Client network services

Client Network Services (accessible using the the SMIT fast path, smit clientnet) refers to the TCP/IP protocols available for use by this operating system.

Each protocol (or service) is known by the port number that it uses on the network, hence the term well-known port. As a convenience to programmers, the port numbers can be referred to by names as well as numbers. For example, the TCP/IP mail protocol uses port 25 and is known by the name smtp. If a protocol is listed (uncommented) in the /etc/services file, then a host can use that protocol.

By default, all the TCP/IP protocols are defined in the /etc/services file. You do not have to configure this file. If you write your own client/server programs, you might want to add your service to the /etc/services file, and reserve a specific port number and name for your service. If you do decide to add your service to /etc/services, note that port numbers 0 through 1024 are reserved for system use.