WebShare UB64 User manual (Version 4.0.0)  
 

3 Installation

3.1 Different setups

3.1.1 General overview

WebShare is comprised of two main servers: the WebShare Web Server, and the WebShare File Server. The objective is to enable versatile and high performance remote file access over the internet, while at the same time isolating the file server from the internet. This feature is accomplished by means of the two-tier WebShare server application. The WebShare Web Server acts as an intermediary between the internet and the WebShare File Server:

When remote users log in to WebShare, their only access is to the WebShare Web Server, which is connected to the internet. The WebShare Web Server is very secure, and contains no data, passwords or configuration information. This WebShare Web Server accepts requests and forwards them to the WebShare File Server, via a private protocol. The file server authenticates these requests, and then starts a separate process with each user’s access rights, so that remote users can access only the files and directories for which they have file system permissions. The WebShare File Server forwards the requested content to the WebShare Web Server which generates dynamic web pages for the remote users. This enables them to “see” the file server, without being directly connected.

Ideally, the WebShare Web Server application should run on a dedicated server, allowing all other services and ports to be shut down. The WebShare File Server application then runs on the server that contains the actual data to be shared. The following sections detail the various server configurations possible, and the related firewall options. Additional security details are discussed in 10 “WebShare security”.

3.1.2 Software firewall (Internet)

A software firewall can be configured directly on the WebShare Web Server (Fig. 3.1). For example, on an OS X server, software firewall settings can be defined via “System Preferences... > Sharing”. It must only allow incoming HTTP connections, and only on port 2009. Other ports on this server must not be reached from the internet in order to provide a high level of security. Chapter 10.1.11 “Switching WebShare to port 80 on the WebShare Web Server” describes how to change the default HTTP IP address and port.

Furthermore, the WebShare Web Server needs two network interfaces, one for the internet, and one for the intranet. IP-routing must be switched off.

Software firewall towards the Internet

Fig. 3.1: Software firewall towards the Internet

3.1.3 Hardware firewall (Internet)

Another possibility is to install a hardware firewall between the internet and the WebShare Web Server (Fig. 3.2). As described in 3.1.2 “Software firewall (Internet)”, the firewall must only allow incoming HTTP connections on port 2009. Here, one network interface for both the internet and the intranet will do, but two network interfaces offer additional security. IP-routing must be switched off.

Hardware firewall towards the Internet

Fig. 3.2: Hardware firewall towards the Internet

3.1.4 Hardware firewall (Intranet)

A hardware firewall can also be positioned between the WebShare Web Server and the intranet. It should only allow incoming connections on ports 2010-2015. In addition, a software firewall should only allow incoming HTTP requests on port 2009 (Fig. 3.3). This setup requires two network interfaces, one for the internet and one for the intranet. IP-routing must be switched off.

Hardware firewall towards the intranet

Fig. 3.3: Hardware firewall towards the intranet

3.1.5 Single-server solution

In a single-server solution (Fig. 3.4), the WebShare Web Server and the WebShare File Server are running on the same machine. The hardware firewall must deny incoming HTTP connections other than on port 2009.

Single-server solution

Fig. 3.4: Single-server solution

3.2 WebShare Web Server installation

3.2.1 System requirements

For the installation of the WebShare Web Server the following prerequisites apply:

Note:

If a two-tier WebShare server configuration is used, then only HELIOS Base and the WebShare Web Server should be installed on the server that is connected to the Internet. On the WebShare File Server, HELIOS Base and the WebShare File Server get installed. It is only necessary to enter the HELIOS license information on the WebShare File Server.

3.2.2 Software installation

The installation of the HELIOS WebShare Web Server follows the standard HELIOS software installation scheme. It is described in detail in the chapter “Software Installation” in the HELIOS Base manual.

3.2.3 Verifying the installation

There are some steps you should take in order to verify that the installation of the WebShare Web Server was successful:

hsymInstruction

On a command line, issue srvutil status (see “srvutil” in the HELIOS Base manual):

$ srvutil status
Service       Status            PID  When       Restarts
srvsrv        Running         28287  Wed 10:08
notifysrv     Running         28289  Wed 10:08
authsrv       Running         28294  Wed 10:08
desksrv       Running         28295  Wed 10:08
heladmsrv     Running         28302  Wed 10:08
afpsrv        Running         28303  Wed 10:08
indexsrv      Running         28290  Wed 10:08
papsrv        Running         28304  Wed 10:08
pcshare       Running         28305  Wed 10:08
lpd           Running         28312  Wed 10:08
websharesrv   Running         28306  Wed 10:08
dhcpsrv       Running         28309  Wed 10:08
opisrv        Running         28313  Wed 10:08
scriptsrv     Running         28307  Wed 10:08
createpdf     Running         28293  Wed 10:08
mdnsproxysrv  Running         28297  Wed 10:08
websharewoa   Running         28298  Wed 10:08
toolsrv       Running         28308  Wed 10:08

The result of the status query shows that “websharewoa” is running. If “websharewoa” is not running, check the system messages for errors.

Note:

On OS X systems, the installation can be verified with the “HELIOS Services” application, which is installed in the OS X “Applications” folder.

The following steps may be used to verify that the WebShare Web Server is also available remotely:

hsymInstruction

In your browser enter the URL:
http://hostname:2009

If the HELIOS WebShare homepage appears, the installation was successful.

hsymInstruction

If it is not, try:
http://<DNS name>:2009

Example:
http://myserver.com:2009
hsymInstruction

If this fails, try:
http://<IP-address>:2009

Example:
http://172.16.0.8:2009

If you are successful with using the IP address in the URL but not with “host name” or “DNS name”, the installation of the WebShare Web Server was successful, but you may have a DNS configuration problem.

hsymInstruction

Verify with the HELIOS “socket” utility (verbose mode) that the web server can be reached:

$ socket -v myserver.com 2009
Trying to connect to myserver.com port 2009 ...
...
Successfully connected to server.
hsymInstruction

If this returns an unknown host, try the IP address:

$ socket -v 172.16.0.8 2009 
Trying to connect to 172.16.0.8 port 2009 ...
...
Successfully connected to server.
hsymInstruction

If this also fails, try (directly on the WebShare Web Server):

localhost$ socket -v localhost 2009 
Trying to connect to localhost port 2009 ...
...
Successfully connected to server.
hsymInstruction

Exit “socket” with Ctrl-C.

Note:

The host names and IP addresses in the excerpts above are just examples!

Note:

By default, the WebShare Web Server allows connecting to all WebShare File Server hosts. The preference WSAllowedHostNames (7.5 “Preferences”) restricts the access to named WebShare File Servers only.

3.3 WebShare File Server installation

3.3.1 System requirements

For the installation of the WebShare File Server the following prerequisites apply:

3.3.2 Software installation and licensing

The installation of the HELIOS WebShare File Server uses the standard HELIOS Installer. It is described in detail in the chapter “Software Installation” in the Base manual.

The license is entered according to the instructions given in the chapter “Entering a new license” in the HELIOS Base manual.

3.3.3 Verifying the installation

There are some steps you should take in order to verify that the installation of the WebShare File Server was successful:

hsymInstruction

On a command line, issue srvutil status (see “srvutil” in the HELIOS Base manual):

$ srvutil status
Service       Status            PID  When       Restarts
srvsrv        Running         28287  Wed 10:08
notifysrv     Running         28289  Wed 10:08
authsrv       Running         28294  Wed 10:08
desksrv       Running         28295  Wed 10:08
heladmsrv     Running         28302  Wed 10:08
afpsrv        Running         28303  Wed 10:08
indexsrv      Running         28290  Wed 10:08
papsrv        Running         28304  Wed 10:08
pcshare       Running         28305  Wed 10:08
lpd           Running         28312  Wed 10:08
websharesrv   Running         28306  Wed 10:08
dhcpsrv       Running         28309  Wed 10:08
opisrv        Running         28313  Wed 10:08
scriptsrv     Running         28307  Wed 10:08
createpdf     Running         28293  Wed 10:08
mdnsproxysrv  Running         28297  Wed 10:08
websharewoa   Running         28298  Wed 10:08
toolsrv       Running         28308  Wed 10:08

The result of the status query shows that “websharesrv” is running.

Note:

On OS X systems, the installation can be verified with the “HELIOS Services” application, which is installed in the OS X “Applications” folder.

The following steps may be used to verify that the WebShare File Server is also available remotely (use the appropriate server host name, or IP address, in place of “helioshost”):

$ socket -v helioshost 2010
Trying to connect to helioshost port 2010 ...
...
Successfully connected to server.
hsymInstruction

Exit “socket” with Ctrl-C.

As the example above shows, the WebShare File Server port (2010) is available.


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HELIOS Manuals January 10, 2020