Novell ZENWORKS 10 CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT SP3 - SYSTEM PLANNING-DEPLOYMENT-BEST PRACTICES GUIDE 10.3 30-03-2010 System Planning Manual page 56

Figure 4-10
Within each rule, there is a Server list for each function that a ZENworks Primary server performs
for the agent (Collection, Configuration, and Content). Each server list is ordered and the devices
use this order for failover in case of high server utilization or a server-down scenario.
To balance the load, we recommend using Closest Server Groups. A Server Group is a list of
Primary servers and Satellite devices that can be accessed in a random order. By randomizing server
access, it is possible to balance the number of requests sent to each ZCM Server listed in the group.
Figure 4-11
If load balancing and fault tolerance is a fundamental requirement of the infrastructure, the best way
to achieve it is though a Layer 4 (L4) switch. An L4 switch can front either Primary Servers or
Satellite devices, or both, in order to guarantee results when directing traffic to the devices behind
the switch. Most importantly, it ensures that services are always available to the end user
community. If you use an L4 switch, ensure that it is properly configured. If the switch is not
properly configured, the traffic is not properly directed, and there might be issues with connections,
responses, and so forth.
The Layer 4 switch is configured in the Closest Server Rules in a similar way to the Closest Server
Groups. When prompted, specify the Layer 4 definition name, which must be either the DNS name
or IP address of the Layer 4 virtual device.
Keep in mind the following considerations:
The Layer 4 switch definition is displayed in each of the listings, no matter where it is created,
with the selected servers listed under each instance of the Layer 4 switch.
56 System Planning, Deployment, and Best Practices Guide
Closest Server Rules in ZENworks Control Center
Closest Server Groups