6.7.2. Configuration Channels

As mentioned above, RHN manages both central and local configuration channels and files. Central configuration management allows you to deploy configuration files to multiple systems. Local configuration management allows you to specify overrides, or configuration files that are not changed by subscribing the system to a central channel.
Central configuration channels must be created via the link on this page. Local configuration channels are not created here; they automatically exist for each system to which a Provisioning entitlement has been applied.
Click on the name of the configuration channel to be taken to the details page for that channel. If you click on the number of files in the channel, you are taken to the List/Remove Files page of that channel. If you click on the number of systems subscribed to the configuration channel, you are taken to the Systems ⇒ Subscribed Systems page for that channel.
To create a new central configuration channel:
  1. Click the create new config channel link in the upper right of this screen.
  2. Enter a name for the channel.
  3. Enter a label for the channel. This field must contain only alphanumeric characters, "-", "_", and "."
  4. Enter a description for the channel. You must enter a description, though there is no character restriction. This field can contain any brief information that allows you to distinguish this channel from others.
  5. Press the Create Config Channel button to create the new channel.
  6. The following page is a subset of the Channel Details page, and has three sub-tabs: Overview, Add Files, and Systems. The Channel Details page is discussed fully in Section 6.7.2.1, “Configuration ⇒ Configuration Channels ⇒ Configuration Channel Details”.

6.7.2.1. Configuration ⇒ Configuration Channels ⇒ Configuration Channel Details

Overview
This sub-tab is very similar to the Configuration Overview page. The Channel Information panel provides status information for the contents of the channel. The Configuration Actions panel provides access to the most common configuration tasks. The main difference is the Channel Properties panel. By clicking on the Edit Properties link, you can edit the name, label, and description of the channel.
List/Remove Files
This tab, which only appears if there are files in the configuration channel, lists the files that this configuration channel contains. You can remove a file or files, or copy the latest version into a set of local overrides or into other central configuration channels. Check the box next to any files you wish to manipulate and then press one of the buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Add Files
The Add Files sub-tab has three sub-tabs of its own, which allow you to Upload, Import, or Create configuration files to be included in the channel.
Upload File
To upload a file into the configuration channel, browse for the file on your local system, populate all fields, and click the Upload Configuration File button. The Filename/Path field is the absolute path where the file will be deployed. You can also indicate the ownership and permissions to be attached to the file when it is deployed. Finally, if the configuration file includes a macro, enter the symbol that marks the beginning and end of the macro.
Import Files
From this page you can import files from other configuration channels, including any locally-managed channels. Check the box to the left of any file you wish to import and press the Import Configuration File(s) button.

Note

A sandbox icon indicates that the listed file is currently located in a local sandbox channel. Files in a system's sandbox channel are considered experimental and could be unstable. Use caution when selecting them for a central configuration channel.
Create File
From this page you can create a configuration file from scratch to be included in the configuration channel. Indicate the absolute path along which the file should be deployed, enter the ownership and permissions for the file, and enter the configuration file content in the appropriate fields. Finally, press the Create Configuration File button to create the new file.
Deploy Files
This sub-tab only appears when there are files present in the channel. You can deploy all files by pressing the Deploy All Files button, or you can check selected files and press the Deploy Selected Files button. You will then be asked to select to which systems the file(s) should be applied. The listed systems are those that are subscribed to this channel. If you wish to apply the file to a system not listed here, first subscribe that system to the channel. When ready, press the Confirm and Deploy to Selected Systems button to deploy the files.
Systems
This tab, which consists of two sub-tabs, allows you to manage the systems that are subscribed to the configuration channel.
Subscribed Systems
This sub-tab displays a list of all systems that are subscribed to the current channel. Clicking on the name of the system takes you to the System Details page for that system.
Target Systems
This sub-tab displays a list of systems that have been enabled for configuration management and that are not yet subscribed to the channel. To add a system to the configuration channel, check the box to the left of the system's name and press the Subscribe System button.