The device templates in OpManager contain predefined rules based on which a device is categorized and relevant monitors are associated soon after discovery. The ability to define custom templates for new device types or modify an existing template to accommodate yet another device type in the same template provides great flexibility to administrators.
That said, as an administrator, you will be able to make the best out of this feature if used to its full potential. For instance, some might end up defining a template for every variant of a device type instead of creating one template that can encompass all the variants.
Ideally, defining device templates before you initiate discovery helps in proper classification. Over 650 device templates are available out of the box. If SNMP is enabled on the monitored devices, and if proper credentials are configured in OpManager, most devices fall into the correct category. Modify an existing template or create a new one based on need.
1. When should I modify/update an existing template?
Assume you have purchased a new Cisco 805 router and you would like to monitor it using OpManager. OpManager already has a device template for Cisco 800 series routers with few sysOIDs in these series updated in the template. All you need to do is edit this template to include the sysOID of Cisco 805 router if it is not present already.
2. When should I create new templates?
Scenario 1
Let us now assume you have purchased a Cisco 11000 Series Content Services Switch. OpManager does not have a template yet (this is as of Build no.8721!). Just go ahead and create a new template.
Scenario 2
Assume you have a whole new set of Environment Sensors that are manageable (that supports SNMP). These devices cannot be classified under any of the default categories like servers, routers, switches etc, and deserve a separate category. The managing parameters too differ for this new device type. An ideal situation where you will define a new category view (Eg: Sensors) and define a fresh device template. You can have different models of sensors from the same vendor in a template or even combine Sensors from multiple vendors in the same template.
The steps you’d follow here would be as follows:
3. How to check for SNMP response to sysOID
Even before you proceed to add or modify a template to accomodate a new device type, make sure the device is SNMP enabled and it responds to query from OpManager. Invoke the MibBrowser utility bundled with OpManager to check for response. Let me show you how to check for SNMP response.
1. From OpManager/bin, double-click to execute MibBrowser.bat.
2. In the MibBrowser GUI, enter the device name, the SNMP port, and the read community string (default is PUBLIC).
3. RFC1213 mib is loaded by default. Expand the mib to org->dod->internet->mgmt->mib2 ->system and select sysObjectID from this table.
4. From the toolbar above, click on the Get SNMP Variable icon (7th icon from the left) to see the response in the text area to your right.
Trust you will find the details shared in this post useful. Feel free to raise your doubts if any. Will be glad to assist you!
Regards
Vidya
OpManager Team
Opmgr 11 still cant find where to add, update Categorys.
Templates OK but were how to add / updats cats