Red Hat Network Architecture Comparison

Feature Function Benefit Hosted Proxy* Satellite*
Simple Web UI Intuitive web interface makes your systems management simple User does not have to rely on command line knowledge and can also string together multiple requests through a single action on the Web UI. YES YES YES
Introductory API Access Layer Write command line scripts or use scripted information from other applications to easily integrate RHN into your existing infrastructure. Easily integrate RHN into an existing infrastructure or into future tools. YES YES YES
Hosted Database Repository Information about your systems, policies, and profiles is stored and hosted by the RHN database Get started quickly and with minimal investment in infrastructure to run RHN. YES YES Satellite uses Local Database - see below
Custom Channels Create custom channels (either OS or third-party RPM-based applications) for distribution through RHN. Users can set up staged environments as well as distribute third-party software applications through a single delivery mechanism. YES YES
Local Package Caching Content is cached locally on your network for faster downloads and easier distribution. Reduces bandwidth usage because servers pull locally rather than having to download the entire ISO or errata to each machine over the public Internet, and also enhances speed. YES YES
Single Port Access Manage all your outbound and inbound connections between RHN and your systems through a single system port. Enhances security of your infrastructure and makes network traffic easier to manage. YES YES
Local Database Repository All information about your systems, policies, and profiles is stored locally on your infrastructure. None of your data now passes over the public Internet, guaranteeing you the highest level of safety and protection. YES
Channel Cloning and Management Tools Easily create, clone, or customize your own channels with our Channel Management tools. Customers can set up staged environments (dev, test, stage, prod) or easily create new custom channels from a cloned base. YES
Channel Permissions Create custom channels and then assign management permissions to each of them. Allows organizations to distribute the maintenance of channels to different groups, while keeping security guidelines in place. YES
Errata Cloning and Management Easily create, clone, or customize your own errata. Very useful for enterprise customers with multiple environments (either physical or logical) that require customized information or packages in their errata. Users can create their own errata for their own custom packages and channels, or they can alter the existing errata to provide specific information to different groups. YES
Complete Off Network Capability Take RHN completely off the public Internet for complete security. Please contact Red Hat for details, a Global Professional Services consulting engagement will be required. Run RHN in a completely secure environment - completely disconnected from any public internet. Contact your salesperson for more information. YES
Bare Metal PXE Boot Provisioning** Kickstart systems in tandem with PXE boot images Instant and easy network deployment of Red Hat Enterprise Linux onto new and existing hardware in your infrastructure. YES
Integrated Network Install Tree ** Store all default boot images, network install trees, and packages for Red Hat Enterprise Linux - all integrated with your complete RHN solution. Easily deploy your own customized RHEL based distribution. YES
Configuration Management Profiles** Store configuration management profiles in an integrated directory for easier deployment. Allows for simple deployment, verification, and restoration of configuration files for your production systems. YES

Notes:

* Please note that Proxy and Satellite requires Management Module functionality

** Requires Provisioning Module Entitlements