Zero Configuration Networking: The Definitive Guide

Daniel Steinberg is the editor of ONJava and java.net. He's been working with Java on the Mac since it first appeared but also enjoys coding in ObjC and other languages. He is a longtime technical writer, trainer, and developer with Dim Sum Thinking, Inc.Stuart Cheshire is currently a Senior Scientist with Apple Computer, specializing in Internet Protocols. He's published papers in the areas of wireless and networking, and Mobile IP, and previously worked on IBM Token Ring with Madge Networks in the U.K. Stuart received the B.A. and M.A. degrees from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, U.K., and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University.

It used to be that two laptops, sitting side by side, couldn't communicate with each other; they may as well have been a thousand miles apart. But that was then, before the advent of Zero Configuration Networking technology. This amazing cross-platform open source technology automatically connects electronic devices on a network, allowing them to interoperate seamlessly-without any user configuration. So now you don't have to lift a finger! Needless to say, it has completely changed the way people connect to devices and programs for printing, file sharing, and other activities.Zero Configuration Networking: The Definitive Guide walks you through this groundbreaking network technology, with a complete description of the protocols and ways to implement network-aware applications and devices.Written by two Zero Configuration Networking experts, including one of Apple's own computer scientists, the book covers morethan just file sharing and printing. Zero Configuration Networking also enables activities such as music and photo sharing and automatic buddy discovery on Instant Messaging applications. In fact, Zero Configuration Networking can be used for virtually any device that can be controlled by a computer. And this handy guide has the inside scoop on all of its capabilities-and how you can easily apply them in your own environment.For the technically advanced, Zero Configuration Networking: The Definitive Guide examines the three core technologies that make up Zero Configuration Networking: Link-Local Addressing, Multicast DNS, and DNS Service Discovery. It also reviews a series of APIs, including C-API, Java API, CFNetServices, and Cocoa's NSNetServices.Whether you want to understand how iTunes works, or you want to network a series of laptops and other devices at your office for maximum efficiency, you'll find all the answers in this authoritative guide.

ForewordPreface1. Introduction to Bonjour and ZeroconfService Discovery with ZeroconfReplacing the AppleTalk Name Binding ProtocolSummary2. IP Addresses Without DHCPObtaining an IP AddressClaiming a Link-Local IP AddressSummary3. Names Without DNSA Brief Tour of DNSThe Zeroconf NamespaceMulticast DNSClaiming Your Local NameThe Structure of the Multicast DNS MessageSummary4. Browsing for ServicesZero Configuration OperationFinding Services, Not DevicesKnowing the ProtocolBuilding on DNSLate BindingDNS-SD TXT RecordsSummary5. Service Discovery Beyond the Local LinkDomain EnumerationAdvertising Static ServicesWide-Area Preference SettingsDynamic DNS UpdatesDNS Long-Lived Queries (DNS-LLQ)NAT Port Mapping Protocol (NAT-PMP)Summary6. Getting Started with Bonjour/ZeroconfWorking with Bonjour/ZeroconfThe Command-Line ToolSummary7. Using the C APIsAsynchronous Programming ModelEvent Handling with a select( ) LoopUsing the DNSServiceDiscovery APIsEvent Handling with Cocoa Run