Resource access documents (RADs)

The resource access documents (RADs) sets up the communication information between the Worker server and actual devices on the network. They define the protocol and all the connections to be used.

Editing a RAD allows you to change the protocol used for communication, individual protocol detail, such as SSH cipher, as well as the access order for the protocols. The ports, time-outs chosen and other Netcool Configuration Manager specifics, for example if the configuration is streamed, are editable in the RAD.

After creating a Custom Driver, you will also need to create a Resource Access Document with the same VTMOS so that Netcool Configuration Manager is able to communicate with the device to retrieve its configuration, send Native Command Sets, and other activities. For this task it is best to study the RAD of a similar device, once you are familiar with the RADs documentation. To view the information you need to customize the Device Script contained within a RAD so that it can connect to the device and retrieve its data, see Device scripts.

When it comes to actually creating the new RAD for the device (using File > New > Resource Access), you can begin by copying the RAD of the similar device:
  1. Create a RAD for the Custom Driver.
  2. Open the RAD for the similar device, select XML in the top-right corner, select all the text you're presented with, and copy that into your clipboard.
  3. Open the RAD for Custom Driver device, select XML in the top-right corner, select all the text and overwrite it by pasting from your clipboard.
  4. Save the Custom Driver RAD.
  5. Review all the options in the Custom Driver RAD to ensure they are appropriate, in particular ensure that the Native Compare option in the Custom Driver RAD is selected.
Creating the RAD is an iterative process and can take some time. While developing a RAD, also enable 'FINEST' logging so that you can see all the commands sent by Netcool Configuration Manager and the responses from the device. For more information, see the IBM technote at the following location: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21650723