Setting Up Master Agents and Local Update Servers

 

You can set up devices to act as Master Agents for other devices. Master Agents store identical copies of update files that reside on Avast's update servers. Other devices that you manage through the Console can download update files from Master Agents instead of contacting the Avast Update Servers.

Once you select a device to be an Master Agent, that device receives program updates and virus definitions over the web. You can then define which devices and groups use the device to update by selecting that mirror or Local Update Server in any policy. The On-Premise Console can only support one Local Update Server at a time.

Only Windows devices can become Master Agents.

You will have to add a device before you can set it up as a Master Agent. See Adding Devices to On-Premise Console for more details.

Devices and the Management Console still communicate directly for licensing, usage date, and threat notifications.

Agent Requirements

The device you use as an Master Agent must:

• be online at all times
• have a static IP address
• be able to communicate with other devices on TCP port 4158 to share update files

We highly recommend you choose a server device for your Master Agent.

Setting Up Master Agents

1. Click the Master Agents tab
2. Click Add new Master Agent
3. If necessary, select an operating system in the Filter devices list and/or type a device name in the Search box
4. Click the device you would like to designate as a Master Agent
5. Click Select

It may take some time for the Master Agent services to activate on the device.

Local Update Servers

Devices that are acting as Master Agent during remote deployment can also be used as Local Update Servers for Program and Virus Definition updates. A local update server will download updates from Avast servers, and other devices on the network can then download updates from that device. In general, devices will automatically be set to use Master Agents as Local Update Servers, unless they are specifically set to use Avast servers only.

Only one Local Update Server is supported. Additionally, you will need to enable the Local Update Server to serve updates to devices, as just a Master Agent will not work.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with your Master Agent, please check the following:

• The Master device is enabled correctly
  1. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Avast Software\Business Agent\log
  2. Open the agent_log file
  3. Search for the lines: "is_master_agent_available_in_lan = X” and “is_this_computer_master = X"
     • On the Master agent, this line should be "is_this_computer_master = 1"
     • On other devices in your network, this line should be "is_master_agent_available_in_lan = 1"
  4. Ensure the Master Agent is activated in the Master Agents tab and the Local Update Server slider enabled if desired
• The Master Agent DNS name can be resolved properly by devices
• The Master Agent has access to Avast servers (see Firewall Requirements)
• TCP port 4158 is not blocked between clients and the Master Agent

If you have verified these settings are all correct and you continue to experience issues with your Master Agent, please contact Business Technical Support.