# Specify Naming Methods

Clients use a simple name, called a connect identifier, in their connect strings. A connect identifier can be net service name or the actual name of the service. For example, `sales` is the connect identifier in the following connect string:

    CONNECT scott/tiger@sales

During a connection request, the client contacts a naming method to resolve `sales` to a connect descriptor, which contains the network location and identification of the service. The client request then forwards the request to the listener address specified in the connect descriptor.

The client must be configured with the naming methods to use in order to look up connect identifiers. This information is stored in the sqlnet.ora file.

| See Also:

Net8 Connectivity Overview

You can specify the following naming methods:

- Local naming (Local)

- Directory naming (Directory)
- Oracle Names (Oracle Names)
- Host naming (Host Name)
- Novell Directory Services (NDS)
- Network Information Service (Sun NIS)
- Cell Directory Service (DCE CDS)

To specify the naming methods to use:

1. Select Naming Methods configuration in the Welcome page, and then choose Next.

   The Naming Methods Configuration, Select Naming Methods page appears.

2. Select naming methods from the Available Naming Methods list, and then choose the right-arrow button.

   The selected method moves to the Selected Naming Methods list.

3. Order the naming methods according to which method you want Net8 to try first when resolving connect identifiers. Select the naming method in the Selected Naming Methods list, and then choose the up- and down-arrow buttons to move the selection up or down in the list.

4. Choose Next.

   Based on your choice of naming method(s), you are asked for additional naming method configuration information.

   When configuration is complete, the Naming Methods Configuration, Done page appears.

5. Choose Next to acknowledge the `Naming Methods configuration complete!` message.