Configure the default referral to point to a Directory Server that has more information about the distribution of the directory service. Default referrals for the server are set by the nsslapd-referralattribute. Default referrals for each database in the directory installation are set by the nsslapd-referralattribute in the database entry in the configuration. These attribute values are stored in the dse.ldif file.

For information on configuring default referrals, refer to the HP-UX Directory Server administrator guide.

5.3.1.3 Smart referrals

The Directory Server can also use smart referrals. Smart referrals associate a directory entry or directory tree to a specific LDAP URL. This means that requests can be forwarded to any of the following:

The same namespace contained on a different server.

Different namespaces on a local server.

Different namespaces on the same server.

Unlike default referrals, smart referrals are stored within the directory service itself. For information on configuring and managing smart referrals, see the HP-UX Directory Server administrator guide.

For example, the directory service for the American office of the Example Corp. contains the ou=people,dc=example,dc=com directory branch point.

Redirect all requests on this branch to the ou=people branch of the European office of Example Corp. by specifying a smart referral on the ou=people entry itself. The smart referral is ldap://europe.example.com:389/ou=people,dc=example,dc=com.

Any requests made to the people branch of the American directory service are redirected to the European directory. This is illustrated below:

Figure 5-7 Using smart referrals to redirect requests

64 Designing the directory topology

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HP UX Direry Server manual Smart referrals, Using smart referrals to redirect requests

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.