Table Of Contents

Managing Links

Creating a Static Link

Removing a Static Link

Managing Links

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About this chapter:

This chapter describes how to add and remove a static link between two ports of two Network Elements in the network. These static links will override any existing auto-discovered topology in the system. A static link is identical in all respects to a link that was auto-discovered.

Static links can be viewed using the Topology branch and in the device topology static key in the relevant Golden Source AVM .xml file.

Creating a Static Link, describes how to add a static link between two ports of two Network Elements in the network.

Removing a Static Link, describes how to delete a dynamic or static link or all of the links between devices.

Creating a Static Link

Cisco ANA Manage enables the user to create a static link between devices by selecting the two end ports from the device's physical inventory. To create a static topological link the user needs to supply the exact location of the two end ports (at both ends of the link). The physical hierarchy in which the port is located defines the location of a port, as follows:

Device Æ[shelf] Æ module Æ [submodule] Æ port

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Note The link is bi-directional and therefore only needs to be added once.

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The new link is validated after the two ports are selected, but before the link is added. Validation checks the following:

•The similarity of the connector port types (for example, RJ45 on both sides)

•Layer 2 technology type (for example, ATM OC-3 on both sides)

•The physical layer

•The operation status of both ports

•If one of the ports is part of another link

To create a new static link:

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Step 1 Select the Topology branch in the Cisco ANA Manage window. The Topology branch is displayed.

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Note Any changes made in the Topology branch are saved automatically and are registered immediately in the Cisco ANA.

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Step 2 Right-click to display the menu and select New Static Link or from File menu select New Static Link or in the toolbar click New Static Link. The New Static Link dialog box is displayed.

The A Side and Z Side dropdown lists enable the user to select the devices and required port on which they want to create the static link. When a device is selected from the dropdown list the physical inventory of the device is displayed in the related area of the dialog box.

Step 3 From the A Side and Z Side dropdown lists select a device. The physical inventory of each device is displayed in the related area of the dialog box.

Step 4 Expand the tree and select the A Side and Z Side port of each device.

For more information about the icons and severity displayed in this dialog box, refer to the Cisco Active Network Abstraction NetworkVision User's Guide.

Step 5 Click Create. The link is validated and a confirmation message is displayed.

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Note The Create button is only enabled when A Side and Z Side ports are selected.

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Note A warning message is displayed if:
One of the validation checks fails
The operation status of one port is Up and the other port is Down
The ports selected are not of the same type
The Layer 2 technology type is not the same
If one of the ports is part of another link
Click No to cancel the connection.

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Step 6 Click Close. The New Static Link dialog box is closed and the newly created link between the two devices is displayed in the Workspace.

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Note The new link is created with the rule A Side < Z Side lexicographically. For example, if the user selected A Side = PE-West and Z Side = PE-East. The link that is created and displayed in the table, will be A Side = PE-East and Z Side = PE-West.

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Removing a Static Link

A dynamic or static link between the devices can also be deleted from a Cisco ANA. A dynamic link is one that is detected by Cisco ANA and connected automatically. A static link is one that is manually entered by the user.

To remove a link:

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Step 1 Select the Topology branch in the Cisco ANA Manage window. The Topology branch is displayed.

Step 2 Select the required link in the Workspace.

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Note Multiple rows can be selected using the standard Microsoft® Windows selection keys.

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Step 3 Right-click to display the menu and select Delete or in the toolbar click Delete. The selected link is deleted and is no longer displayed in the Workspace.

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