OSF DCE Administration Guide--Core Components

OSF DCE Administration Guide—Core Components
Users and applications do not create child pointers; CDS creates a child pointer
automatically when someone creates a new directory. The child pointer is created in the
directory that is the parent of (one level above) the directory to which it points. CDS
uses child pointers to locate directory replicas when it is trying to find a name. Child
pointers do not require management except in rare problem-solving situations.
12.2.4 Summary
To summarize, a cell consists of a complete set of names that are shared and managed by
one or more CDS servers in a cell. A name can designate a directory, object entry, soft
link, or child pointer. The logical representation of a cell’s namespace is a hierarchical
structure of directories and the names they contain. Every physical instance of a
directory is called a replica. Names are physically stored in replicas, and replicas are
stored in clearinghouses. Any node that contains a clearinghouse and runs CDS server
software is a CDS server.
Figure 12-3 shows the components of a CDS server node. Every server manages at least
one clearinghouse containing directory replicas. A replica can contain object entries,
soft links, and child pointers. The figure shows only one replica and one of each type of
entry that is possible in a replica. Normally, a clearinghouse contains many replicas, and
a replica contains many entries.
Figure 12-3. Components of a CDS Server Node
Replica
Child pointer
Clearinghouse
CDS server node
Object entry
Soft link
12.3 Security in the Cell Directory Environment
In a secure DCE cell operation, a server does not complete a user’s request unless the
user’s identity has been verified through the DCE Authentication Service. So, for
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