A virtual node (vnode) is a name defined on the local instance that points to the connection data and authorization data necessary to access a particular remote instance. When a user on the local node wants to access a database on a remote instance or run an application that accesses a database on a remote instance, the user must specify the vnode name for the instance in addition to the name of the database.

The vnode name can be the same as the node’s real address or node name. However, because the real names or addresses are often difficult to remember, and because there can be more than one instance on the node, other names are typically chosen for vnode names.

A connection data entry contains the information necessary for Ingres Net to locate and connect to an instance on a remote node. A connection data entry is typically associated with a particular, locally defined vnode, but can also be specified dynamically with the dynamic vnode format. It includes the name or address of the node on which the remote instance resides, the listen address of the remote instance, and an Actian X keyword for the network protocol used between the local and remote nodes.

A remote user authorization contains the login and password information necessary to gain access to a remote instance. It is typically associated with a particular, locally defined vnode, but can also be specified dynamically with the dynamic vnode format.