SMS: Defining Site Boundaries in Systems Management Server 2.0 (200344)

SUMMARY

Systems Management Server 2.0 now uses TCP/IP subnets or IPX networks to define the site boundaries, rather than Windows NT domains. If the site server is a domain controller, the subnet of the site server is used by default.

When the TCP/IP subnet for the site boundary is entered into the site properties, a subnet mask is not needed. The client's subnet mask is used to determine if the client resides within the site server's boundaries.

MORE INFORMATION

If the network that the Systems Management Server Site resides on is using subnet masks to segment the network throughout the enterprise, each subnet must be entered into the Site Boundaries tab.

For example, if the default site boundary is set to 198.162.157.0, and you have two clients configured as follows:

   Client 1
   IP address : 198.162.157.19
   Subnet mask: 255.255.255.128

   Client 2
   IP address : 198.162.157.132
   Subnet mask: 255.255.255.128

Client 1 would reside inside the site boundaries, and therefore be assigned to the Systems Management Server site. Client 2 would not be a member of the site.

This is due to the fact that with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.128, you get two subnets: 198.162.157.1-127, and 198.162.157.129-254, with two subnet IDs of 198.162.157.0 and 198.162.157.128. The only subnet listed in the site boundary is 198.162.157.0.

To make Client 2 reside within the site, you would have to add the other subnet to the site boundary table. In this example, you would add 198.162.157.128.

For more information, look under "Site Boundaries" in the Systems Management Server 2.0 Administrator's Guide index.