant | "Configuring Listening Protocol Addresses"
Configure dynamic service registration. | Automatic | "Configuring Service Registration"
Configure static service registration. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager | "Configuring Static Service Information"
Configure password authentication. | Oracle Enterprise Manager Oracle Net Manager | "Configuring Password Authentication for the Listener"
Configure connect request timeouts. | Manual Configuration | "Configuring the Listener and the Oracle Database To Limit Resource Consumption By Unauthorized Users"
Administering Listeners |  |
Start and stop listeners. | Listener Control Utility | "Starting and Stopping a Listener"
View registered information. | Listener Control Utility | "Monitoring Services of a Listener"
Configuring Oracle Connection Manager |  |
Configure session multiplexing. | Manual Configuration | "Enabling Session Multiplexing"
Configure access control. | Manual Configuration | "Enabling Access Control"