30.09.04

SUSE LINUX School Server

Peter Varkoly, Developer

Peter.Varkoly@suse.com

Product Overview

Based on SUSE LINUX Openexchange Server 4.1

Aims to provide an all-in-one IT server solution for schools

Schools were involved in the development process

Schools have influence on the further development

Server features

Network Internet access (Modem, ISDN, DSL, leased line)

All-in-one IP server: Provides DNS, DHCP, e-mail, LDAP, time and proxy services

Including firewall web-site-filtering and antivirus solution

Multi-platform file and print server (Windows PDC, Linux NFS and AppleTalk)

Transparent deployment in single schools or in school networks

Excellent scalability

Supports automated installation of SUSE LINUX based clients

Simple registration of Windows clients on domains (including predefined login scripts and profiles for user groups

Browser-accessable
graphical user interface (GUI)

Graphical services for all users: Roll-Based-Administration,Webmail, appointments calendar, internal forum

Easy-to-use web interface for administrators and teachers

User management system, adapted to schools' requirements, including predefined groups (classes, courses, students, staff...)

Access to server services (Internet, printing, mail, groupware) can be configured for users and rooms individually

Import of student and teacher lists (CSV format)

Distribution and collection of files by classes groups or rooms

Graphical mail and system load statistics

Supervision and examination in secured environment

External access via HTTPS to the administration, groupware, and file system.

School-internal network (example)

16

Divided into logical networks, each group of computers can be configured individually

Existing room structures can be reproduced within the School Server

Server network

192.168.0.0/16

172.16.0.0/16

10.0.0.0/8

Room 1

N.N.2.1-

N.N.2.63

Room 2

N.N.2.65-

N.N.2.127

Anonymous

DHCP range

(for new and

temporary

computers)

N.N.1.1-

N.N.1.254

The server network

16

The School Server can easily be added to existing structures

In this scenario, the School Server provides extra functionality, apart from an already-existing gateway

Gateway

DNS forwarder, NAT

School Server

Administration

File, print and mail server

DNS, DHCP, LDAP, WWW

and installation server

Groupware functionality

(Internet proxy)

Internet

School Network

All-in-one solution

16

The School server provides both gateway and extra functionality simultaneously

School Server

Administration

File & print server, Mail server

DNS, DHCP, LDAP, WWW and

installation server

Groupware functionality

Internet proxy

School Network

Internet

SUSE Firewall

All-in-one solution with seperate gateway

16

The School Server also supports already-existing gateways

In addition to the gateway, the School Server provides firewall and access control services

School Server

Administration

File & print server, Mail server

DNS, DHCP, LDAP, WWW and

installation server

Groupware functionality

Internet proxy

School Network

Internet

Gateway

DNS forwarder, NAT

Scalability

16

If necessary, the School Server's services can be distributed among dedicated computers

School Server

Services are distributed among several

computers

Server #4

Print server

Installation

server

Server #1

Administration

LDAP

DNS

DHCP

Proxy server

Server #3

Mail server,

HTTP server,

Groupware

Server #2

Fileserver

(Samba,

NFS)

Central administration

16

Selected services of the School Server can be provided for a number of schools centrally

School #1

School #3

School #2

School #N

School Server

provides services for several schools,e.g.

Central LDAP, DNS and proxy server

Central user and network administration

Firewall

Firewall

Firewall

Firewall

Usermanagemant

2003-10-13T13:45:10