Branch Network Formula

The Branch Network formula is used to configure the networking services required by the branch server, including DHCP, DNS, TFTP, PXE, and FTP.

1. Set Up a Branch Server Networking

The branch server can be configured to use networking in many different ways. The most common ways provide either a dedicated or shared LAN for terminals.

1.1. Set Up a Branch Server with a Dedicated LAN

In this configuration, the branch server requires at least two network interfaces: one acts as a WAN to communicate with the SUSE Manager server, and the other one acts as an isolated LAN to communicate with terminals.

This configuration allows for the branch server to provide DHCP, DNS, TFTP, PXE, and FTP services to terminals. These services can be configured with Salt formulas in the SUSE Manager Web UI.

Procedure: Setting Up a Branch Server with a Dedicated LAN

  1. In the SUSE Manager Web UI, open the details page for the branch server, and navigate to the Formulas tab.

  2. In the Branch Network section, set these parameters:

    • Keep Dedicated NIC checked.

    • In the NIC field, enter the name of the network device that is connected to the internal LAN.

    • In the IP field, enter the static IP address to be assigned to the branch server on the internal LAN.

    • In the Netmask field, enter the network mask of the internal LAN.

  3. Check Enable Route if you want the branch server to route traffic from internal LAN to WAN.

    • Check Enable NAT if you want the branch server to convert addresses from internal LAN to WAN.

    • Select the bind DNS forwarder mode.

    • Check DNS forwarder fallback if you want to rely on an external DNS if the branch DNS fails.

    • Specify the working directory, and the directory owner and group.

1.2. Set up a Branch Server with a Shared Network

In this configuration, the branch server has only one network interface card, which is used to connect to the SUSE Manager server as well as the terminals.

This configuration allows for the branch server to provide DNS, TFTP, PXE, and FTP services to terminals. These services can be configured with Salt formulas in the SUSE Manager Web UI. Optionally, the branch server can also provide DHCP services in this configuration.

If DHCP services are not provided by the branch server, ensure that your external DHCP configuration is set correctly:

  • The next-server option must point to the branch server for PXE boot to work.

  • The filename option must correctly identify the network boot program (by default, this is /boot/pxelinux).

  • The domain-name-servers option must point to the branch server for correct host name resolution.
Procedure: Setting Up a Branch Server with a Shared Network

  1. In the SUSE Manager Web UI, open the details page for the branch server, and navigate to the Formulas tab.

  2. In the Branch Network section, set these parameters:

    • Keep Dedicated NIC unchecked.

    • Enable services on the branch server’s firewall. Ensure you include DNS, TFTP, and FTP services.

    • Select the bind DNS forwarder mode.

    • Check DNS forwarder fallback if you want to rely on an external DNS if the branch DNS fails.

    • Specify the working directory, and the directory owner and group.

2. Set up Branch Server Terminal Naming

In this configuration it is required to fill at least Branch Identification. This identifies Branch Server in Retail subsystem and is also used to better organize terminals with their respective branch servers.

Procedure: Setting up a Branch Server Identification

  1. In the SUSE Manager Web UI, open the details page for the branch server, and navigate to the Formulas tab.

  2. In the Terminal Naming section, enter the Branch Identification string.

  3. Click Save to save your changes.

  4. Apply the highstate.

It is also possible to set various options about terminal naming, for more information about terminal naming see Terminal Names.