Booster Overview
Introduction
A Booster in the context of FileWave is a critical component designed to scale the management of devices within a network. It is a server component that can be installed on macOS, Windows, and Linux systems and is used to distribute data from the FileWave server to devices. The Booster is thus an integral part of the FileWave Management Suite.
Booster Requirements for Customers
Hosted Customers
If you are a Hosted customer, it is required that you have a Booster, regardless of the number of macOS or Windows clients you have. (It is not required if you have Android, ChomeOS, iPad, or AppleTV devices, as Boosters do not help those client types.) The Booster helps facilitate the efficient and effective management of these devices in your environment. Without a Booster, your macOS and Windows clients will draw a lot more data from the hosted server, ultimately translating into higher hosting prices.
As a Hosted customer, you may also want to consider the architecture of your Boosters. For this, you can refer to the Booster Deployment Planning article, which provides valuable insights and recommendations on Booster planning.
On-Premise Customers
For On-Premise customers, it is recommended that you also refer to the Booster Deployment Planning article to plan and architect your Boosters effectively. This is particularly crucial when considering scalability and efficient device management.
Why Consider Boosters?
- Enhanced Performance: Implementing Boosters can significantly reduce the load on your hosted FileWave Server, ensuring smoother, faster operations.
- Optimized Bandwidth Use: Especially if your clients primarily connect via a work network or VPN without split-tunneling, Boosters can help manage bandwidth more efficiently.
- Cost Management: One of our aims is to continuously provide you with the best services at competitive rates. The more we collaborate in optimizing bandwidth (a significant factor in our pricing), the easier it is for us to maintain and possibly reduce costs. This mutual effort benefits us all.
Key Insights on Boosters
- Applicable For: macOS and Windows Clients. (For iPads/AppleTV, an Apple Caching Server is recommended and we can assist with that setup too!)
- Platform Compatibility: Can run on macOS, Windows, and Linux. While macOS and Windows support around 400 connections, Linux can handle a whopping 2,000 connections. Even a Linux setup within VirtualBox on macOS or Windows can cater to these 2,000 connections.
- Functionality: Boosters essentially cache Filesets from the FileWave Server. • Resources: For a more visual understanding, please check our Boosters best practices video. Moreover, we've compiled a range of KB articles right here for your convenience.
Clients are configured to use Boosters. Where configured, the first client requesting any Non-MDM Fileset from the server, waits for the Booster to download the Fileset first; the client in-turn receives the Fileset from the Booster. Any subsequent clients, requesting an already Boosted Fileset, will benefit immediately from the Fileset now stored on the Booster.
Since clients are the driving force, there is no need to store the entire repository of Fileset, but just those requested by downstream clients. Boosters may also be configured to remove boosted Filesets which are deleted from the server, essentially self managing their storage space.
Boosters may be cascaded with each other, handling even the most complex network environments.
Whether your clients are on a centralized network or scattered across multiple networks (like remote workers or students), Boosters can be immensely beneficial.
What's Next?
If you're unsure about how to set up Boosters, or if you believe you've already implemented them but would like a configuration review, we're here to help! A quick call can clarify and assist. Please connect with Customer Technical Support about any issues that arise, but use Professional Services & Training for guidance on best practices as a paid service or leverage the YouTube video listed below.