Web Manager Wizard Mode > Step 5: Data Buffering [Wizard]

Step 5: Data Buffering [Wizard]
In Wizard mode, selecting “Step 5: Data Buffering” brings up a screen for setting up the storage of console data to a data buffer file. The values set here apply to all serial ports. Data buffering allows a site to save a record of all communications during a serial port connection session. You can set up data buffer files to be stored either in local files on the OnSite’s Flash memory or on the hard disk of an external server, such as a syslog server.
The screen displays different fields depending on whether “Local” or “Remote” is selected from the “Enable Data Buffering” pull-down menu. The following figure shows the screen when Local is selected.
Wizard “Step 5: Data Buffering” Screen—Local
The following figure shows the screen when Remote is selected.
“Step 5: Data Buffering” Screen—Remote
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 linearly in files. The NFS server must already 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 that the 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 OnSite’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; see “PCMCIA Card Slots” on page 13 for the supported PCMCIA cards.
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 scrutinize the data during the time window before the data is overwritten by new data.
You can perform advanced configuration in Expert mode including the option of setting up data buffering differently for individual ports or groups of ports.
To Configure Data Buffering [Wizard]
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 cannot be 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/ONSmessages, enter /var/adm/ONSmessages 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 OnSite.
b.
To cause a timestamp to be saved with the data in the data buffer file, check the “Record the timestamp in the data buffering file” checkbox.
c.
The choices are: “show all options,” “No,” “Show data buffering file only,” and “Show without the erase options.”
6.

Web Manager Wizard Mode > Step 5: Data Buffering [Wizard]