Extreme Networks Technical Brief
© 2010 Extreme Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
EPICenter 7.1 Job Scheduler—Page 1
Job Scheduling with EPICenter 7.1
The EPICenter
®
7.1 Job Scheduler feature enables network
managers to execute specific time driven actions on
ExtremeXOS
®
based switches. Base-level scripts have been
created with the ability to include almost any functionality
desired or imaginable. Intricate tasks such as VLAN creation
with EAPS (Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching) can
be easily accomplished through the integration of scripting
functionality in EPICenter.
Configuration Manager Scripting
EPICenter configuration manager is capable of running or
pre-staging scripts on switches for later usage. It relies on the
built-in capabilities within the ExtremeXOS operating system
and allows configuration or reconfiguration of features on
individual switches or on multiple switches in parallel. Unlike
other central management systems, configuration manager
scripting does not require constant interactions with the remote
device. Thus, scripts can be created for deployment onto
switches and run autonomously even when changes could
cause a loss of communications with the unit. Other common
uses include scripts used to configure a new switch or to
enable new feature on a switch.
New Features are Now Available
through Scripts
In many competing network management systems (NMSs),
new software features must be requested from the manu-
facturer. Once the request is made the administrator must
wait for the feature to show up in the next feature pack.
EPICenter 7.1 has taken a different approach: Network
administrators now have the ability to add their own custom
features, whether they are very simple or extremely complex,
through scripts. The only knowledge needed is the sequence
of CLI commands needed to do a task. Now administrators
can rapidly create and deploy custom features and tasks
as needed.
Additionally, by providing users with a simple method to reuse
scripts with variables and a dynamic custom scripting GUI,
these grouped commands have a push-button-type ease of
use. This capability allows for faster reuse and deployment
of scripts through the scripting feature, without the need to
wait for a future software feature pack.
EPICenter 7.1 Job Scheduler
Figure 1: EPICenter Main Screen
