Creating a domain and internal user management with LADP

Dbugy · 06-29-2016, 11:48 AM

Hello all,
I am new to linux and to network management but I will try to explain what I want to do as best as possible.

I have a computer cluster with a headnode and 14 nodes. I managed to create an internal LAN, with a DNS server on the headnode and a shared NFS folder. I now want to have a global user management system, so I won't need to create the same user on all nodes, but rather have a server (headnode) managing users.

I read about LDAP and installed it and configured it acording to manuals and everything seemed nice until I tried to connect to a user I created on LDAP from one of the nodes (i was able to do so from headnode where LDAP server is installed). I was sure that when LDAP required a domain name it was for LDAP to create that domain that it will manage the users in but I think that what my problem is that my nodes are trying to access my headnode to get the user information through a domain that doesn't exist.

I now think I completely missunderstood and that I need to first create a domain and only then install and configure LDAP.

My question is: Does LDAP configure a domain for me? Do I need to have the domain ready before I configure LDAP? If so how do I create a domain and add the nodes to it?

I hope I was clear enough to understand, please tell me if anything needs clarification.
Thanks in advance for any help available.

nini09 · 06-30-2016, 02:42 PM

Domain name is pre condition. You have to create domain at first.

Steps for adding users:
1. Create Linux user
2. Create Linux user's ldap passwd file
3. Convert passwd.file to ldif file
4. Add ldap file to LDAP Directory using ldapadd

Dbugy · 07-01-2016, 12:56 AM

Thanks nini!
I feel so dumb, I was doing this with my friend and he was responsible for the DNS. I didn't realize that he created our domain name when he created the DNS and chose a Zone Name.. I now use the same zone name as my domain name in LDAP and all works (I think)!
At least I hope that maybe my dumbness might help someone else that might find this question helpful

P.S.
I couldn't find the "makr this thread as solved" button under "thread tools". Sorry, but if there is an admin that can do that, and also explain to me where I might be missing the button, please do it for me if possible.