Extreme Networks Technical Brief
© 2010 Extreme Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
EPICenter 7.1 Job Scheduler—Page 2
Figure 2: Graphical Representation of Ring Topology
Custom Deployment Sequence
EPICenter also now allows users to run a script on devices
all at once, or to follow a specific predefined sequence. This
feature enables administrators to make network-wide updates
in a sequenced order with a few simple clicks. Prior to this
capability, a network operator had to log into each individual
system, make the changes, logout and then repeat the process
for each device. Since this was a manual process, the user
needed to be very careful to avoid typos or making errors in
sequencing. With the custom deployment sequence feature
in EPICenter, the plan can now be laid out and then executed
with confidence. Network operators are no longer faced with
manually typing a long sequence of commands, with the
likelihood of accidentally going out of order or forgetting a
critical step. Through the EPICenter custom deployment
sequence capability, deployment can be speedy, repeatable,
and error free.
Figure 2: Custom Deployment Sequence
Power of Tcl
EPICenter 7.1 scripting leverages the power of Tcl, an industry-
standard scripting language that allows for data and string
manipulation, programming control structures, and other
logical operations. Multifaceted scripts can be created and
used for a wide range of functions, from making simple changes
in the network to complex data-gathering activities and decision
handling. With the availability of Tcl functions, it is now possible
to capture data from multiple outputs, parse that information
for key data points and then take action. Some tasks that
would benefit from this capability include:
• Parsing of status screens to provide a summary of
key information
• Obtaining a quick summary of device health and utilization
• Deploying an additional network feature after checking
for dependencies
• Debugging and isolating network issues
• Achieving feature configuration uniformity
Auto-Generated GUI
One of the powerful features of scripting in EPICenter is its
ability to auto-generate a user interface. Metadata can be
embedded in the script where EPICenter then translates
this data into labels and data entry fields. The GUI provides
a simplified interface so that knowledge of how to create
scripts can be isolated to specific staff members thereby
significantly reducing training costs. Less-trained staff members
can use the auto-generated GUI to customize variables at
deployment without needing to understand the details of the
scripts, and the GUI protects the scripts from accidental edits
or changes.
Figure 3: Auto-Generated GUI
