Initial Bonding configuration

When Bonded Internet in installed on a host, it can be configured in one of two ways:

1. By assigning it to a specific bond or aggregator record defined in the management server—useful for sending pre-configured devices to customers or for building aggregators
2. With a default, generic bonder configuration—the device can be assigned to a bond at a later time via a web application on the device

Configuration modes

Configuration as a specific bond or aggregator

In this configuration mode, a host is given a node key at the same time Bonded Internet is installed. This will assign the host to a specific bond or aggregator record in the management server. It can be used to configure a bonder for a certain customer, then ship the bonder to the customer ready to connect to the legs and connected IP networks.

To use this mode, provide a node key at the Bonded Internet installer prompt. The appropriate configuration file will be downloaded and saved on the host.

Default bonder configuration

In this mode, the device is not assigned to a bond or aggregator when Bonded Internet is installed. Instead, it uses a default configuration and can be assigned to a bond at a later time using a simple web application hosted on the device.

To use this mode, leave the node key field empty when prompted by the Bonded Internet installer.

Installation steps

Bonded Internet requires certain information before it can complete its installation.

Management server address

The URL of the management server. For example, bondingadmin.example.com.

The management server address is not requested when using the custom ISO or PXE boot methods, because the address is specified in the custom ISO or PXE options.

Node key

The key the node uses to identify itself to the management server. If left blank, the host will use a default bonder configuration, described above.

If the host is to be configured as a bonder, the key is available on the bond details page:

To configure a host as a bonder, the bond must have at least one leg.

If the host is an aggregator, the key is available on the aggregator details page:

Type the key at the prompt and press enter. The installer will download the host’s configuration file and set up a number of services and resources on the device. The installer will exit when it finishes configuring the host.

Note

If the management server’s SSL certificate cannot be verified, a warning is shown. You can choose to ignore the error, retry the request, or quit the installation. If you quit the installation, Bonded Internet will be left in a partially-configured state.

The most common reason a SSL certificate cannot be verified is because it is not signed by a trusted authority. This is known as a self-signed certificate. To avoid seeing this error, technical support can help you get a properly signed certificate.