The database range table

The range table determines in which data set of the RACF database RACF places each profile. The range table can contain one or more ranges. Each range in the range table points to an entry in the data set name table.

The range table consists of a list of starting points for each range. The end of a range is determined by the start value of the next range. The first range start value must contain all binary zeros and all subsequent ranges must be in ascending order.

In the data set name table, RACF assigns a number to each primary and backup data set pair that is defined. Each range must reference an entry number in the data set name table so that RACF knows which data set to read or write a profile to.

RACF provides a default range table that contains one range of hexadecimal zeros for the start value that points to the first entry in the data set name table. This table assumes that the RACF database has one data set containing all profiles.

When you are constructing a range table, you must also consider how RACF generates the internal form of each profile. The RACF manager uses only the internal forms of these profile names; therefore, you must use the internal names when you construct the range table.