Managing 4G devices with on-premesis server

Hi all,

When starting with SOTI MobiControl we made a choice to put the server on-premises.
This because, back then, there where only on-premises devices that needed to be managed.
All connected either by internal LAN or WiFi.

Now, from within the organization, came the question to have a device connected by 4G and not only being used on-premises.

Question: What is the best practice?

  • Moving server to DMZ zone? (not preferred)
  • Second DS server in DMZ zone?
  • Setting up FW rules?
  • ...

Any advice, best practice approach is welcome.

Greetings,
Karel.

4 years ago
SOTI MobiControl
ANSWERS
RC
Raymond Chan Diamond Contributor
4 years ago (edited 4 years ago)

If your Telco can arrange corporate APN for your 4G devices and/or can restrict the device public-IP address to a well-defined small range, which can be added as additional exception for serveral ports in your corporate firewall, then it might be possible to use your current DS to also manage them.  Some MobiControl server settings might need to be fine tuned with MCadmin utility in this case.

If the above is not possible for security reasons,  you can consider adding a second DS in DMZ.

However, if your 4G devices need to use MDM policies that require interaction with Google/Apple/Microsoft back-end services, then your DS server(s) might need reconfiguration using public FQDN for the device-management address and a good enough SSL certificate installed.  Depending on your existing DS configuration, such reconfigurations likely mean a lot of work to be done for your existing enrolled devices currently on your internal corporate network.  In such case, you might need to consider whether you should have a separate (second) MobiControl implementation, rather than adding a second DS.

M
MartinsKl
4 years ago

We have Gp VPN set up with certificate authentication. Devices receive app and app config from managed play store and can be set up to connect automatically. Devices go to dedicated subnet with separate FW rules.  APN seemed to expensive and with this solution, existing systems could be easily set up.

ST
Shawn T
4 years ago

Do yourself a favor and migrate your Mobicontrol installation to the cloud. On premise management of external devices with port forwarding, in a DMZ is absolutely possible. Moving to cloud will provide you with global access (internal or external)  to your devices and allow for much easier upgrades to your environment at no cost or internal labor.