Advanced Management Features
We were pleased to discover that the DynaCache can be monitored by a third-party
SNMP NMS, enabling integrated fault management in larger ISP or enterprise
networks.
We used Castle Rock's SNMPc
to query read-only MIB objects and monitor SNMP traps. SNMP "system"
objects, community strings, and trap destinations are configurable
through the CLI. In addition to standard traps, a pair of enterprise
traps indicate when the DynaLink goes on- or off-line. InfoLibria
recommends using LAN1 or LAN2 ports for management.
Heeding this advice is important: when the DynaLink invokes bypass mode,
the cache cannot be managed from (or send traps through) NetA or NetB. SNMP
write access is not supported.
Consistent with its high-availability design, the DynaCache also includes
self-monitoring.
Use "config monitor" commands to add URLs periodically
checked for reachability. If a monitor fails, the DynaCache takes
the specified action: log the event, invoke bypass mode, or shutdown
caching services. Email can even be sent to the administrator. The
monitor can be enabled manually or automatically whenever caching
is enabled.
This is a great feature, and would be even better with a "show" command
that provides a quick view of monitor status and history.