3.2. Multiple Proxy Horizontally Tiered Topology

For larger networks, a more distributed method may be needed, such as having multiple RHN Proxy Servers all connecting to Red Hat Network individually. This horizontally tiered configuration balances the load of client requests while enabling each Proxy to simultaneously synchronize with RHN.

Other than the cost of an additional RHN Proxy Server the biggest disadvantage of this horizontal structure is that custom packages loaded to an individual Proxy must be distributed to its sibling servers. This hurdle, however, can be cleared in one of two ways: First, the rsync file transfer program can be used to synchronize packages between the Proxies. Second, a Network File System (NFS) share can be established between the Proxies and the custom channel repository.

Either of these solutions will allow any client of any RHN Proxy Servers to have all custom packages delivered to them.