ISPPlanet Cache Review Series - NetApp NetCache C720

Advanced Monitoring
Many methods are available to monitor the NetCache: the Monitor section described previously, log files, email notification, and SNMP-based management.

The NetCache logs ICP referrals, web (HTTP/FTP), news, and multimedia client access. These log files (right), and system messages, can be "tailed" for a quick view or downloaded to your PC through a browser. Files can be pushed to an FTP server or rotated based on defined criteria: size, hours, and schedule. Log formats are thoroughly described in the Administration Guide, with detailed transaction codes that explain why requests HIT or MISS the cache.

AutoSupport Settings identify an SMTP server and email addresses used to notify Network Appliance support and your own sys admin about significant events like the single core dump we experienced. Brief messages can also be sent, useful if you forward email to an alphanumeric pager.

 

SNMP Settings configure the NetCache agent's read community string, MIB-II system objects, and trap destinations. We used CastleRock's SNMPc (left) to monitor standard interface and coldStart traps. The NetCache is shipped with an enterprise MIB on CD. Simply add this MIB to your NMS, then query Network Appliance product info, system, disk, and cache stats (e.g., number of objects stored, requests served, connections to client and server, hit rate.)

This enterprise MIB provides more cache-specific detail than we've seen in any other product to date. More extensive use of traps would be a nice complement. Network Appliance also sells ApplianceWatch, a value-added agent used with the HP OpenView NMS (not tested).

Introduction/The Platform	Caching Web Objects
DHCP-Assisted Setup	Tuning Your Web Cache
Managing the NetCache	News Caching
Deploying The NetCache	Streaming Multimedia <
Authenticated, Controlled Access	Advanced Monitoring
> Maintenance, NOW, and Support Programs/Final Words