Adding a DataChannel

A DataChannel is a software module that receives and processes network statistical information from both SNMP and non-SNMP (BULK) sources.

About this task

This statistical information is then loaded into a database where it can be queried by SQL applications and captured as raw data or displayed on a portal in a variety of reports.

Typically, collectors are associated with technology packs, a suite of Tivoli® Netcool® Performance Manager programs specific to a particular network device or technology. A technology pack tells the collector what kind of data to collect on target devices and how to process that data. See the Technology Pack Installation Guide for detailed information about technology packs.

To add a DataChannel:

Procedure

  1. In the Logical view, right-click the DataChannels folder and select Add DataChannel from the menu. The Configure the DataChannel window is displayed.
  2. Using the drop-down list of available hosts, select the machine that will host the DataChannel (for example, corinth).
  3. Accept the default channel number (for example, 1).
  4. Click Finish.

    The Topology Editor adds the new DataChannel (for example, DataChannel 1) to the Logical view.

  5. Highlight the DataChannel to display its properties. Note that the DataChannel always installs and runs as the default user for the host (the Tivoli Netcool Performance Manager UNIX username, pvuser). Review the other property values to make sure they are valid. For the complete list of properties for this component, see the Properties Reference Guide.

    The DataChannel has the following subelements:

    Daily Loader x
    Processes 24 hours of raw data every day, merges it together, then loads it into the database. The loader process provides statistics on metric channel tables and metric tablespaces.
    Hourly Loader x
    Reads files output by the Complex Metric Engine (CME) and loads the data into the database every hour. The loader process provides statistics on metric channel tables and metric tablespaces.

    The Topology Editor includes the channel number in the element names. For example, DataChannel 1 would have Daily Loader 1 and File Transfer Engine 1.

    Note: When you add DataChannel x, the Problems view shows that the Input_Components property for the Hourly Loader is blank. This missing value will automatically be filled in when you add a DataLoad collector (as described in the next section) and the error will be resolved.