1 Preparing for a Directory Server installation

This manual provides a high-level overview of design and planning decisions you need to make before installing Directory Server, describes the different methods for setting up and installing the Directory Server, describes post-installation tasks, and provides general information about using Directory Server and how to troubleshoot problems.

Before you install HP-UX Directory Server 8.1, there are required settings and information that you need to plan in advance. This chapter describes the kind of information that you must provide. It also describes relevant directory service concepts, Directory Server components, and the impact and scope of integrating Directory Server into your computing infrastructure.

The information that is covered here and supplied during the Directory Server setup procedure relates to the design of your directory tree (the hierarchical arrangement of your directory, including all major roots and branch points) and relates to your directory suffixes and databases. For more information on suffixes and databases, see the HP-UX Directory Server administrator guide.

1.1 Directory Server components

Directory Server 8.1 is comprised of several components, which work in tandem:

•Directory Server

The Directory Server is the core LDAP server daemon. It is compliant with LDAP v3 standards. This component includes command-line server management and administration programs, and scripts for common operations like export and backing up databases.

•Directory Server Console

The Directory Server Console is the user interface that simplifies managing users, groups, and other LDAP data for your enterprise. The Console is used for all aspects of server management, including making backups; configuring security, replication, and databases; adding entries; and monitoring servers and viewing statistics.

•Administration Server

The Administration Server is the management agent that administers Directory Servers. It communicates with the Directory Server Console and performs operations on the Directory Server instances. It also provides a simple HTML interface and on-line help pages. There must be one Administration Server running on each machine that has a Directory Server instance running on it.

1.2Considerations before setting up Directory Server

Depending on the type of setup that you perform, you will be asked to provide instance-specific information for both the Administration Server and Directory Server during the installation procedure, including port numbers, server names, and user names and passwords for the Directory Manager and administrator. If you will have multiple Directory Server instances, then it is better to plan these configuration settings in advance so that the setup processes can run without conflict. The installation and setup steps are described in detail in Chapter 3 (page 15).

1.2.1 Port numbers

The Directory Server setup requires two TCP/IP port numbers: one for the Directory Server and one for the Administration Server. These port numbers must be unique.

The Directory Server instance (LDAP) has a default port number of 389. The Administration Server port number has a default number of 9830. If the default port number for either server is in use, then the setup script randomly generates a port number larger than 1024 to use as the

1.1 Directory Server components

7

Page 6 Page 8
Page 7
Image 7
HP UX Direry Server manual Preparing for a Directory Server installation, Directory Server components, Port numbers
Page 6 Page 8

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.
Top Page Image Contents