The Connections screen is where you configure integrations with multiple data sources to get the information on the physical and virtual devices on your network. This includes all SCCM, Router, vCenter and Subnet connections that can be created manually or automatically.
Please Note: Once a discovery scanner is installed, it detects the subnet on which it is deployed and automatically creates a new connection for the subnet. In addition it detects the default router and automatically creates a new connection with the router. All additional SCCM, Router, vCenters and Subnets on the network can be manually entered on the Connections Screen.
We recommend using router integration. This will provide information from the subnets connected to the specific router, and the user will not need to add the additional subnets manually.
Defining the columns on the Connections screen:
Column
Description
NAME
The connection name*.
STATE
Defines whether the connection is:
Inactive – connection is not used
Idle – connection is used but not in process
Queued – connection is about to start scanning but other connections are currently being scanned
Scanning – connection scan in progress
Overlapping – connection was intended to start scanning but a previous scan has not yet completed
Empty – no connected devices found during last scan
Not reporting – connection was not sending data for too long
No Connection – the IP address used for this connection does not respond
Invalid credentials – the supplied credentials could not be used to access the connection. This status is not applicable to the subnet connection type.
HOST
The IP address / Host name / Subnet definition of this connection
SCANNER
The scanner assigned to scan this connection
TYPE
Router, subnet, vCenter or SCCM
CREDENTIALS
The associated credentials for this connection
NEXT SCAN
One of the following:
Empty (when a connection is inactive or not reporting)
Next scheduled scan time when connection is active and not during scan
Progress when connection is running a scan
ACTIONS
The toggle allows you to activate and deactivate the scan. When you hover over the row a trash bin appears. You may delete the device by clicking on the trash icon.
*Automatically created connections are assigned a generic name. It is recommended to manually edit them and provide a name that is meaningful for your data collection.
Click on the icon to add additional SCCM, Routers, vCenters and Subnets.
Please Note: When adding SCCM, Router, and/or vCenter connections, the IP address is required. It is imperative to enter all information accurately.
Any incorrect information (i.e. incorrect password) will prevent proper reporting in the Scanning report.
SCCM
If you select SCCM, fill in the required fields. Supported SCCM versions: Console version: 5.0. Site version: 5.0. If you are working with a different version, please contact your account executive or support@samanage.com
FIELD
DESCRIPTION
Name*
Name of the SCCM connection for internal use only, will not affect the scanning process
Description
A meaningful description, for internal use only, will not affect the Discovery process
Scanner
Select the discovery scanner which is associated with the SCCM integration. Please note that the selected scanner must have access to the windows server on which the SCCM database is located.
Dataserver*
e.g. 192.168.56.103\sqlexperss
Username*
SCCM database username
Password*
SCCM database password
Port*
Default 1433
Database*
SCCM database name
*This marks a required field
Router
If you select Router, fill in the required fields: Please note: If you elect to use router integration, the router must support SNMP.
FIELD
DESCRIPTION
Name*
Name of the router, for internal use only, will not affect the scanning process.
Description
A meaningful description, for internal use only, will not affect the Discovery process.
IP Address*
Router’s IP Address*
Scanner
The SolarWinds scanner associated with this router. Please note that the selected scanner must have access to the router from the subnet on which it’s deployed.
Credentials
Select the SNMP credentials the discovery scanner should use in order to connect to the router.
*This marks a required field
vCenter
Supported vCenter version: VMware vCenter Server Appliance 6.0. Type: vCenter Server with an embedded Platform Services Controller If you select vCenter, fill in the required fields:
FIELD
DESCRIPTION
Name*
Name of the vCenter, for internal use only, will not affect the scanning process.
Description
A meaningful description, for internal use only, will not affect the scanning process.
Scanner
Select the relevant Scanning Device from the dropdown menu.
IP Address*
Mandatory field
Username*
Mandatory field
Password*
Mandatory field
*This marks a required field
*Credentials are required when selecting vCenter Connections. It is imperative to enter all information accurately.
Any incorrect information (i.e. incorrect password) will prevent proper reporting in the Scanning report.
Subnet
If you select Subnet, fill in the required fields: Subnets are used to get the information from connected devices by using nmap.
FIELD
DESCRIPTION
Name*
Give the subnet a meaningful name that will provide you with significant data.
Note: Name is for your ease and convenience. This information does not affect the scanning process.
Description
Provide a meaningful description of the subnet.
Subnet*
Provided in CIDR notation i.e. 192.168.10.0/24
Scanner
Select from the dropdown menu.
Credentials (Optional**)
You can select 1 or more credentials to associate with the subnet to pull additional information from the devices. The credentials vary based upon available services on the device. e.g. ssh, SNMP
Port Exclusion Range
Provides you the ability to exclude predetermined ports from the scan. You may select one port by inputting the port number or start and end numbers to identify the range of excluded ports
*This marks a required field
**By electing to provide Credentials you enable the scanner to provide additional data.
From the Connections screen, when you select a Connection you are routed to a screen that provides detailed information. On the top right corner, you can see the time and date of the next scheduled scan. You have the option to click Scan now or activate and deactivate the scan via the status pill.
Have a question or found some issue? We would love to hear from you!