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Scaling Enterprise IT: A Guide to Hexnode Domains, OUs, and Dynamic Scopes
A Strategic View of How Hexnode Supports Multi-Domain Identity and Hierarchical Management
1. Multi-Domain and Directory Integration in the Enterprise
Directory services act as the authoritative source of identity in enterprise IT. They define users, security groups, authentication policies, and organizational structure. Hexnode UEM integrates with multiple directory systems,
- Microsoft Active Directory (AD)
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Google Workspace
- Okta
This enables organizations with hybrid or cloud-native identity strategies to manage all devices and users through a single console, while still honoring existing identity infrastructure.
1.1 Microsoft Active Directory Integration Using the Hexnode Cloud Broker
For on-premises and hybrid AD environments, Hexnode connects to AD using the Hexnode Cloud Broker (AD Agent). This secure connector:
- runs on the organization’s network
- communicates securely with Hexnode cloud
- synchronizes users, groups, and organizational units
Typical implementation steps include:
- installing the AD Agent on a domain-joined server
- configuring the domain, controller, and credentials
- enabling secure LDAPS communication
- defining sync schedules (daily or weekly)
This model supports legacy AD deployments and hybrid identity environments, while maintaining secure encrypted communication.
1.2 Cloud-Native Directory Integrations
Cloud-first enterprises often rely on Microsoft Entra ID or Google Workspace. Hexnode integrates API-to-API, meaning no local agent is required.
Microsoft Entra ID
Hexnode supports:
- cloud identity authentication
- device enrollment using corporate credentials
- SSO-aligned authentication flows
This enables organizations to link device enrollment to existing identity frameworks.
Google Workspace
Integration is performed through domain-wide delegation and OAuth authentication. Admins configure:
- a Google Cloud project
- an authorized service account
- API scopes for directory sync
Hexnode can synchronize multiple domains or selected sub-domains, which is useful for organizations operating multiple legal or geographic domains.
Okta
Okta acts as a cloud identity broker, federating access from SaaS platforms and other directories. Hexnode consumes identity information through industry-standard federation protocols.
1.3 Why Multi-Domain Integration Matters Strategically
Enterprises benefit from:
- centralized identity governance
- consistent authentication policy
- fewer siloed management tools
- improved auditability and compliance
Hexnode’s support for mixed identity environments enables gradual modernization while respecting legacy infrastructure.
2. Organizational Units as a Strategic Control Structure
Organizational Units (OUs) provide the logical hierarchy needed to apply policy at scale. Hexnode supports OU-driven management, so IT can align device governance with corporate structure.
2.1 Hierarchical OU Structure
Hexnode supports up to seven nested OU levels beginning with the Hexnode Directory root. Examples include:
- Region
- Country
- Division
- Business Unit
- Department
Each user or device belongs to one OU at a time, which prevents overlapping policy conflicts. Policies assigned at higher-level OUs are inherited downstream, allowing:
- baseline security at the root level
- department-specific controls deeper in the tree
This is well-suited for large distributed environments.
2.2 Enterprise Alignment of OUs
Typical models include:
- corporate structure separation
- geographic segmentation
- role-based separation
- device-type-driven segmentation
This ensures:
- scalable policy deployment
- predictable enforcement
- controlled delegation
3. Multi-Tenant Architecture for Conglomerates and MSPs
Some enterprises operate multiple legally distinct entities. Hexnode supports this through its multi-tenant MSP architecture, where each business unit or client operates as a separate tenant.
Each tenant:
- has its own Hexnode instance
- maintains strict data isolation
- can select regional data storage
- has independent RBAC controls
This protects data sovereignty while still allowing top-level oversight at the group level.
4. Dynamic Scoping and Automated Policy Assignment
Static OUs define structure. Dynamic groups define behavior.
Dynamic groups automatically group devices based on real-time attributes, such as:
- OS version
- ownership type (BYOD vs corporate)
- compliance state
- installed apps
- user attributes
- network or location status
Devices enter or exit groups automatically when criteria change.
This is essential for environments with:
- frequent device onboarding
- workforce mobility
- changing compliance conditions
Policies follow the device as soon as its state changes.
4.1 Typical Dynamic Group Use Cases
Examples include:
- isolating jailbroken or rooted devices
- applying stricter controls to non-compliant devices
- assigning role-based apps automatically
- separating corporate vs personal devices
- managing OS-specific configurations
This reduces administrative overhead while improving security consistency.
5. Geofencing as a Context-Aware Scope Layer
Geofencing allows administrators to define virtual geographic boundaries around offices, campuses, retail locations, or secure zones.
When devices:
- enter
- remain inside
- exit
these areas, automated enforcement actions occur.
Geofences may be circular or polygonal depending on the precision required.
Examples include:
- enabling restrictions inside secure facilities
- disabling certain permissions off-premises
- triggering alerts for boundary breaches
When combined with dynamic groups, this creates location-aware policy enforcement.
6. Sector-Specific Enterprise Use Cases
6.1 Healthcare
Key priorities include:
- protection of ePHI
- device encryption
- secure identity access
- auditability
Hexnode supports:
- OU segmentation per ward or facility
- encryption enforcement
- BYOD container separation
- kiosk lockdown for patient-facing devices
This enables healthcare providers to maintain security while supporting clinical mobility.
6.2 Financial Services
Priorities include:
- regulatory governance
- data leakage prevention
- identity-linked device compliance
Hexnode supports:
- conditional access alignment with identity providers
- restriction policies
- audit reporting
- VPN and secure browser usage patterns
This allows financial organizations to apply consistent enforcement to mobile and branch environments.
6.3 Logistics and Transportation
Priorities include:
- fleet coordination
- route governance
- ruggedized device control
Hexnode enables:
- Zero-Touch onboarding
- route-based geofencing
- remote file delivery
- driver-safety controls
This improves operational safety and visibility.
6.4 Education
Priorities include:
- safe student use
- content restriction
- structured app deployment
Hexnode supports:
- OU-based student segmentation
- exam-mode kiosk lockdown
- bulk licensing programs
- remote learning controls
This preserves safety while enabling digital learning programs.
7. Strategic Deployment Recommendations
Successful enterprise implementation typically includes:
- Establishing secure directory integration
- Entra ID for cloud identity
- AD Agent for hybrid AD
- Designing a logical OU hierarchy
- matching organizational reality
- Using dynamic groups for lifecycle automation
- minimizing manual changes
- Applying geofencing where location matters
- contexts such as campuses or secure facilities
- Leveraging multi-tenant nodes for legally distinct entities
- ensuring data isolation with governance oversight
Final Strategic Perspective
Hexnode’s approach to multi-domain identity integration, hierarchical OUs, dynamic scoping, and context-aware geofencing allows enterprises to operate a unified device governance framework across complex environments.
This structure supports:
- scalable policy enforcement
- clean separation of control
- audit-ready governance
- consistent user identity integration
While remaining flexible enough to support hybrid identity architectures and multi-tenant business structures.
