All
In response to my request for information from you prior to the
deployment of
the GridMon network performance monitoring systems you asked a whole lot
of
questions. I have collated and answered them below..
Obviously happy to take further questions, clarifications etc
Regards
Robin
Robin Tasker email: [log in to unmask]
Head of Networks and Communications tel: +44 (0)1925 603758
CCLRC, Daresbury Laboratory
Warrington
Cheshire WA4 4AD
UK
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Network Performance Monitoring Deployment - Frequently Asked Questions
10 March 2006
1. Do you not also need DNS and NTP servers, mail gateways etc.?
DNS registration of the GridMon machine is required. The system uses NTP
via JANET service so this protocol needs to be available through the
site firewall. ICMP for ping is required for monitoring purposes - the
GridMon system is itself firewalled and will only accept ICMP from other
GridMon systems, and likewise will only send ICMP to other GridMon
systems.
2. Can the specified port number usage be changed?
No.
3. Should a GigE port be allocated?
The network connectivity should reflect the connectivity provided to the
GridPP equipment at your site.
4. Who is responsible as SysAdmin for the machine?
A local contact will act as the SysAdmin although the GridMon support
will have access to the machine.
5. Is the machine remotely managed?
The GridMon software has housekeeping and management scripts built in to
ensure both the OS and the GridMon software is kept up to date.
6. What does the machine monitor?
Packet loss, RTT, TCP throughput, UDP throughput, routing "hops" via
traceroute
7. What are the physical characteristics of the machine?
The network performance monitoring system is a Supermicro SuperServer
5015M-MF which is a mini 1U rackmount server. Power is provided through
a standard "kettle" lead.
8. Can alternate routes be monitored from one site?
The current version of GridMon does not support this function and will
monitor its "default" route to the external network
9. Does each site have root access to these machines?
Sites will be provided with root access to the machines but will not be
expected to install software or other packages on the machine. Its
purpose is network performance monitoring for GridPP and it has been
built and configured for that purpose alone.
10. Does the IP addressing have to be static?
Yes. Either a statically assigned number or via DHCP. This is required
to ease firewall configuration issues.
11. Is the name of the machine important?
No but we need to know the name assigned as this will be used by other
GridMon systems for their monitoring activities.
12. What is the yum repository and what is it used for?
A yum repository holds specified files in a central place. GridMon will
be using two such repositories. The first for the OS and the second for
the GridMon RPMs
13. What OS is being used?
Scientific Linux 4-2
14. How are OS and system patches maintained?
The system will keep up to date through the Scientific Linux Yum
repository
15. What's the monitoring strategy for each box?
Each box will monitor other systems within your Tier 2 centre and also
with the Tier 1 centre at RAL. Testing takes place on a 30 minute cycle
16. How is the GridMon software managed?
The GridMon software is kept up to date through the CCLRC Yum repository
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