The server instance is a combination of background process and memory buffers. The Oracle Server consists of a database and server instance. The purpose of the database is to store and retrieve related information. When a database starts up, a SGA is allocated and background processes are started. Net8 is the mechanism the DBMS uses for interfacing with the communication protocols used by the networks that utilize distributed processing.
Communication protocols define the way that data is transmitted and received on a network.
In a network environment, the database server communicates with the client workstations using the Net8 software. The OFA is the recommended scheme for configuring Oracle. A node is any computer that provides a service on a network. The node is configured so it can be identified on the network. The OFA employs a directory and configuration structure that can support the multiple components of the Server on a single node.