7 Designing synchronization

An important factor to consider while conducting the site survey for an existing site (“Performing a site survey”) is to include the structure and data types of Active Directory directory services. Through Windows Sync, an existing Windows directory service can be synchronized and integrated with the Directory Server, including creating, modifying, and deleting Windows accounts on the Directory Server or, oppositely, the Directory Server accounts on Windows. This provides an efficient and effective way to maintain directory information integrity across directory services.

7.1 Windows synchronization overview

The synchronization process is analogous to the replication process: it is enabled by a plug-in and configured and initiated through a synchronization agreement, and a record of directory changes is maintained and updates are sent according to that log.

There are two parts to the complete Windows Synchronization process:

User and Group Sync

As with multi-master replication, user and group entries are

 

synchronized through a plug-in, which is enabled by default. The

 

same changelog that is used for multi-master replication is also

 

used to send updates from the Directory Server to the Windows

 

synchronization peer server as an LDAP operation. The server

 

also performs LDAP search operations against its Windows server

 

to synchronize changes made to Windows entries to the

 

corresponding Directory Server entry.

Password Sync

This application captures password changes for Windows users

 

and relays those changes back to the Directory Server over LDAPS.

 

It must be installed on the Active Directory machine.

7.1.1 Synchronization agreements

Synchronization is configured and controlled by one or more synchronization agreements. These are similar in purpose to replication agreements and contain a similar set of information, including the host name and port number for the Windows server and the subtrees being synchronized.

The Directory Server connects to its peer Windows server via LDAP or LDAP over SSL to both send and receive updates.

A single Windows subtree is synchronized with a single Directory Server subtree, and vice versa. Unlike replication, which connects databases, synchronization is between suffixes, parts of the directory tree structure. Therefore, when designing the directory tree, consider the Windows subtrees that should be synchronized with the Directory Server, and design or add corresponding Directory Server subtrees. The synchronized Windows and Directory Server suffixes are both specified in the synchronization agreement. All entries within the respective subtrees are available for synchronization, including entries that are not immediate children of the specified suffix.

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HP UX Direry Server manual Designing synchronization, Windows synchronization overview, Synchronization agreements

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.