[olug] Linux, Networks and NFS/NIS

[Nathan Rotschafer (OLUG)]

The following is just my $.02...

The concerns with NFS are misplaced.  That is like saying Windows shares will 
cause problems.  Will cause some network traffic...yes...but no more than the 
chatty Windows clients/servers (run a packet sniffer and you will see how 
chatty windows boxes are).  If you don't use NFS on cross system mounts the 
traffic will be minimal and the impact to your existing systems should be 
non-existant.  It is a protocal not a network topology or something.  If any 
protocol was gonna bring your network to it's knees go look at SMB (what 
windows uses).  NIS shouldn't be a problem either even if you use it it is 
just a method for verifying authentication.  Now there are security concerns 
with NIS and I might recommend something like PAM LDAP or PAM Kerberos in 
it's place but that is simply up to you (PAM Kerberos can authenticate 
windows clients too...well the kerberos server can anyway).  The biggest 
thing of concern in your rollout would be to make sure the linux boxes do 
what they are supposed to do...this nonsense about NFS/NIS is just FUD mixed 
with some Smoke and Mirrors.

Nate

On Friday 27 June 2003 08:14 am, Mac Petras wrote:
> Hey all -
>
> My Sys Admin is voicing concerns over placing Linux boxes on the
> "production" network (not like we have a dev/test network). Her
> concern is that NFS/NIS may cause problems with routers/switches
> and other network equipment.
>
> I'm trying to understand this issue (or determine what is just
> FUD), so please forgive what I have wrong here. From my
> perspective, since this is basically just a protocol, there
> should be few (if any) issues with this. Also, if we don't have
> the daemon running or do any cross-system mounts, will NFS even
> show up on the network?
>
> Anyone got any ideas on how to alay her concerns on the issue?
> Anything she can do or try? I feel pretty safe in bringing Linux
> in , but am concerned this might be used as a...stall...tactic
> until she learns "everything", or feel "comfortable" with Linux
> to allow it.
>
> Any help, ideas or information is greatly appreciated.
> _________________________________________
> Mac Petras
> Mac at PetrasWeb.com
>
>
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