Utilizing Advanced Scheduling with Network Manager

Utilizing Advanced Scheduling with Network Manager Dell OpenManage Network Manager Kyon Holman Software Engineer PowerConnect Engineering PowerConnect December 18, 2003

Contents Section 1... 4 Introduction... 4 Section 2... 5 Getting Started... 5 Advanced Scheduling... 5 Performing a Network Discovery... 6 Configuring the Internal TFTP Server... 6 Section 3... 8 Scheduling a Device Discovery... 8 Section 4... 12 Scheduling a Device Heartbeat... 12 Section 5... 15 Scheduling a Group Operation... 15 Creating a Static Group... 15 Creating the Trap Host Group Operation... 16 Scheduling a Trap Host Group Operation... 19 Section 6... 22 Scheduling a Configuration Backup... 22 Section 7... 26 Scheduling Firmware Deployment... 26 Importing Firmware into Network Manager... 26 Scheduling a Firmware Deploy... 28 Section 8... 31 Scheduling a Configuration File Restore... 31 Section 9... 34 Conclusion... 34 Dec-2003 Page 2 Dell PowerConnect

Figures Figure 1. Configuring the internal TFTP Server... 7 Figure 2. Setting Device Discovery Network Parameters... 9 Figure 3. Setting Device Discover SNMP Authentication Parameters... 10 Figure 4. Setting Device Discovery Set Preferences Options... 11 Figure 5. Setting Device Discovery Schedule Info Parameters... 11 Figure 6. Setting Device Heartbeart Equipment... 13 Figure 7. Selecting Device Heartbeat Equipment...13 Figure 8. Setting Device Heartbeat Schedule Info Parameters... 14 Figure 9. Selecting Equipment for Static Group... 16 Figure 10. Creating Trap Host Group Operation... 17 Figure 11. Setting Trap Host Group Operation Parameters... 18 Figure 12. Setting Trap Host Group Operation Options... 19 Figure 13. Selecting Group Operation... 20 Figure 14. Setting Group Operation Schedule Info... 21 Figure 15. Setting Netrestore Backup Parameters...23 Figure 16. Selecting Netrestore Backup Device... 24 Figure 17. Setting Netrestore Backup Schedule Info... 24 Figure 18. Importing Firmware for a PowerConnect 5224... 27 Figure 19. Setting Netrestore Deploy Parameters...29 Figure 20. Selecting Netrestore Deploy Device... 29 Figure 21. Setting Netrestore Deploy Schedule Info... 30 Figure 22. Setting Netrestore Restore Parameters... 32 Figure 23. Selecting Netrestore Restore Device... 33 Figure 24. Setting Netrestore Restore Schedule Info... 33 Dec-2003 Page 3 Dell PowerConnect

Section 1 Introduction Dell s OpenManage Network Manager is an enterprise class network management console for administration, configuring and monitoring of Dell PowerConnect switches. One of its many virtues is its ability to schedule time consuming operations to run during non-peak hours of operation or automate repetitive and routine tasks to occur on scheduled intervals allowing a user to maximize network availability, bandwidth, and usage. This document walks the user through examples of a network administrator at a fictitious company named TimeTable Inc. utilizing Network Manager to schedule a device discovery, device heartbeat, group operation(s), configuration file backup, firmware deploy, and configuration file restore operations against the PowerConnect switches on his company s enterprise network. Dec-2003 Page 4 Dell PowerConnect

Section 2 Getting Started TimeTable Inc recently purchased several PowerConnect switches for their manufacturing production network. A PowerConnect 3248 and a 3348 switch were bought and configured to run as edge switches and two PowerConnect 5224 switches were purchased to provide a high performance network backbone. The network administrator would like to use the advanced scheduling feature of Network Manager to schedule the automated execution of the following time consuming and routine tasks: Schedule a periodic discovery on the manufacturing production network to search for the addition of unauthorized network devices. Schedule a device heartbeat against the edge switches to facilitate monitoring of their availability. Schedule a group operation to update all PowerConnect switches Trap Host settings to point to a Network Manager installation for event and alarm monitoring and management. Schedule a routine monthly backup of the PowerConnect 3348 edge switch s configuration file for backup and restore purposes. Schedule a firmware deployment to update a PowerConnect 5224 high performance switch during off peak hours. Schedule a configuration file restore during off peak hours to restore a replaced PowerConnect 3348 edge switch to an operational state. Advanced Scheduling Network Manager provides a simplified interface to its advanced scheduling feature, allowing administrators to schedule a number of operations to occur at predetermined times. This is an indispensable feature for network management because it allows a local administrator to optimize network availability and bandwidth by scheduling time consuming operations or routine maintenance tasks that adversely affect a network to execute during low network utilization periods. Schedules can be defined by date, time, and number of recurrences. This allows for granular control over executed operations such as firmware deployment or configuration file backup or restore. This is important since these operations require a device reboot and subsequent temporary network outage. Being able to schedule these tasks to be performed during light network usage times like Dec-2003 Page 5 Dell PowerConnect

evenings, weekends, or holiday breaks would be the best way to minimize the impact of these traffic-affecting maintenance tasks. The rest of this paper goes on to describe how the TimeTable Inc network administrator will utilize the advanced scheduling feature of Network Manager to schedule a device discovery, device heartbeat, device resync, group operation, configuration file backup, firmware deployment, and configuration file restore to one or more switches. Performing a Network Discovery Before proceeding, a network discovery must be performed via Network Manager to identify manageable switches on the network for monitoring and administration. The network administrator will follow the standard procedures listed below to perform the network discovery. Ensure Network Manager is correctly installed, configured and has the required services up and running. Please reference your Network Manager Quick Start Guide for concerns or questions on this topic. Start Network Manager from the Start menu (Start->Programs->Dell OpenManage Applications->Network Manager->Network Manager). Click on the Equipment Discovery Wizard and supply the IP address(es) or subnet(s) along with default community string(s) to allow Network Manager to discover the switches on your network. Telnet credentials will need to be provided for the PowerConnect switches during the discovery process. Continue through the Equipment Discovery Wizard providing appropriate information as detailed in the Network Manager Quick Start Guide. Wait for the discovery cycle to be completed. When the discovery process is complete, the switches will be added to the database and accessible via Equipment Manager for management. Configuring the Internal TFTP Server A TFTP server is required to utilize the backup, deploy, and restore features of Network Manager. Network Manager comes equipped with a built-in TFTP server alleviating the need to install a TFTP server on the network. The TimeTable Inc network administrator will walk through the steps below to verify the internal TFTP server for Network Manager is configured and running correctly. 1. Select File Server Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the Setup button located in the upper right corner (Figure 1, Callout 1) 3. Verify the Internal File Server radio button is selected (Figure 1, Callout 2) 4. Click the Save button to save the current settings (Figure 1, Callout 3) Dec-2003 Page 6 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 1. Configuring the internal TFTP Server Note: To configure the use of an external TFTP Server, repeat steps 1-4 listed above however for step 3, select External File Server(s). Then, click on the New button located in the upper right corner and fill out the required fields in the Adding New File Server view (See the Network Manager User Guide for more detailed information on how to configure an external TFTP Server). Be sure to verify the configuration of the new external TFTP server by clicking on the Test button located in the bottom right corner of the Adding New File Server view. It is IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the specified external TFTP server must reside on a machine also running a FTP server for backup, deploy, and restore functionality to work with Network Manager. If the machine running the external TFTP server is not also running a FTP server, then the backup, deploy, and restore features of Network Manager will not function. Note: If you are experiencing problems performing a backup, deploy, or restore to a PowerConnect switch, please refer to the Troubleshooting Backup, Deploy, and Restore section of the Using Network Manager to Backup, Deploy, and Restore Files to your PowerConnect Switches How To paper. Dec-2003 Page 7 Dell PowerConnect

Section 3 Scheduling a Device Discovery A SNMP network element discovery process can be scheduled to run at any specified time. Scheduling a network discovery allows devices added to the network since the previous automatic discovery to be added to Network Manager for monitoring and management. In this instance, the network administrator for TimeTable Inc wants to setup a scheduled discovery process to monitor the addition of unauthorized network devices on the network. The TimeTable network administrator will configure a scheduled discovery process to execute on a recurring basis at 12am nightly to discover new devices on their manufacturing production network with a SNMP authentication community string credential set to matrix by following the steps below: 1. Select Schedule Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select Device Discovery from the list of available schedule items and click on the Ok button 4. Select Device Discovery -> Network in the left tree view Figure 2, Callout 1) 5. Enter Nightly Unauthorized Production Network Device Discovery Sweep in the Description field under the Parameters section (Figure 2, Callout 2) 6. Select IP Range from the pop-up menu in the Network Parameters section (Figure 2, Callout 3) 7. Enter 192.168.10.0 in the from text field and 192.168.10.255 in the to text filed under the Network Parameters section (Figure 2, Callout 4) and click on the Add button (Figure 2, Callout 5) 8. Click on the New button under the Select Authentication Credentials to be used during Discovery section (Figure 2, Callout 6) 9. Enter Production Lan V1 in the ID text field (Figure 3, Callout 1) 10. Ensure V1 is selected in the pop-up menu next to Version (Figure 3, Callout 2) 11. Enter matrix in the Read Community text field (Figure 3, Callout 3) 12. Enter matrix in the Write Community text field (Figure 3, Callout 3) 13. Enter matrix in the Trap Community text field (Figure 3, Callout 3) Dec-2003 Page 8 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 2. Setting Device Discovery Network Parameters 14. Click on the Save button to save the newly entered SNMP Authentication Credential information (Figure 3, Callout 4) 15. Select the newly created SNMP Authentication credential so it s highlighted and click on the > button to move it over the Select Credentials box (Figure 2, Callout 7) 16. Select Device Discovery -> Set Preferences in the left tree view (Figure 4, Callout 1) 17. Select the check box next to Manage HTTP/S Interfaces under General Discovery Options: section (Figure 4, Callout 2) 18. Ensure Discover Supported MIBs & Discovery Subcomponents are checked under the Element Discovery Options: section (Figure 4, Callout 3) 19. Select the check box next to Ethernet Links (EthernetLink) under Link Discovery Options: section (Figure 4, Callout 4) Dec-2003 Page 9 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 3. Setting Device Discover SNMP Authentication Parameters 20. Select Device Discovery -> Schedule info in the left tree view (Figure 5, Callout 1) 21. Select 12 from the Hour pop-up menu, 0 from the Minute pop-up menu and the am radio button under the Starting On section (NOTE: The month, day, and year default to the current date which is acceptable for this example) (Figure 5, Callout 2) 22. Select the Never radio button under the Stopping On section (Figure 5, Callout 3) 23. Select Every from the Recur pop-up menu (Figure 5, Callout 4) 24. Enter 1 in the adjacent text field (Figure 5, Callout 4) 25. Select Day/s in the pop-up menu adjacent to the text field (Figure 5, Callout 4) 26. Click on the Save button to save this newly created scheduled item (Figure 5, Callout 5) Dec-2003 Page 10 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 4. Setting Device Discovery Set Preferences Options Figure 5. Setting Device Discovery Schedule Info Parameters Dec-2003 Page 11 Dell PowerConnect

Section 4 Scheduling a Device Heartbeat A heartbeat message can be scheduled against any discovered network device(s) including device(s) that are categorized as unclassified. Scheduling a device heartbeat allows an administrator to specify which equipment on the network should be actively monitored and upon failure, have an alert generated for immediate acknowledgement and resolution. The TimeTable network administrator will schedule a device heartbeat to execute on a recurring basis every 5 minutes starting at 2AM against the PowerConnect 3248 & 3348 edge switches to facilitate monitoring of their network availability by following the steps below: 1. Select Schedule Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select Device Heartbeat from the list of available schedule items and click on the Ok button 4. Select Device Heartbeat -> Equipment in the left tree view (Figure 6, Callout 1) 5. Enter Edge Switch Heartbeats in the Description text field (Figure 6, Callout 2) 6. Click on the Add button in the upper right corner (Figure 6, Callout 3) 7. Select the PowerConnect 3248 and 3348 switch using CTRL+click so they are highlighted and click on the Select button on the right (Figure 7, Callout 1) 8. Select Device Heartbeat -> Schedule info in the left tree view (Figure 8, Callout 1) 9. Select 2 from the Hour pop-up menu, 0 from the Minute pop-up menu and the am radio button under the Starting On section (*NOTE: The month, day, and year default to the current date which is acceptable for this example) (Figure 8, Callout 2) 10. Select the Never radio button under the Stopping On section (Figure 8, Callout 3) 11. Select Every from the Recur pop-up menu (Figure 8, Callout 4) 12. Enter 5 in the adjacent text field (Figure 8, Callout 4) 13. Select Minute/s in the pop-up menu adjacent to the text field (Figure 8, Callout 4) Dec-2003 Page 12 Dell PowerConnect

14. Click on the Save button to save this newly created scheduled item (Figure 8, Callout 5) Figure 6. Setting Device Heartbeart Equipment Figure 7. Selecting Device Heartbeat Equipment Dec-2003 Page 13 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 8. Setting Device Heartbeat Schedule Info Parameters Dec-2003 Page 14 Dell PowerConnect

Section 5 Scheduling a Group Operation A group operation is the application of a configurable setting to all of the devices specified within a dynamic or static group. The advanced scheduling functionality within Network Manager allows any group operation listed within the Group Operation Manager to be scheduled and executed at a predetermined time either once or on a recurring basis. This ability gives Network Manager great flexibility in allowing an administrator to schedule routine or time consuming operations during low periods of network utilization. The TimeTable network administrator will schedule a Trap Host group operation to execute indefinitely every night at 2AM and update the trap host setting on all of the PowerConnect switches on the network to ensure they point to Network Manager for trap and alarm monitoring and management. Creating a Static Group The network administrator for TimeTable Inc is going to create a static group consisting of all of the manufacturing production switches to facilitate performing the scheduled operation in the subsequent section. To create a static group, the network administrator will follow the steps listed below: 1. Select Equipment Group Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select the text Static Group and click on the Ok button 4. Enter Production LAN in the Name field 5. Click on Membership located in the navigation tree on the left 6. Click on the Add button under the Equipment section in the upper right corner 7. Select all of the PowerConnect switches (PowerConnect 3248, 3348, and two 5224s) using CTRL-click so they are highlighted and click on the Select button on the right (Figure 9, Callout 1) 8. Verify the selected switches are listed under the Equipment section at the top and click on the Save button below the navigation pane in the Equipment Group Manager window Dec-2003 Page 15 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 9. Selecting Equipment for Static Group Creating the Trap Host Group Operation The section details how to create a Trap Host group operation to update the Trap Host settings on all of the PC switches in TimeTable Inc company manufacturing production network by following the steps listed below: 1. Select Group Operations Manager from the tree navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Enter Update PC Switches Trap Host Settings in the Name field (Figure 10, Callout 1) 4. Enter Updates the trap host settings of the switches on the network to point to this management console in the Description field (Figure 10, Callout 2) 5. Ensure the static group created above, Production LAN is listed next to the Group field (Figure 10, Callout 3) 6. Select NetConfig Operations -> Global -> SNMP Traps and click on the Next button (Figure 10, Callout 4) 7. Click the Add button (Figure 11, Callout 1) 8. Enter the IP address of the TimeTable Inc. Network Manager server (we ll assume it s 143.166.236.49 for this example) in the Destination Address field and matrix for the Community field (Figure 11, Callout 2) Dec-2003 Page 16 Dell PowerConnect

9. Assign v1 as the desired SNMP Trap versions in the PC 3248, PC 5212, PC 5224 and PC 3324, PC 3348 sections and click on the Apply button (Figure 11, Callout 3) Figure 10. Creating Trap Host Group Operation 10. Verify that the destination, community, and version information have been entered correctly and click on the Next button (Figure 11, Callout 4) 11. Uncheck the Execute group operation now check box under the Options section and click on the Finish button (Figure 12, Callout 1) Dec-2003 Page 17 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 11. Setting Trap Host Group Operation Parameters Dec-2003 Page 18 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 12. Setting Trap Host Group Operation Options Scheduling a Trap Host Group Operation The section details how to schedule the execution of a group operation. In this instance, the network administrator for TimeTable Inc will be scheduling the execution of the Trap Host group operation created above by following the steps listed below: 1. Select Schedule Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select Group Operation from the list of available schedule items and click on the Ok button Dec-2003 Page 19 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 13. Selecting Group Operation 4. Select Group Operation -> Operation in the left tree view (Figure 13, Callout 1) 5. Select the Trap Host group operation created above from the Select group operation to schedule table so that it is highlighted (Figure 13, Callout 2) 6. Select Group Operation -> Schedule info in the left tree view (Figure 14, Callout 1) 7. Select 2 from the Hour pop-up menu, 0 from the Minute pop-up menu and the am radio button under the Starting On section (*NOTE: The month, day, and year default to the current date which is acceptable for this example) (Figure 14, Callout 2) 8. Select the Never radio button under the Stopping On section (Figure 14, Callout 3) 9. Select Every from the Recur pop-up menu (Figure 14, Callout 4) 10. Enter 1 in the adjacent text field (Figure 14, Callout 4) Dec-2003 Page 20 Dell PowerConnect

11. Select Day/s in the pop-up menu adjacent to the text field (Figure 14, Callout 4) 12. Click on the Save button to save this newly created scheduled item (Figure 14, Callout 5) Figure 14. Setting Group Operation Schedule Info Dec-2003 Page 21 Dell PowerConnect

Section 6 Scheduling a Configuration Backup Backing up the configuration file of network devices is essential to quickly restoring misconfigured or replaced network devices and ensuring an expedient restoration of lost network resources. Network Manager provides a simplified means for scheduling the automated backup of one or more switches configuration files. This routine task is trivial when performed on several switches. However, this feature becomes invaluable when it s performed on tens to hundreds of switches across a network resulting in a dramatic reduction in the time it would take to perform this task on a one-to-one basis. The TimeTable network administrator will schedule a routine monthly backup of the PowerConnect 3348 switch s configuration files to occur indefinitely every 30 days at 2AM by following the steps listed below: 1. Select Schedule Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select Netrestore Backup from the list of available schedule items and click on the Ok button 4. Select Netrestore Backup -> Equipment in the left tree view (Figure 15, Callout 1) 5. Click on the button in the upper right corner (Figure 15, Callout 2) 6. Select the PowerConnect 3348 switch using CTRL+click so it is highlighted and click on the Select button on the right (Figure 16, Callout 1) 7. Click on the Add button in the upper right corner 8. Enter PC3348Config.cfg in the Backup File Image text field (Figure 15, Callout 3) 9. Click on the Save button (Figure 15, Callout 4) 10. Ensure Running Configuration is selected as the Configuration File Name (Figure 15, Callout 5) 11. Select Netrestore Backup -> Schedule info in the left tree view (Figure 17, Callout 1) 12. Select 2 from the Hour pop-up menu, 0 from the Minute pop-up menu and the am radio button under the Starting On section (*NOTE: The month, day, and year default to the current date which is acceptable for this example) (Figure 17, Callout 2) Dec-2003 Page 22 Dell PowerConnect

13. Select the Never radio button under the Stopping On section (Figure 17, Callout 3) 14. Select Every from the Recur pop-up menu (Figure 17, Callout 4) 15. Enter 30 in the adjacent text field (Figure 17, Callout 4) 16. Select Day/s in the pop-up menu adjacent to the text field (Figure 17, Callout 4) 17. Click on the Save button to save this newly created scheduled item (Figure 17, Callout 5) Figure 15. Setting Netrestore Backup Parameters Dec-2003 Page 23 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 16. Selecting Netrestore Backup Device Figure 17. Setting Netrestore Backup Schedule Info Dec-2003 Page 24 Dell PowerConnect

Note: The Netrestore Backup schedule operation is limited to scheduling the backup of one device. To schedule the backup of multiple devices create a Netrestore Backup group operation via the Group Operations Manager and schedule the group operation via Schedule Manager. Specific instructions for scheduling a group operation can be found in section 5 Scheduling a Group Operation of this paper. Dec-2003 Page 25 Dell PowerConnect

Section 7 Scheduling Firmware Deployment Upgrading a switch s firmware is an important task that should be performed when a new firmware version is released. This will ensure that the device is running the latest software that introduces new features and addresses any outstanding issues. Network Manager provides an easy means for scheduling the deployment of firmware to multiple switches on a network. Upgrading firmware to one or more switches is a maintenance operation that has the adverse effect of temporarily bringing down network connectivity as each switch must download the firmware and then reboot to take advantage of the new software. While it may be acceptable to perform this operation manually on several switches during peak hours, Network Manager s scheduling feature becomes indispensable when firmware deployment must be performed on a large scale and executed during low network utilization periods. This section will discuss how the network administrator at TimeTable Inc will import firmware version 2.0.0.27 into Network Manager and then schedule a firmware update on the PowerConnect 5224 high performance switch from firmware version 1.0.1.2 to 2.0.0.27 during off-peak hours. Importing Firmware into Network Manager Before firmware can be scheduled for deployment to a switch, it must be imported into OS Manager. The OS Manager provides Network Manager a centralized file manager for PowerConnect firmware. It keeps track of all imported firmware and correctly associates it with the appropriate PowerConnect model(s). The network administrator for TimeTable Inc will get firmware version 2.0.0.27 for the PowerConnect 5224 switch from Dell s support website (http://support.dell.com) before performing the steps listed below to deploy it to a PowerConnect switch. 1. Go to the Dell s support website and download firmware version 2.0.0.27 for the PowerConnect 5224 to your hard drive 2. Select OS Manager from the navigation pane 3. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 4. Enter PC5224_V2.0.0.27.bix in the Image Name text field (Figure 18, Callout 1) 5. Click on the button will to open up a browse dialog box (Figure 18, Callout 2) Dec-2003 Page 26 Dell PowerConnect

6. Navigate to the location where the firmware from step 1 was downloaded and stored on the hard drive, select it, and click on the Ok button 7. Enter v2.0.0.27 in the Version text field (Figure 18, Callout 3) 8. Enter PowerConnect 5224 Firmware v2.0.0.27 in the Description text field (Figure 18, Callout 4) 9. Click the Vendor pop-up field and select Dell Inc. from the selection (Figure 18, Callout 5) 10. Select PowerConnect 5224 (1.3.6.1.4.1.674.10895.4) from the Supported Models box (Figure 18, Callout 6) 11. Ensure OSVersion is displayed in the Image Type pop-up field and click on the Save button to import this firmware into the OS Manager (Figure 18, Callout 7) 12. Click the Yes button in the accompanying Please Confirm dialog box to initiate the firmware import process Figure 18. Importing Firmware for a PowerConnect 5224 Dec-2003 Page 27 Dell PowerConnect

Scheduling a Firmware Deploy The section details how to schedule firmware deployment to a PowerConnect switch. In this instance, the network administrator for TimeTable Inc will be scheduling the firmware upgrade of a PowerConnect 5224 switch to occur at the off peak hour of 2am by following the steps listed below: 1. Select Schedule Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select Netrestore Deploy from the list of available schedule items and click on the Ok button 4. Select Netrestore Deploy -> Deploy Parameters in the left tree view (Figure 19, Callout 1) 5. Select the button adjacent to the Device Name text field (Figure 19, Callout 2) 6. Select one of the PowerConnect 5224 switches and click on the Select button on the right (Figure 20, Callout 1) 7. Select firmware named PC5224_V2.0.0.27.bix from the Available Software table so it is highlighted (Figure 19, Callout 3) 8. Click on the Remove unused operation Images and Reboot Device check boxes so that they are both checked (Figure 19, Callout 4) 9. Select Netrestore Deploy -> Schedule info in the left tree view (Figure 21, Callout 1) 10. Select 2 from the Hour pop-up menu, 0 from the Minute pop-up menu and the am radio button under the Starting On section (*NOTE: The month, day, and year default to the current date which is acceptable for this example) (Figure 21, Callout 2) 11. Select By Occurrence radio button and enter 1 in the text field adjacent to Number of Occurrence under the Stopping On section (Figure 21, Callout 3) 12. Select Only Once from the Recur pop-up menu (Figure 21, Callout 4) 13. Click on the Save button to save this newly created scheduled item (Figure 21, Callout 5) Dec-2003 Page 28 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 19. Setting Netrestore Deploy Parameters c Figure 20. Selecting Netrestore Deploy Device Dec-2003 Page 29 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 21. Setting Netrestore Deploy Schedule Info Note: The Netrestore Deploy schedule operation is limited to scheduling the deployment of firmware to one device. To schedule the deployment of firmware to multiple devices create a Netrestore Deploy group operation via the Group Operations Manager and schedule the group operation via Schedule Manager. Specific instructions for scheduling a group operation can be found in section 5 Scheduling a Group Operation of this paper. Dec-2003 Page 30 Dell PowerConnect

Section 8 Scheduling a Configuration File Restore Restoring the configuration file of a misconfigured or replaced switch is a quick and easy means of restoring the device to an operational state. Network Manager provides an effortless means for scheduling the restoration of a switch s configuration file with a few mouse clicks. This allows a network administrator to schedule a configuration restore operation which requires a device reboot and subsequent temporary network outage to be performed during light network usage periods like evenings, weekends, or holiday breaks. The network administrator for TimeTable Inc will schedule a configuration file restore of a replaced PowerConnect 3348 edge switch to occur at 2AM restoring it to a verified operational state by following steps listed below: 1. Select Schedule Manager from the navigation pane 2. Click on the New button located in the upper right corner 3. Select Netrestore Restore from the list of available schedule items and click on the Ok button 4. Select Netrestore Restore -> Restore Parameters in the left tree view (Figure 22, Callout 1) 5. Select the button adjacent to the Device Name text field (Figure 22, Callout 2) 6. Select the PowerConnect 3348 switch so it becomes highlighted and click on the Select button on the right (Figure 23, Callout 1) 7. Select PC3348Config.cfg from the Configuration pop-up menu (Figure 22, Callout 3) 8. Select version 1 of the configuration file from the History table so it is highlighted (Figure 22, Callout 4) 9. Select Startup Configuration from the Destination File Name pop-up menu (Figure 22, Callout 5) 10. Select Netrestore Restore -> Schedule info in the left tree view (Figure 24, Callout 1) 11. Select 2 from the Hour pop-up menu, 0 from the Minute pop-up menu and the am radio button under the Starting On section (*NOTE: The month, day, and year default to the current date which is acceptable for this example) (Figure 24, Callout 2) Dec-2003 Page 31 Dell PowerConnect

12. Select By Occurrence radio button and enter 1 in the text field adjacent to Number of Occurrence under the Stopping On section (Figure 24, Callout 3) 13. Select Only Once from the Recur pop-up menu (Figure 24, Callout 4) 14. Click on the Save button to save this newly created scheduled item (Figure 24, Callout 5) Figure 22. Setting Netrestore Restore Parameters Dec-2003 Page 32 Dell PowerConnect

Figure 23. Selecting Netrestore Restore Device Figure 24. Setting Netrestore Restore Schedule Info Dec-2003 Page 33 Dell PowerConnect

Section 9 Conclusion After reviewing this document, you should have a fundamental understanding of the tasks listed below and feel comfortable applying them to PowerConnect switches on your network: Scheduling the backup of configuration files from one or more switches. Scheduling a periodic device discovery of a network subnet. Scheduling a device heartbeat against multiple switches to facilitate monitoring of their availability. Scheduling a group operation to update the Trap Host settings on multiple switches to point to a Network Manager installation for event and alarm monitor and management. Scheduling a routine monthly backup of a PowerConnect 3348 configuration file for backup and restore purposes. Scheduling a firmware deployment to update the firmware on a PowerConnect 5224 switch during off peak hours. Scheduling a configuration file restore during off peak hours to restore a replaced PowerConnect 3348 switch to an operational state. This will allow you to optimize network availability by scheduling time consuming and routine maintenance tasks to run during low network utilization periods. More detailed information on the topics covered in this paper can be found in the Network Manager User s Guide. THIS HOW-TO GUIDE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT MAY CONTAIN TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS AND TECHNICAL INACCURACIES. THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. Dell, OpenManage and PowerConnect are trademarks of Dell Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Copyright 2003 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information, contact Dell. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Dec-2003 Page 34 Dell PowerConnect