HP-UX Directory Server 8.1 deployment guide

Multiple servers can have master copies of the same data, but, within the scope of a single
replication agreement, there is only one supplier server and one consumer. Consequently, to
create a multi-master environment between two supplier servers that share responsibility for
the same data, create more than one replication agreement.
Figure 6-2 Multi-master replication configuration (two suppliers)
In the above illustration, supplier A and supplier B each hold a read-write replica of the same
data.
To create a multi-master environment between four supplier servers that share responsibility
for the same data, create a range of replication agreements. Keep in mind that the four suppliers
can be configured in different topologies and that there are many variables that have a direct
impact on the topology selection.
Figure 6-3 “Multi-master replication configuration A (four suppliers)” illustrates a fully connected
mesh topology where all four supplier servers feed data to the other three supplier servers (which
also function as consumers). A total of twelve replication agreements exist between the four
supplier servers. This topology provides high server failure tolerance at the expense of high data
dispersal for every supplier.
Figure 6-3 Multi-master replication configuration A (four suppliers)
6.2 Common replication scenarios 77