Components of Avalanche

Avalanche is an integrated system of several components, which together allow you to manage your mobile devices quickly and efficiently. The following diagram provides a general overview of components and how they interact:

The primary components of Avalanche include:

Avalanche Web Console. The Avalanche Web Console allows you to manage network components from any computer using an internet connection and a web browser. It does not need to be installed, but you must be able to connect to the Enterprise Server where the web services are hosted.

Servers. The Enterprise Server manages information and facilitates all communication between the Console, the device servers, and the Enterprise Server database. The Statistics Server collects statistical information from your devices and device servers for reporting purposes and stores information in the Statistics Server database. The Web Server (Apache Tomcat) provides the Web Console and is often installed in the same location as the Enterprise Server.

Device Servers. Device servers communicate with your devices, sending them commands and configuration profiles. You can install multiple device servers, depending on the requirements of your environment. Smart device servers connect to Android and iOS devices. Mobile device servers connect to Windows Mobile and Windows CE devices. Printer device servers connect to Zebra LinkOS printer devices.

Databases. Avalanche databases store information about your network and devices. There are two databases for Avalanche: the Enterprise Server database handles information such as managing device configuration, and the Statistics Server database manages statistical information regarding the state of devices on your network.

Enablers. Mobile devices must have an Avalanche Enabler installed in order to be managed by Avalanche. An Enabler relays information between the mobile device and the device server. With the Enabler installed, the mobile device can receive configuration instructions that you create in the Avalanche Console.

In addition to the installed components of Avalanche, Avalanche uses a File Store where it saves files associated with payloads, such as OS updates. Avalanche saves these files either local to the Enterprise Server, or in a network location that you specify. You can configure the File Store location after Avalanche is installed. For more information about the File Store, see Using the Central File Store.

For information on installation options, see Installing Avalanche.

For more information about the ports Avalanche uses to communicate and a more detailed map of components, see Port Information.

For the list of the services that Avalanche installs, see Avalanche Services.