networks File Format for TCP/IP

Purpose

Contains network name information.

Description

The /etc/networks file contains information about the known networks that comprise the DARPA Internet. Each network is represented by a single line in the networks file. The format for the entries in the networks file is:

Name Number Aliases

The fields are described as follows:

Item Description
Name Specifies an official network name.
Number Specifies a network number.
Aliases Specifies any unofficial names used for the network.

Items on a line are separated by one or more spaces or tab characters. Comments begin with a # (pound sign). Routines that search the networks file do not interpret characters from the beginning of a comment to the end of that line. Network numbers are specified in dotted-decimal notation. A network name can contain any printable character except a field delimiter, new-line character, or comment character.

The networks file is normally created from the official network database maintained at the Network Information Center (NIC). The file can be modified locally to include unofficial aliases or unknown networks.This file is part of TCP/IP in Network Support Facilities.

Files

Item Description
/usr/samples/tcpip/networks Contains a sample networks file, which also contains directions for its use.