3.8 KiB
Build an MSP Wallboard for Network Monitoring
For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Network Operations Centers (NOC), "Eyes on Glass" monitoring requires a UI that is both self-healing (auto-refreshing) and focused only on critical data. By leveraging the UI Settings Plugin, you can transform NetAlertX from a management tool into a dedicated live monitor.
1. Configure Auto-Refresh for Live Monitoring
Static dashboards are the enemy of real-time response. NetAlertX allows you to force the UI to pull fresh data without manual page reloads.
- Setting: Locate the
UI_REFRESH(or similar "Auto-refresh UI") setting within the UI Settings plugin. - Optimal Interval: Set this between 60 to 120 seconds.
- Note: Refreshing too frequently (e.g., <30s) on large networks can lead to high browser and server CPU usage.
2. Streamlining the Dashboard (MSP Mode)
An MSP's focus is on what is broken, not what is working. Hide the noise to increase reaction speed.
- Hide Unnecessary Blocks: Under UI Settings, disable dashboard blocks that don't provide immediate utility, such as Online presence or Tiles.
- Hide virtual connections: You can specify which relationships shoudl be hidden from the main view to remove any virtual devices that are not essential from your views.
- Browser Full-Screen: Use the built-in "Full Screen" toggle in the top bar to remove browser chrome (URL bars/tabs) for a cleaner "Wallboard" look.
3. Creating Custom NOC Views
Use the UI Filters in tandem with UI Settings to create custom views.
| Feature | NOC/MSP Application |
|---|---|
| Site-Specific Nodes | Filter the view by a specific "Sync Node" or "Location" filter to monitor a single client site. |
| Filter by Criticality | Filter devices where Group == "Infrastructure" or "Server". (depending on your predefined values) |
| Predefined "Down" View | Bookmark the URL with the /devices.php#down path to ensure the dashboard always loads into an "Alert Only" mode. |
4. Browser & Cache Stability
Because the UI is a web application, long-running sessions can occasionally experience cache drift.
- Cache Refresh: If you notice the "Show # Entries" resetting or icons failing to load after days of uptime, use the Reload icon in the application header (not the browser refresh) to clear the internal app cache.
- Dedicated Hardware: For 24/7 monitoring, use a dedicated thin client or Raspberry Pi running in "Kiosk Mode" to prevent OS-level popups from obscuring the dashboard.
Tip
NetAlertX - Detailed Dashboard Guide This video provides a visual walkthrough of the NetAlertX dashboard features, including how to map and visualize devices which is crucial for setting up a clear "Eyes on Glass" monitoring environment.
Summary Checklist
- Automate Refresh: Set
UI_REFRESHto 60-120s in UI Settings to ensure the dashboard stays current without manual intervention. - Filter for Criticality: Bookmark the
/devices.php#downview to instantly focus on offline assets rather than the entire inventory. - Remove UI Noise: Use UI Settings to hide non-essential dashboard blocks (e.g., Tiles or remove Virtual Connections devices) to maximize screen real estate for alerts.
- Segment by Site: Use Location or Sync Node filters to create dedicated views for specific client networks or physical branches.
- Ensure Stability: Run on a dedicated "Kiosk" browser and use the internal Reload icon occasionally to maintain a clean application cache.