HP-UX Directory Server 8.1 deployment guide

4 Designing the directory tree
The directory tree provides a way to refer to the data stored by the directory service. The types
of information stored in the directory, the physical nature of the enterprise, the applications used
with the directory, and the types of replication implemented shape the design of the directory
tree.
This chapter outlines the steps for designing the directory tree.
4.1 Introduction to the directory tree
The directory tree provides a means for the directory data to be named and referred to by client
applications. The directory tree interacts closely with other design decisions, including the choices
available distributing, replicating, or controlling access to the directory data. Invest time to
properly design the directory tree before deployment. A properly designed directory tree can
save considerable time and effort both during the deployment phase, and later when the directory
service is in operation.
A well-designed directory tree provides the following:
• Simplified directory data maintenance.
• Flexibility in creating replication policies and access controls.
• Support for the applications using the directory service.
• Simplified directory navigation for directory users.
The structure of the directory tree follows the hierarchical LDAP model. A directory tree provides
a way to organize the data in different logical ways, such as by group, personnel, or place. It also
determines how to partition data across multiple servers. For example, each database needs data
to be partitioned at the suffix level. Without the proper directory tree structure, it may not be
able to spread the data across multiple servers efficiently.
In addition, replication is constrained by the type of directory tree structure used. Carefully
define partitions for replication to work. To replicate only portions of the directory tree, take that
into account during the design process.
To use access controls on branch points, also consider that in the directory tree design.
NOTE:
Directory Server supports a concept for hierarchical navigation and organization of directory
information called virtual directory information tree views. See “Virtual directory information
tree views” before designing the directory tree.
4.2 Designing the directory tree
There are several major decisions to plan in the directory tree design:
• Choosing a suffix to contain the data.
• Determining the hierarchical relationship among data entries.
• Naming the entries in the directory tree hierarchy.
4.2.1 Choosing a suffix
The suffix is the name of the entry at the root of the directory tree, and the directory data are
stored beneath it. The directory can contain more than one suffix. It is possible to use multiple
suffixes if there are two or more directory trees of information that do not have a natural common
root.
By default, the standard Directory Server deployment contains multiple suffixes, one for storing
data and the others for data needed by internal directory operations (such as configuration
4.1 Introduction to the directory tree 39