6
2.1.2
ERAS hierarchy at large networks
In larger networks multiple ERA Servers can be installed to perform future remote installs of client computers from
servers which are more accessible. For this purpose, ERA Server offers “replication“, which allows stored information
to be forwarded to a superior ERA Server (“upper server”). Replication can be configured using ERAC.
The replication feature is very useful for companies with multiple branches or remote offices. The model
deployment scenario would be as follows: Install ERAS in each office and have each replicate to a central ERA
Server. The advantage of this configuration is especially apparent in private networks which are connected via VPN,
which is usually slower – the administrator will only need to connect to a central ERAS (the communication marked
by the letter A in the figure below). He will not need to use the VPN tunnel to access individual departments (the
communications B, C, D and E) allowing him to bypass a slower communication channel through the use of ERA
Server replication.
The replication setup allows an administrator to define which information will be transferred to upper servers
automatically at a preset interval, and which will be sent upon request from the upper server administrator.
Replication makes ERA more user-friendly and also minimizes network traffic.
Another advantage to replication is that multiple users can log in with various permission levels. The administrator
accessing the ERAS london1.company.com with the console (communication E) will be able to administer only
clients connecting to london1.company.com, london.company.com, paris.company.com. If you connect to the
central company.com (A), you will be able to control all clients located at company headquarters and departments/
branches.
Figure 2
Replication in network consisted of headquarters and departments/subsidiaries.
