The Central File Store and the Central File Server are used to store and distribute files that are associated with payloads. For example, .apk files in Software Payloads or OS update files could be stored in the Central File Store.
By default, Avalanche locates the Central File Store on the same computer where the Enterprise Server is installed. However, you may choose to use a network drive or other location for storing files.
The Central File Server is a service that always runs in the same location as the Enterprise Server. When you deploy a payload with a file associated with it, the Smart Device Server receives a list of the files that it needs. The Smart Device Server connects to the Central File Server and requests the files. The Central File Server connects to the File Store and sends the files to the Smart Device Server. When the device checks in, it downloads the files from the Smart Device Server.
If a device checks in before the Smart Device Server has finished retrieving the files, the server tells the device to try again in a few minutes.
If you plan to use the Central File Store, you must follow the instructions below to configure it.
When you use a manifest URL, all of the devices retrieve files directly from the location listed in the payload. This may be simpler to set up with some configurations, but may not be practical if large files are pushed out to many devices simultaneously, or if the network connection is low-quality.
When you use the Central File Store, the devices retrieve files from the Smart Device Server they have been configured to connect to. When you have several Smart Device Servers, this spreads traffic out to several servers rather than just one. Using the Central File Store may also reduce reliance on a poor network connection.
The most important factor in deciding where the Central File Store should be is how many files will be stored and how big they are. Some files, such as OS updates, can be very large. If you plan to distribute a lot of files, or if your files are very large, consider using a separate location for the Central File Store. If the files you will distribute are small or there aren't many of them, you may keep the Central File Store in the default location.
You must have a certificate for the server where the Central File Store is. If you set up the Central File Store in the same location as a Smart Device Server, you can use the same certificate for the File Store that you use for the Smart Device Server.
In previous versions of Avalanche, files were stored in the database. The upgrade process does NOT move those files out of the database. The payloads that are migrated to 6.2 still work exactly the same as they have before.
If you want to upgrade a payload to use the Central File Store instead of the database after migration, first set up the Central File Store. Move the files to the Central File Store. Then open the payload, browse to the file in the Central File Store, and save the payload.
All users with Administrator privileges can edit the Central File Store settings, regardless of their home location.
The Central File Store has the following configuration options:
FileStore UNC path
A network path to the location where you want the Central File Store. By default, this field is populated with a path local to the Enterprise Server.
Mapping Username
A username associated with an account that has permission to access the network location. This account is used to retrieve files from the File Store. The account must have write permissions, and not read-only permissions.
Mapping Password
A password associated with an account that has permission to access the network location.
Certificate Store (PFX/P12)
A certificate associated with the public address of the location of the Central File Store. If you have the Central File Store located at the same address as a Smart Device Server, you can use the same certificate for the Central File Store.
Certificate Store Password
The password associated with the certificate.
Public Server Address
The address and port for the Central File Store.
To edit the Central File Store settings:
1.Click Tools > Central FileStore.
2.Configure the settings for the Central File Store.
Add files to the Central File Store either directly using your preferred file browser and adequate credentials, or through the Avalanche Console. You must have Administrator permissions in Avalanche in order to manage files in the Central File Store through the Avalanche Console.
Use the Avalanche Console to create new directories, rename files, view file details, or copy files to the Central File Store.
If you replace a file with another file that has exactly the same name, the next time you do a deployment, the new file will be distributed to the Smart Device Server. However, when you delete or rename files in the Central File Store, be sure to update any payloads using those files. The associated payloads do not update automatically.
To manage files in the Central File Store:
1.Click Tools > Central FileStore.
1.In the top right, click the Manage FileStore button.
1.Use the buttons at the top of the dialog to create directories, rename files, view file details, or add files to the Central File Store. Changes are automatically saved as you make them.
1.Click the X in the top right corner to close the dialog box.
The difference between using the Central File Store and Manifest URLs