vMount and Unmount commands. Users can mount and unmount a ®le system in the client namespace with these commands. These are general tools, used not only in NFS, but also to dynamically mount and unmount other local ®le systems. For more information about the ADDMFS (Add Mounted File System) and RMVMFS (Remove Mounted File System) commands, see ªChapter 5. Client Mounting of File Systemsº on page 39.

Network File System Client-Side Daemons

 

Figure 10. The NFS Client

 

Besides the RPC Daemon, the NFS client has only one daemon to process

 

requests and to transfer data from and to the remote server, the block I/O daemon.

 

NFS differs from typical client/server models in that processes on NFS clients make

 

some RPC calls themselves, independently of the client block I/O daemon. An NFS

 

client can optionally use both a Network Lock Manager (NLM) and a Network

 

Status Monitor (NSM) locally, but these daemons are not required for standard

 

operation. It is recommended that you use both the NLM and NSM on your client

 

because user applications often establish byte-range locks without the knowledge of

 

the user.

 

Block I/O Daemon (BIOD)

The block I/O daemon handles requests from the client for remote ®les or

operations on the server. The block I/O daemon may handle data requests from the

client to remote ®les on the server. Running only on NFS clients or servers that are

also clients, this daemon manages the data caches for the user. The block I/O

daemon is stateful and routes client application requests either to the caches or on

to the NFS server. The user can specify the regular intervals for updating all data

that is cached by the block I/O daemon. Users can start multiple daemons to

perform different operations simultaneously.

 

NFS Client-Side Caches

 

Caching ®le data or attributes gives administrators a way of tuning NFS

 

performance. The caching of information allows you to delay writes or to read

 

ahead.

12OS/400 Network File System Support V4R4

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IBM AS/400E manual Network File System Client-Side Daemons, NFS Client-Side Caches, Block I/O Daemon Biod

AS/400E specifications

The IBM AS/400E, now more commonly known as IBM i, is a robust and versatile midrange server that has been designed to provide a comprehensive computing solution for businesses of all sizes. First introduced in the late 1980s, the AS/400 series has undergone multiple enhancements and rebranding, with the AS/400E being one of the notable iterations. This powerful platform is closely associated with IBM's commitment to reliability, scalability, and integrated business solutions.

One of the main features of the AS/400E is its highly integrated architecture that combines hardware and software into a cohesive system. This integration allows for seamless operations, reducing the complexity typically associated with managing disparate systems. The system is powered by IBM's proprietary OS/400 operating system, which has evolved into IBM i, featuring advanced capabilities like object-oriented programming, integrated database management, and security features that are essential for enterprise environments.

A key characteristic of the AS/400E is its robust database support, primarily through the use of DB2 for i. This integrated database management system enables efficient data handling and retrieval, facilitating real-time business analytics and reporting. Furthermore, the platform supports a variety of programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, and Java, making it flexible for developers who require diverse tools for application development.

The AS/400E is also known for its exceptional reliability and uptime, making it a preferred choice for critical business applications in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This reliability is backed by advanced error detection and correction mechanisms, as well as redundancy features that help prevent data loss and minimize downtime.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400E can effortlessly expand to accommodate growing business demands. Organizations can increase processing power by adding more resources without significant disruption. This scalability, combined with the system’s built-in virtualization capabilities, allows businesses to optimize resource usage and streamline operations.

Security is another defining feature of the AS/400E. The platform incorporates various layers of security measures, including user authentication, encryption, and comprehensive auditing capabilities, ensuring that sensitive business data is protected against unauthorized access.

Overall, the IBM AS/400E remains a powerful tool in the enterprise computing landscape, providing businesses with an integrated, reliable, and secure solution for their technological needs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its capability to evolve with changing business requirements while maintaining its core attributes of high performance and stability.