The Infoblox grid module links a collection of appliances into a unified, centrally-managed, core network services platform. At the grid’s foundation is a distributed database called bloxSDB™ with real-time data replication across all Infoblox member appliances. This essential infrastructure allows organizations to distribute, automate and consolidate critical information and services with assured data integrity, including:

• Protocols (DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, LDAP, TFTP, FTP, HTTP, NTP, etc.)
• Data (IP addresses, MAC addresses, meta data, user credentials, audit logs, transaction logs, time, etc.)
• Files (appliance software, device firmware and configuration files, policies, etc.)
• The grid module provides a comprehensive array of system management, data distribution, and system availability functions.

Features and Benefits

Resilient Operation: Enterprises can create resilient grids using individual (or HA-paired) appliances deployed across a LAN or WAN environment. Infoblox grids are resilient against the failure of individual appliances, continue to provide service in the face of a failure of a LAN or WAN link, and automatically re-synchronize all units in an Infoblox grid when a failed device is replaced or a LAN or WAN connection is restored.

Unified Management: Devices and data in an Infoblox grid can be managed as a single entity, without regard for where data actually resides. This virtualization of services to the grid level rather than the individual appliance level dramatically reduces administrative overhead and greatly lowers the possibility of configuration errors. An Infoblox grid can be completely managed remotely, from any location.

Real-time, Secure, System-wide Data Updates: Unlike conventional systems that only propagate DNS and DHCP data on a scheduled or polled basis, the grid module synchronizes the databases across multiple appliances in real time in response to changes as devices are added, deleted, or changed. Emerging applications such as wireless networking and VoIP can cause frequent changes to IP addressing and DNS data, and require that these changes be made available immediately across the network to ensure that applications continue to operate properly.

No Data Corruption, Errors, or Loss: Data are exchanged among appliances in an Infoblox grid using sophisticated distributed database technology with full transactional integrity. Data remain complete and correct in the face of WAN and device failures and under high loads. This is critical in today’s dynamic network environments in which incorrect data can render applications unusable, create security breaches, and violate compliance requirements.

Simplified, Management of Network Identity Devices, Data, and Services: With configuration and data entry for a collection of appliances from a single user interface, operations are streamlined. For example, a new DNS zone can be created, mapped to several appliances (as name servers) and configured with specific zone parameters—through a single dialog box. Administration can be delegated to the object level, providing fine-grained control over resource record and fixed addresses to help desk and user departments. This approach simplifies the initial configuration and the ongoing lifecycle management of a grid of devices, rather than having to individually set up and administer each device independently.

Intelligent Auto-provisioning for Easy Pre-staging and Auto-recovery of Devices: Appliances can be pre-provisioned in the management system even if they are not physically present. Likewise, should an appliance in a grid suffer a hardware failure, recovery is as fast as swapping in a replacement unit and configuring a few parameters (e.g. IP address). The necessary software, configuration information, and network are loaded and services are restarted automatically.

Disaster Recovery and Grid Master Promotion: Any appliance (or HA pair) in a grid can be designated as a master candidate and, as such, it will continuously receive a full replication of all data and configurations in the grid master. Should the grid master fail or become unreachable, an administrator can “promote” any master candidate to be the grid master, which will then contact all member appliances, synchronize any data changes, and take over administrative control of the grid—using a single operation—in minutes.

Availability and Software Packages

The grid module is available in the software packages illustrated in the following chart: