# Local Naming Configuration Overview

Local naming is one of the primary naming methods used to resolve a simple name, a net service name, to a connect descriptor that the client uses to connect to a database or service. Local naming stores net service names and their connect descriptors in a local tnsnames.ora file.

An end user enters the connect string that includes the net service name:

    CONNECT username/password@net_service_name

For example:

    CONNECT scott/tiger@sales

The net service name, `sales`, is then looked up in the `tnsnames.ora` file. The connect descriptor returned to the client includes the:

- Protocol address location of the listener

- Service name of the database

The client uses this information to connect to a listener. The listener, configured with the same address information, receives the request. If the listener is listening for requests to the same database service as specified in the client's connect descriptor, a connection is granted.