System information
22 Chapter 1 Introducing Mac OS X Server
While away from the local network, users with mobile devices can check email,
web calendars, wikis, and blogs via Wi-Fi hotspots in libraries, cafes, and airports.
Single Server as an Internet gateway
The next illustration shows Mac OS X Server congured as an Internet gateway to
provide Internet access to computers and mobile devices on the local network.
The server’s primary Ethernet port connects through a DSL or cable modem to the
Internet, and its other Ethernet port connects to the local network. The server’s DHCP
service provides network addresses to users’ computers and mobile devices. Thus the
server in this conguration does the job of the AirPort Extreme Base Station or generic
router in the previous two congurations.
The server’s rewall is congured to block malicious attacks from the Internet, but does
allow incoming email and iChat invitations that originate outside the local network.
Besides mail and iChat, the server also provides user and group accounts, shared
folders, server-based address books, shared calendars, and wikis with user portals,
web calendars, and blogs.