Another important benefit of networks
involves their ability to find resources and devices wherever they are
located. In order to enable users and systems on the network to find
the services they require, computer networks make use of directories
and name services.
Similar to the telephone directory, the network
assigns a name to users, services, and devices so that they can be
identified and accessed. Knowing the name of a service on the network
enables users to contact that service without having to know its
physical location. In fact, its physical location can change and users
can still find the service or device if they know its name.
Directory and name services make a network easier to use.
People tend to work more easily when they have names for services
and other entities. Network directory and name services can
translate those names into the addresses used to communicate with
the desired service. After the initial setup of the directory or
name service, this translation takes place transparently.
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In
addition to their ease of use, they also make the network more
flexible. Network designers and administrators can locate or move
file, print, and other services with the assurance that users can
still locate them by name.