This document relates to NP-View Desktop and Server version 6.0 and later.
Connectors automate the secure retrieval of configuration files from firewalls, routers, switches, and network device configuration managers. NP-View Desktop and Server can host one or more connectors that securely retrieves configuration files manually (desktop and server) or at the specified frequency (server only).
To access the connector function, use the system menu in the upper right corner of NP-View and select 'Manage connectors'
The connector function consists of several key features.
The connector function supports the files devices listed on the connectors page.
To get started, the user must first create one or more credentials. Credentials are used to access the devices and can be used for one or more devices. This provides for the ability to manage multiple devices with one set of credentials. Click the 'Add New Credential button to display the input section. Credentials are segregated by device type. Select the device type and input the required fields.
Once filled in, select the save button and the credential will be saved and displayed in the 'Credentials' box. Clicking on the credential will allow the user to edit the credential.
At this time, Deleting a credential is not supported.
Once credentials have been created, the user can proceed to creating a Connector Group.
Select the '+' in the 'Groups' section to display the add groups function. Fill in the group name, notes and select a schedule (server only). For desktop, only the 'On Demand' function will be displayed.
Once saved, the user can click on the connector group name in the 'Groups' panel to enter edit mode or select the three dots to the right of the name for individual group options.
Pull to run all associated connectors and delete to remove the group. Note that only empty group can be deleted.
Groups can retrieve data on a schedule, when setting up or editing a connector group, the user can set a schedule.
The user has multiple options for scheduling the connector; monthly, weekly, and daily with flexible day of week and time options. We recommend that connectors be run at night to provide maximum resources for processing the data. When a connector group is scheduled, the next run status will be presented in the 'Groups' panel
and on the 'Processes' tab
Once a group has been created, the user can add connectors to the group. In the connectors section, select the '+' to present the add connector function.
Proceed to select the connector type and fill in the required fields.
Next fill in the optional fields.
Filling in the name of a context will only fetch the data for that one context, leaving blank will fetch all contexts.
Selecting one ore more worspaces to deliver the fetched data. If left blank, the data will be retrieved for manual download.
The user can then test the connector to verify the credentials and/or save the connector.
Once saved, the user can click on the connector name in the 'Connectors' panel to invoke edit mode. Clicking on the tree dots next to the connector name provides individual connector options.
Data from individual connectors can be retrieved manually by selecting the 'pull' option from the menu above. When selecting pull, the connector status will proceed to 'in progress'
and the processes tab will also display the progress status.
Once data has been pulled, the user can selectively download the most current data set from the connector panel.
If a connector is designated to deliver data to workspace and a user deletes the workspace, the connector will automatically be updated to reflect the workspace deletion.
