5 Designing the directory topology

Chapter 4 “Designing the directory tree” covers how to design the directory service stores entries. Because HP-UX Directory Server can store a large number of entries, it is possible to distribute directory entries across more than one server. The directory's topology describes how the directory tree is divided among multiple physical Directory Servers and how these servers link with one another.

This chapter describes planning the topology of the directory service.

5.1 Topology overview

Directory Server can support a distributed directory, where the directory tree (designed in Chapter 4 “Designing the directory tree”) is spread across multiple physical Directory Servers. The way the directory is divided across those servers helps accomplish the following:

Achieve the best possible performance for directory-enabled applications.

Increase the availability of the directory service.

Improve the management of the directory service.

The database is the basic unit for jobs such as replication, performing backups, and restoring data. A single directory can be divided into manageable pieces and assigned to separate databases. These databases can then be distributed between a number of servers, reducing the workload for each server. More than one database can be located on a single server. For example, one server might contain three different databases.

When the directory tree is divided across several databases, each database contains a portion of the directory tree, called a suffix. For example, one database can be used to store only entries in the ou=people, dc=example,dc=com suffix, or branch, of the directory tree.

When the directory is divided between several servers, each server is responsible for only a part of the directory tree. The distributed directory service works similarly to the Domain Name Service (DNS), which assigns each portion of the DNS namespace to a particular DNS server. Likewise, the directory namespace can be distributed across servers while maintaining a directory service that, from a client's point of view, appears to be a single directory tree.

The Directory Server also provides knowledge references, mechanisms for linking directory data stored in different databases. Directory Server includes two types of knowledge references; referrals and chaining.

The remainder of this chapter describes databases and knowledge references, explains the differences between the two types of knowledge references, and describes how to design indexes to improve the performance of the databases.

5.2 Distributing the directory data

Distributing the data allows the directory service to be scaled across multiple servers without physically containing those directory entries on each server in the enterprise. A distributed directory can therefore hold a much larger number of entries than would be possible with a single server.

In addition, the directory service can be configured to hide the distribution details from the user. As far as users and applications are concerned, there is only a single directory that answers their directory queries.

The following sections describe the mechanics of data distribution in more detail:

“About using multiple databases”

“About suffixes”

5.1 Topology overview

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HP UX Direry Server manual Designing the directory topology, Topology overview, Distributing the directory data

UX Direry Server specifications

HP UX Directory Server is a robust and scalable solution designed for managing directory information within enterprise networks. Developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP), this server offers an extensive set of features tailored to meet the needs of organizations that require an efficient way to store, manage, and retrieve identity and access data.

One of the key features of HP UX Directory Server is its ability to handle large directories with significant volumes of data. Built on a highly optimized architecture, it provides excellent performance and can support millions of entries without sacrificing speed or reliability. This capability makes it an ideal choice for large-scale deployments in enterprises that require high availability and responsiveness.

In addition to its scalability, HP UX Directory Server supports a wide range of protocols, including LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), which ensures seamless integration with diverse applications and systems across various platforms. The server maintains standards compliance, which facilitates interoperability and simplifies administration tasks.

Security is a top priority for HP UX Directory Server, offering an array of features to protect sensitive information. It supports secure data transmission via TLS/SSL protocols, ensuring encrypted communication between clients and servers. Advanced access controls allow administrators to define fine-grained permissions, helping to safeguard directory data against unauthorized access.

Another salient feature of HP UX Directory Server is its replication capabilities. The server can replicate directory data across multiple instances, ensuring data consistency and availability in distributed environments. This feature is essential for businesses operating across different geographical locations or requiring failover solutions for disaster recovery.

HP UX Directory Server also comes equipped with tools for data management, including an intuitive administration console for configuring and monitoring the server. Additionally, it offers customizable schema capabilities, enabling organizations to tailor the directory structure to fit their specific needs.

Integration with existing identity management solutions is streamlined through connectors and APIs, allowing organizations to extend their directory services and enhance user experience.

In summary, HP UX Directory Server is a powerful directory management solution that combines scalability, security, and integration flexibility. Its support for industry standards, advanced replication, and comprehensive administrative tools makes it an essential asset for organizations seeking to manage identity and access efficiently. By leveraging this technology, businesses can improve their operational efficiency and ensure a secure and organized approach to directory management.