Network Information Service (NIS) B.11.31.02 Administrator's Guide

Figure 1-2 Flow of Information in an NIS Domain
Master
Server
Maps are created from
configuration files on
the master server
Maps are transferred
from the master server
to the slave servers
Client
maps maps
datadata data
Slave
Server
Slave
Server
Client
Client
Slave Server sends
configuration data to
the clients
Master Server can also
send configuration data
directly to the clients
The flow of NIS information from the master server to the client includes the following steps:
1. The NIS maps are created on the master server.
2. The NIS maps are propagated from the master server to the slave server.
NOTE: A host cannot be the master server for more than one NIS domain. However, a master
server for one domain can be a slave server for another domain. A host can be a slave server for
multiple domains. A client can belong only to one domain.
Figure 1-3 illustrates an NIS network with servers that serve multiple domains.
Figure 1-3 Servers Serving Multiple NIS Domains
Master Server
Slave Server
Client
Client
Client
Client Client
Client
Client
Master
Server
Slave
Server
Master, Slave, or Client
for Domain A
Slave
Server
Master
Server
Master, Slave, or Client
for Domain B
Slave Server
Information Flow in an NIS Network 15