Define the network interface details
Review, update, or create a network instance for a network interface that controls the signaling and management functions between your networks. You define these attributes so that you can track and manage your network instances in the Telecommunications Network Inventory application.
Before you begin
Role required: sn_ni_core.inventory_admin, sn_ni_core.inventory_agent
About this task
Network interfaces are used for the interconnection of signaling, or for the Internet Protocol (IP) or ATM networks. When you create a network interface record, it creates a corresponding configuration item (CI) record in the Network Interface [cmdb_ci_interface] table. To learn more, see Data model.
Procedure
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From the list icon (
, go to .
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On the Details tab, in the Configuration section, fill in the configuration information for the network interface.
The following table lists the fields that are unique to the Configuration section.
To learn about the remaining configuration fields that are common to most of the Inventory menu forms, see Commonly used network asset instance configuration fields.
Table 2. Network Interface form - Configuration Field Description Equipment Device that provides the technical functionality to a network.
Management option Attribute that indicates who or what is responsible for managing this endpoint.
Connector type Type of physical cable connector that is used for the connection of the cable to the network interface. Select one of the following options:- BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) - Type of miniature radio frequency connector used for coaxial cables.
- SC (Square Connector)- Square, common type of Fiber optic connector used as push-pull latch, to align the optical fibers for efficient light transmission.
- LC (Lucent Connector)- Another version of the SC connector designed for high-density applications.
- ST (Straight Trip)- a type of fiber optic connector commonly used for connecting optical fibers in telecommunications and data communication applications.
- Wire Wrap -A technique for creating electrical connections on circuit boards.
- RJ45 - Also known as 8P8C (8 Position 8 Contact) connector, is widely used type of connector for wired Ethernet networks.
Port Type Types of port on the network interface. Select one of the following options:- Ethernet- Physical connection and speed capabilities of a device for connecting to a network. It involves cable type, speed, and standard.
- Optical- specific design of a connector used in an optical transceiver. There are various types of optical interfaces, each with different shapes and data speed capabilities.
- Serial- A serial interface transmits data one bit at a time, in contrast to a parallel interface that sends multiple bits simultaneously.
Directionality Type of the connections between the nodes of a network. Select one of the following options:- Tx- TX stands for Transmit. It refers to the direction in which data is being sent from a device.
- Rx- RX signifies the endpoint that receives data. It's the input side for receiving information transmitted from another source, often labeled as TX (Transmit).
- Tx/Rx
- Bus- Bus directionality refers to the flow of data on a communication channel.
- Broadcast- Broadcast directionality refers to the nature of signal transmission and reception in a broadcast system.
Port Bandwidth Measured bandwidth for the ports on this network interface. Select the search icon (
) and select a bandwidth.Endpoint role Endpoint role that is associated with the service endpoint for this network asset. An endpoint role is the function that is served by the endpoint of the service that you’re providing. Select one of the following options:- ROOT or LEAF endpoint role, as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).
- --None-- for no assigned endpoint role.
Virtual Option to verify whether the network interface is physical or virtual.Note:If you select Virtual, then the Connector Type field doesn’t appear.Cabled Option to verify if the interface is pre-cabled or not. Wavelength Optical wavelength of a port. -
To add the attachments, such as graphics or documents, click the attachment icon (
) in the right panel.
- Optional:
To view the Dependency views map, select the more options icon (
) and then select Dependency View.
The Dependency Views map graphically displays the CIs that support the specific network asset and the relationships between the CIs.
- Optional:
Select the more options icon () and then select Add Packs to capture the attributes for a configuration item (CI) record.
To learn more, see Attribute pack for CI records.
- Optional:
Select the more options icon () and then select Decommission to decommission a CI record.
To learn more, see Decommission an inventory record.
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To view the associated network inventories, click the brick icon (
).
The Infrastructure Relationships section shows all the associated network inventories grouped by the individual network instances.
What to do next
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If you want to establish relationships with the other network assets, enter the details in the related tabs. To learn more, see Related tabs in the Network inventory forms.
- To delete an inventory record, see Delete a record.