Data Fields

Managing Fields

This example wants to show you how to make use of the Array data type when creating fields for custom variables. First, please got to the Dashboard and choose the Define data fields dashlet:

Fig. 71 Dashboard - Define data fields

Then create a new data field and select Array as its data type:

Fig. 72 Define data field - Array

Then create a new Host template (or use an existing one):

Fig. 73 Define host template

Now add your formerly created data field to your template:

Fig. 74 Add field to template

That’s it, now you are ready to create your first corresponding host. Once you add your formerly created template, a new form field for your custom variable will show up:

Fig. 75 Create host with given field

Have a look at the config preview, it will show you how your Array-based custom variable will look like once deployed:

Fig. 76 Host config preview with Array

Data Fields example: SNMP

Ever wondered how to provide an easy to use SNMP configuration to your users? That’s what we’re going to show in this example. Once completed, all your Hosts inheriting a specific (or your “default”) Host Template will provide an optional SNMP version field.

In case you choose no version, nothing special will happen. Otherwise, the host offers additional fields depending on the chosen version. Community String for SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c, and five other fields ranging from Authentication User to Auth and Priv types and keys for SNMPv3.

Your services should now be applied not only based on various Host properties like Device Type, Application, Customer or similar - but also based on the fact whether credentials have been given or not.

Prepare required Data Fields

As we already have learned, Fields are what allows us to define which custom variables can or should be defined following which rules. We want SNMP version to be a drop-down, and that’s why we first define a Data List, followed by a Data Field using that list:

Create a new Data List

Fig. 77 Create a new Data List

Fill the new list with SNMP versions

Fig. 78 Fill the new list with SNMP versions

Create a corresponding Data Field

Fig. 79 Create a Data Field for SNMP Versions

Next, please also create the following elements:

• a list SNMPv3 Auth Types providing MD5 and SHA

• a list SNMPv3 Priv Types providing at least AES and DES

• a String type field snmp_community labelled SNMP Community

• a String type field snmpv3_user labelled SNMPv3 User

• a String type field snmpv3_auth labelled SNMPv3 Auth (authentication key)

• a String type field snmpv3_priv labelled SNMPv3 Priv (encryption key)

• a Data List type field snmpv3_authprot labelled SNMPv3 Auth Type

• a Data List type field snmpv3_privprot labelled SNMPv3 Priv Type

Please do not forget to add meaningful descriptions, telling your users about in-house best practices.

Assign your shiny new Fields to a Template

I’m using my default Host Template for this, but one might also choose to provide SNMP version on Network Devices. Should Network Device be a template? Or just an option in a Device Type field? You see, the possibilities are endless here.

This screenshot shows part of my assigned Fields:

Fig. 80 SNMP Fields on Default Host

While I kept SNMP Version optional, all other fields are mandatory.

Use your Template

As soon as you choose your template, a new field is shown:

Fig. 81 Choose SNMP version

In case you change it to SNMPv2c, a Community String will be required:

Fig. 82 Community String for SNMPv2c

Switch it to SNMPv3 to see completely different fields:

Fig. 83 Auth and Priv properties for SNMPv3

Once stored please check the rendered configuration. Switch the SNMP versions forth and back, and you should see that filtered fields will also remove the corresponding values from the object.