Home > Articles > Certification > Other IT

Novell eDirectory Management

Learn how to manage Novell eDirectory, beginning with a lesson in the architecture of version 8.6 in comparison to its predecessor, Novell Directory Services (NDS). You will then see a comprehensive maintenance plan to ensure the health of your directory.
This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

This chapter covers the following testing objectives for Novell Course 3000: Upgrading to NetWare 6:

  • Describe the Function and Features of eDirectory 8.6.

  • Integrate eDirectory 8.6 into an Existing Network.

  • Use the eDirectory Import/Export Wizard to Manage LDIF Files.

  • Use Index Manager to Improve Directory Performance.

  • Configure Replica Filters.

  • Maintain eDirectory 8.6.

NetWare 6 introduces eDirectory 8.6, the greatest version to date of Novell's world-class directory service.

eDirectory is the world's leading directory service. It provides a unifying, cross-platform infrastructure for managing, securing, accessing, and developing all major components of your network. eDirectory scales to the largest network environments, including the Internet. Because it is based on the X.500 standard, eDirectory supports LDAP, HTTP, and the Java programming environment.

eDirectory can store and manage millions of objects in a seamless ballet of communications. It also provides the foundation network service for all NetWare servers and network resources. In fact, after network communications, it is the most fundamental network service offered by NetWare 6.

With all of this in mind, I'm sure you would agree that eDirectory management is one of your key responsibilities as a Novell CNE (Certified Novell Engineer). In this chapter, we will explore three important lessons regarding eDirectory management:

  • Understanding eDirectory 8.6—First, we'll begin with a brief lesson in the architecture of eDirectory 8.6 and compare it to its predecessor, Novell Directory Services (NDS).

  • Maintaining eDirectory 8.6—In the final lesson of this chapter, we will explore a comprehensive eDirectory maintenance plan to help ensure the health of your directory. First, you'll learn how to use the Index Manager capabilities of ConsoleOne to maintain eDirectory indexes and to increase the performance of your network. Then, you'll learn how to reduce synchronization traffic by configuring filtered replicas of specific eDirectory 8.6 partitions. Finally, you'll learn how to optimize eDirectory by configuring eDirectory cache.

As you can see, there's a lot to learn in this chapter and when it's all done, you'll be an accomplished eDirectory engineer. So, let's get started at the beginning—Understanding eDirectory 8.6.

Understanding eDirectory 8.6

Test Objective Covered:

  1. Describe the function and features of eDirectory 8.6.

eDirectory 8.6 is a highly scalable, high-performing, secure directory service. Along with replication and partitioning capabilities, eDirectory provides the basic foundation for multiplatform networking. eDirectory also includes cryptography services to protect confidential data; it natively supports LDAP 3 over SSL (Secure Socket Layer).

Earlier versions of eDirectory were called Novell Directory Services (NDS). At first glance, eDirectory appears to have the same underlying architecture as NDS. That is, a distributed, object-oriented database organized as a hierarchical tree. Upon closer inspection, however, you'll find that eDirectory 8.6 is built on a much more sophisticated database structure than NDS.

Let's take a closer look at the underlying architectural differences between NDS and eDirectory, starting with NDS.

NDS Architecture

NDS was first introduced in NetWare 4. Prior to NetWare 4, NetWare operating systems relied on a server-centric model—in which each NetWare server had its own flat-file database for tracking network resources (called the bindery). The bindery consisted of three files: one that held object, one that held property, and one that held value information.

NDS offered a gigantic leap forward by evolving the server-centric model into a network-centric model. In this architecture (shown in Figure 3.1), the NetWare 4 operating system relies on four data files and multiple streams files located in a hidden directory on the server's SYS: volume. This database is referred to as the RECMAN database.

Figure 3.1Figure 3.1 NDS architecture.

The four files that make up the NDS architecture in Figure 3.1 perform these functions:

  • PARTITIO.NDS—The partition database contains a list of database partitions including system, schema, external reference, and bindery.

  • ENTRY.NDS—The object database contains records for each object in a given server's replicas.

  • VALUE.NDS—The attribute database contains property values for each object in ENTRY.NDS.

  • BLOCK.NDS—The block database contains overflow data for the attribute database.

NDS streams files are named with hexadecimal characters (0-9, A-F) and hold information such as print job configurations and login scripts. Earlier versions of NDS used Novell's Transactional Tracking System (TTS) to ensure that database transactions were either completed or backed out in the event of a system failure.

TIP

The NetWare 5 version of NDS uses the same architecture as described above; however, the names of the files are different. In NetWare 5, ENTRY.NDS is called 0.DSD, VALUE.NDS is called 1.DSD, BLOCK.NDS is called 2.DSD, and PARTITIO.NDS is called 3.DSD.

eDirectory 8.6 Architecture

eDirectory 8.6 improves on NDS' fixed-length record data store model by introducing a highly scalable indexed database called FLAIM (FLexible and Adaptable Information Manager). The FLAIM database uses three different types of files instead of four, but still relies on streams files for print job configurations and login scripts. Check out the eDirectory 8.6 architecture in Figure 3.2.

Following is a description of each of the three different types of files that make up eDirectory's FLAIM database:

  • NDS.DB—The control file is the centerpiece of the eDirectory architecture. This file contains the rollback log and is used to abort incomplete transactions.

  • NDS.01The primary database file contains all records and indexes found on a given server. When this data file reaches 2GB in size, NDS.02 is created for the remaining data. New files are then created as necessary to keep database files from growing beyond 2GB. This allows the database files to remain scalable while retaining their quick-search capabilities.

  • NDS*.LOG—The transaction log file acts as a roll-forward log to reapply completed transactions that might not have been fully written to disk because of a system interruption.

Figure 3.2Figure 3.2 eDirectory 8.6 architecture.

eDirectory streams files perform the same function as they do in NDS and have an .NDS extension. However, unlike NDS, eDirectory does not use TTS; instead, it uses log files to back out and roll forward transactions in the event of a system failure. Refer to Table 3.1 for a summary of the differences between NDS and eDirectory architecture.

TIP

The primary eDirectory database file, NDS.01, includes a number of indexes to enhance performance. First, it includes attribute substring indexes for the "CN" and "uniqueID" fields. Second, it includes attribute indexes for the "Object Class" and "dc" fields. Finally, it includes attribute indexes for positioning that include strings beginning with CN, uniqueID, Given Name, and Surname.

Table 3.1 Comparing NDS and eDirectory Architecture

Component

NDS

eDirectory

Database Name

RECMAN

FLAIM

Database Function

Fixed-Length Record Data Store

Highly Scalable Indexed Database

NetWare Version

4.x and 5.x

6.0

Number of Files

4

3

Data Records File

ENTRY.NDS

NDS.01

Roll-Back Mechanism

TTS

Log Files

Streams

Yes

Yes


The eDirectory architecture described here provides an exceptional foundation for all of eDirectory 8.6's new features and benefits. Following is a brief list of some of eDirectory's greatest new advancements:

  • eDirectory 8.6 can be implemented on any of these operating system platforms: NetWare, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Linux, Solaris, and Tru64 UNIX. Client libraries and LDAP tools are available for Linux, Solaris, and Tru64 UNIX. LDAP support provides an open structure for integration with applications that are written to the LDAP standard.

  • The Index Manager tool enables you to manage database indexes easily. The Filtered Replica Configuration Wizard enables you to easily create filtered replicas.

  • The eDirectory Import/Export Wizard enables you to import or export LDIF files and to perform a server-to-server data migration.

  • eDirectory includes a merge utility that enables you to merge one directory tree into another or to graft one tree onto another.

  • iMonitor provides monitoring and diagnostic capabilities for all servers in your eDirectory tree from a web browser.

This completes our architectural lesson of eDirectory 8.6. We hope that you have gained an appreciation for the sophisticated directory services platform that eDirectory 8.6 provides for your NetWare 6 network. Now that you understand how it's built, you're ready to learn how to integrate it into your existing network.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020