Linux Terminal Server Project
1. LTSP Overview.
LTSP system add thin client support to Linux server. A thin client is a client computer which depends on Central server for processing activities and mainly focuses on conveying input and output between the user and the remote server.
Linux Thin client is becoming more and more popular because of its stability and not tampering ,Virus issues and distributed in GNU GPL.
LTSP system is designed to use minimal hardware for workstations referred to as thin clients that is dirven by the central server.The Client needs PXE(Pre boot Execution) enabled LAN card , machine without HardDrive, CD ROM/Floppy etc.
Applications typically run on the server and accept input and display their output on the thin client display. LTSP is available as a set of packages that can be installed on any Linux system. It is also available as a part of complete distributions, such as K12Ltsp, SkoleLinux and EduLinux.
2. Server and Client Hardware Specification
The Hardware you need depends on the amount of load you will have.
Server Specification
Disk Space:
Depends on the number of the thin client and the number of users, how much space is allocated to each users etc.
Generally 120 GB is sufficient for 5 to 10 Clients.
RAM
Since all the application being used in the thin client are actually running on the server, there shouldn't be compromise in the RAM. The LTSP documentation says that the project has successfully run 50 workstation from a machine with 4 GB RAM.
Processor
Beside RAM, then there is role of processor. Intel Dual Core Processor combined with Hyper Threading 3.2 GHz (May not Supported by NepaLinux, But HT only is supported).
Extra.
Depending upon your needs such as DVD/RW, Printer etc.
Backup Hardware may be best option as all the clients data is centralised.
Client
The list for choosing client workstation is more a list of what you don't need that what you do. you don't need to have Hard disk, CD/DVD drive or any storage devices.
The processor can be ancient, Pentium III, 128 MB RAM is sufficient.
Networking Hardware
Each workstation and server will need at least one network interface card, appropriate cabling and a network Switch.
3. LTSP configuration:
LTSP configuration generally depends on the which version you choose to setup. For LTSP 5.0 (NepaLinux, edubuntu, debian edu etc.) You just have to modify dhcp configuration file and IP address setting.
For NepaLinux 2.0 with LTSP enabled system, you have to do nothing expect the IP setting, Set the IP to 192.168.0.1, netmask 255.255.255.0. you don't have to modify dhcp configuration file.
4. LTSP working Principle general Overview
When Client gets Power on, it searches the Network address to boot from. The LTSP server itself acts as a DHCP server and offers an IP to the Client. Then the client loads the kernel and other necessary configuration file through the TFTP. Then Finally with the Use of LDM, GUI login prompt is presented in the Client system. Since the client doesn't have any Disk space any files that are stored in local RAM is made available using NFS from the server.
DHCP ----> Dynamic host configuration protocol
NFS----> Network File System
TFTP-----> Trivial File System
LDM-------> LTSP display Manager
Note:In server all the LTSP required files are stored in /opt/ltsp directory.
5. LTSP Enabled NepaLinux
NepaLinux 2.0 LTSP DVD support LTSP system, and has also been implemented successfully. The users in the workstation can login either in GNOME or KDE and can run all the application included.
Advantages
Localized System
Stable and Robust System
Economical
Major Drawback
Sound support in the Client
Confusion to use as a technology or as a education tool in the schools
Lack of Adequate Support and Standard curriculum
Challenges:
Sound Support in NepaLinux LTSP system.
working with government to work with standard curriculum based on Linux System.
Generating sufficient manpower for support.
References: ltsp.org
Applications typically run on the server and accept input and display their output on the thin client display. LTSP is available as a set of packages that can be installed on any Linux system. It is also available as a part of complete distributions, such as K12Ltsp, SkoleLinux and EduLinux.
2. Server and Client Hardware Specification
The Hardware you need depends on the amount of load you will have.
Server Specification
Disk Space:
Depends on the number of the thin client and the number of users, how much space is allocated to each users etc.
Generally 120 GB is sufficient for 5 to 10 Clients.
RAM
Since all the application being used in the thin client are actually running on the server, there shouldn't be compromise in the RAM. The LTSP documentation says that the project has successfully run 50 workstation from a machine with 4 GB RAM.
Processor
Beside RAM, then there is role of processor. Intel Dual Core Processor combined with Hyper Threading 3.2 GHz (May not Supported by NepaLinux, But HT only is supported).
Extra.
Depending upon your needs such as DVD/RW, Printer etc.
Backup Hardware may be best option as all the clients data is centralised.
Client
The list for choosing client workstation is more a list of what you don't need that what you do. you don't need to have Hard disk, CD/DVD drive or any storage devices.
The processor can be ancient, Pentium III, 128 MB RAM is sufficient.
Networking Hardware
Each workstation and server will need at least one network interface card, appropriate cabling and a network Switch.
3. LTSP configuration:
LTSP configuration generally depends on the which version you choose to setup. For LTSP 5.0 (NepaLinux, edubuntu, debian edu etc.) You just have to modify dhcp configuration file and IP address setting.
For NepaLinux 2.0 with LTSP enabled system, you have to do nothing expect the IP setting, Set the IP to 192.168.0.1, netmask 255.255.255.0. you don't have to modify dhcp configuration file.
4. LTSP working Principle general Overview
When Client gets Power on, it searches the Network address to boot from. The LTSP server itself acts as a DHCP server and offers an IP to the Client. Then the client loads the kernel and other necessary configuration file through the TFTP. Then Finally with the Use of LDM, GUI login prompt is presented in the Client system. Since the client doesn't have any Disk space any files that are stored in local RAM is made available using NFS from the server.
DHCP ----> Dynamic host configuration protocol
NFS----> Network File System
TFTP-----> Trivial File System
LDM-------> LTSP display Manager
Note:In server all the LTSP required files are stored in /opt/ltsp directory.
5. LTSP Enabled NepaLinux
NepaLinux 2.0 LTSP DVD support LTSP system, and has also been implemented successfully. The users in the workstation can login either in GNOME or KDE and can run all the application included.
Advantages
Localized System
Stable and Robust System
Economical
Major Drawback
Sound support in the Client
Confusion to use as a technology or as a education tool in the schools
Lack of Adequate Support and Standard curriculum
Challenges:
Sound Support in NepaLinux LTSP system.
working with government to work with standard curriculum based on Linux System.
Generating sufficient manpower for support.
References: ltsp.org
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