ISPPlanet Cache Review Series - Quantex WebXL

Monitoring The WebXL
The WebXL supports two primary monitoring methods: on-line GUI or Telnet visual inspection of cumulative stats, or stored client / server / filter log file retrieval (also accessible via FTP).

Real-time monitoring and log file access is readily available through GUI Monitoring panels. A Summary page shows instantaneous performance, including % requests vended from cache, % disk used, and number of requests. Address and Cluster panels provide operational status. Cumulative counters show how browser requests and cache fills have been conducted since last reboot. These counters include a breakdown of ICP, CERN, and WCCP data for insight into how your cache hierarchy is operating.

The WebXL's jazziest monitoring feature is undeniably the Performance panel that plots client and fill requests during the past hour or day. We relied on this panel for overall status during our tests: service-affecting changes become quickly apparent. This is the best panel to monitor on a continuous basis.

The WebXL version we tested does not support SNMP or email notification. While clustering provides fail-over, most ISPs will want to keep an eye on reachability with external tools. Critical events and scheduled reports would be a welcome addition. Log files use the Common Log File Format, compatible with Harvest, Squid, and CERN Proxy standards, and serve as the lone vehicle for historical analysis. We could not find a raw event log that would enable analysis of download results, or any breakdown of disk usage (i.e., stored object size or age) to tune refresh intervals or maximums. Philosophically, this is consistent with the appliance approach: plug it in, turn it on, and walk away. Some admins will be happy to avoid maintenance, while others will want to get their hands dirty. The WebXL will better satisfy the former than the latter.

Introduction	Configuring Cache Services
Installation & Setup	Fine-Tuning Cache Behavior
Designing Your Cache Network	Monitoring the WebXL
Administering the WebXL	Product Support/Final Thoughts