Distribution Preferences window

This topic describes the Distribution Preferences window in IBM Director.

Introduction

Use this window to perform the following tasks:
  • Set up or restrict the access to the file-distribution server shares on a selected system or group of systems.
  • Set the streaming preference for the selected system or group.
  • Set the maximum data rate for streaming software packages to the selected system.

Fields

Always stream to system(s)
Selecting this option specifies that any software distribution package is streamed (or copied) directly to the selected system or group before the software is installed. A redirected installation from a server share cannot be performed on the selected system or group if this option is selected.

Streaming might be preferable if, for example, the target system is a dial-up mobile system. If a streamed installation is suspended, it can be resumed. If an installation from a file distribution server is suspended, the installation must be restarted.

Use File Distribution Server Shares
Selecting this option specifies that the list of server shares, which are defined to IBM Director, are used to attempt redirected installations.
Shares
This window lists shares defined to IBM Director Server. The default Universal Naming Convention (UNC) setting, \\*\*, indicates that the selected system or group of systems can access any file distribution server share that has been defined to IBM Director. If a redirected installation of a software distribution package to a selected system is not possible, the package is streamed.
Add
Displays a window in which you can add a server share location. You must specify the location in UNC format.
Edit
Displays a window in which you can change the selected server-share entry.
Remove
Deletes the selected server-share entry.
Restrict share selection to list
If you select this check box, the server shares that are defined in this window are the only shares that can be used by the selected system or group of systems for a redirected installation.
Stream from File Distribution Server
If you select this check box, the contents of a software distribution package are streamed to the selected system or group before installing the software, instead of installing the software from the file distribution server.

Streaming might be preferable if, for example, the target system is a dial-up mobile system. If a streamed installation is suspended, it can be resumed. If an installation from a file distribution server is suspended, the installation must be restarted.

Limit streaming bandwidth for system
Select this check box to enable the setting of a limitation on the amount of bandwidth used to stream software distribution packages to the selected systems. If a limitation is set for one or more systems through this dialog:
  • The bandwidth limitation applies to streaming from the IBM Director Server and from all file distribution server shares.
  • The lowest value of the two settings is used as the limitation parameter if a bandwidth limitation is also set for streaming from the IBM Director Server.

Enter a streaming bandwidth in kilobits per second (kbps). For values less than 1 kbps, enter a decimal amount. The minimum value is 0.25 which indicates a bandwidth of 256 bytes per second.

Note: You can also limit streaming bandwidth to all systems through Software Distribution Server Preferences.

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