Configure a distribution server for Windows

This documentation helps administrators configure distribution servers for Windows devices using the DAFS feature in Hexnode UEM.

In environments where enterprise applications need to be deployed reliably and efficiently, Hexnode’s Distributed Apps and Files Server provides a solution. Instead of each device individually connecting to Hexnode’s server to download apps or updates, DAFS enables a local server within the office network to handle the enterprise app distribution. This method helps reduce internet usage and improves deployment speed, especially when managing devices across multiple locations.

Setting up a DAFS involves provisioning a supported Windows device to act as the distribution server. Hexnode provides a setup package that automates the installation of Docker Desktop and pulls the necessary server components. Once configured, the DAFS syncs all enterprise apps automatically and begins serving them over the local network to devices associated with the same site.

To ensure optimal performance, Hexnode provides a range of configurable options within the DAFS setup. These settings control how servers are prioritized and how apps are deployed when multiple DAF servers are associated with a single site.

Set up distribution server for Windows devices

To configure distribution servers,

1. Login to the Hexnode UEM portal.
2. Go to Policies > Device Policies, create a new policy or edit an already existing one.
3. In the case of a new policy, add a policy name, which is mandatory before saving the policy, and an optional description.
4. Navigate to Windows > Hexnode Settings > DAFS > Configure.

Server Preference

The Server Preference setting allows administrators to define which Distributed Apps and Files Servers (DAFS) should be prioritized when distributing enterprise apps and updates to Windows devices. When multiple DAF servers are associated with a site, this policy helps prioritize which servers should be used by the Windows devices targeted by the policy. You will have two options to choose from,

1. Use the preference set in the associated site

   When this option is selected, the DAFS preference defined under the associated site will be applied. You can configure this preference by navigating to Admin > Sites and DAFS > Sites, selecting a site, and locating the DAFS section. Any DAF servers listed in that site configuration will be prioritized for devices associated with it.

2. Set a different preference

   This option allows you to manually define a different DAFS preference. You can select specific DAF servers to be prioritized for the devices receiving the policy, regardless of the preference set under the associated site. When selected, this custom preference overrides the preference defined in Admin > Sites and DAFS > Sites for the targeted devices.

Associating the policy with target Windows devices

If the policy has not been saved,

1. Navigate to Policy Targets > Devices > + Add Devices.
2. Choose the target devices and click OK. Click Save.
3. You can also associate the policy with device groups, users, user groups, or domains from the left pane of the Policy Targets tab.

If the policy has been saved,

1. Go to Policies. Choose the desired policy.
2. Click on the Manage drop-down and select Associate Targets.
3. Choose the target entities and click Associate.