Realm Server and Realm Definition

Realm Configuration

The realm server is a central repository for configuration data required by its client processes, which include FTL application programs and services. This configuration data is called the realm definition. Supplying this configuration data to clients is the primary role of the realm server.

Client process require configuration data to start running. Nonetheless, they can then continue communicating with other clients even if they temporarily disconnect from the realm server. That is, they communicate without using the realm server as an intermediary.

The realm definition includes configuration data for all the client processes in the realm. In the simplest use case, one realm server supplies that configuration data to the clients. However, you can also arrange a family of affiliated realm servers, for example, a backup realm server on a separate computer, satellite realm servers at WAN-connected sites, and a disaster-recovery server. A family of affiliated realm servers all serve the same realm definition to clients.

Realm Monitoring and Logging

In a secondary role, the realm server receives client monitoring data and client logging data, and funnels it to external tools for analysis and display. If clients temporarily disconnect from the realm server, they buffer their monitoring and logging data until they can reconnect.

Realm Server GUI and API

The realm server GUI provides a browser-based visual interface to view and modify the configuration data in the realm definition, and to monitor and manage client processes.

The realm server also provides a REST-style web API. You can use it to create administrative programs to configure, monitor, and manage clients.