Configuring ACS in Wizard Mode > Step 5: Data Buffering

Step 5: Data Buffering
Selecting “Step 5: Data Buffering” brings up a form to allow logging the console data to a data buffer file either locally in ACS or remotely to an external storage source such as an NFS server or Syslog server.
The following figure shows the form when “Enable Data Buffering” is inactive.
Wizard > Step 5: Data Buffering [Inactive]
Once data buffering is enabled the form displays a number of fields. The displayed fields depends on whether selected “Destination” is “Local” or “Remote”.
The values set in this form apply to all serial ports. Data buffering allows a site to save a record of all communication during a serial port connection session. You can set up data buffer files to be stored either in local files on the ACS’s flash memory or on the hard disk of an external server, such as an NFS or Syslog server.
The following figure shows the form when Data Buffering is set to enabled, and the “Destination” is set to “Local”.
Wizard > Step 5: Data Buffering [Local]
The following figure shows the form when data buffering is set to “Destination Remote”
Wizard > Step 5: Data Buffering [Remote]
The following table provides description for each field whether local or remote destination is selected.
Wizard > Data Buffering Field Names and Definitions
 
Where the buffer files should be stored. Local, for example, flash, or Remote on a server.
Local data buffering stores data in circular or linear mode. In circular mode, data is written into the specified local data file until the upper limit on the file size is reached; then the data is overwritten starting from the top of the file as additional data comes in. Circular buffering requires the administrator to set up processes to examine the data during the timeframe before the data is overwritten by new data.
Note: Make sure that enough disk space is available to store the files in the location you select. Sequentially-written files can quickly grow to exceed the storage capacity of the local flash memory or remote hard drive. Data buffering should only be done if processes are in place to monitor the stored data.
The following table shows the differences between remote and local data buffering.
Remote server
Data is stored in files sequentially. The NFS server must be configured with the mount point shared (exported). In linear mode, data is written into a continuous sequence of files, and the file spaces is not reused. The administrator needs to allow enough space for the expected amount of data, and take measures such as moving unneeded data files off line, to ensure data does not outgrow the available space.
Set a file size greater than zero. Make sure the file size does not exceed the space available on the ACS’s flash memory. If needed, you can supplement the flash memory module by installing a flash memory card (with an adapter) or other storage device in a PCMCIA slot. For a list of supported PCMCIA cards refer to http://www.cyclades.com/products/3/alterpath_acs
Note: You can perform advanced configuration in Expert mode including the option of setting up data buffering separately for individual or groups of serial ports.
To Configure Data Buffering
1.
2.
The “Destination” pull-down menu appears.
3.
Additional pull-down menus and fields appear, depending on which destination is selected.
4.
a.
b.
The file size should be greater than zero.
5.
a.
In the “NFS File Path” field, enter the pathname for the mount point of the directory where data buffer file is to be stored.
For example, if the mount point directory’s pathname is /var/adm/acslogs, enter /var/adm/acslogs in the field.
Note: The NFS server must already be configured with the mount point shared (exported), and the shared directory from the NFS server must be mounted on the ACS.
b.
To cause a timestamp to be saved with the data in the data buffer file, enable the “Record the timestamp in the data buffering file”.
c.
The choices are: “show all options”, “No”, “Show data buffering file only”, and “Show without the erase options.”
6.

Configuring ACS in Wizard Mode > Step 5: Data Buffering