The Network Server provides multi-user connectivity to databases within a single system or over a network. The Network Server uses the standard Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA) protocol to receive and reply to queries from clients. Databases are accessed through the Network Server by using the Network Client driver.

The Network Server is a solution for multiple JVMs that connect to the database, unlike the embedded scenario where only one JVM runs as part of the system. When is embedded in a single-JVM application, the embedded JDBC driver calls the local database. When is embedded in a server framework, the server framework's connectivity software provides data to multiple client JDBC applications over a network or the Internet.

To run the Network Server, you need to install the following files:

• On the server side, install derby.jar and derbynet.jar.
• On the client side, install derbyclient.jar.

There are several ways to manage the Network Server, including:

• Through the command line
• By using .bat and .ksh scripts
• Through the servlet interface
• With your own Java program (written using the Network Server API)
• By setting Network Server properties

explains how to change existing Java applications that currently run against in embedded mode to run against the Network Server.

explains how to manage the Network Server by using the command line, including starting and stopping it.

explains how to use the servlet interface to manage the Network Server.

contains advanced topics for Network Server users.

Because of the differences in JDBC drivers that are used, you might encounter differences in functionality when running in the Network Server framework as opposed to running it embedded in a user application. Refer to for a complete list of the differences between embedded and Network Server configurations.