Generic Ping Monitoring & Test Plugins

Target Platform: Any device that can repond to an ICMP Ping

What this plugin does

Checks a computer or other network device is running by sending it ICMP Ping message
If the device does not respond, sets the status of the device to Red and triggers the 'On No Response' Response
If the device responds but does so slowly, sets the status of the device to Amber and triggers the 'On Slow' Response
You can also use the plugin to check the network or internet connection is up

Using this Plugin

The easiest way to use this Plugin is by using the 'New Device' Wizard. Choose 'Set up a New Device Wizard' from the 'Setup' menu, and then select 'Ping' from the list of Plugins offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to install anything on the target device?
A: No.

Q: What sort of devices can I montor with this plugin?
A: Any networked device that has an IP address and can respond to ICMP ping requests. In other words, just about any device with a network card, including most routers, networked printers, switches, hubs, and servers running any platform. You can also monitor web and other remote servers over the internet.

Q: What does this plugin tell me about the device it is monitoring?
A: It tells that the device is switched on and can respond to pings. If the device were not able to do this it would mean either a problem with the device itself, or the network connection to the device.

Q: What else could I use this plugin for?
A: Another use of this plugin is to check network connections are working. For example, if you point the plugin at the IP address of a server over the internet, then you can use it to monitor your internet connection.

Q: What does it mean if the device shows Amber?
A: It means that the device is responding slowly to ping requests. Again this may tell you something about the device or the network connection to the device.

Q: Can I log this data?
A: Yes you can. From within the 'Set up a New Device Wizard', double click on the 'Set Data Logging Options' Device Property, and then set 'Log Data' to TRUE. You must then double click on the 'Data Logging Options' Device Property, and specify the path of the folder where you would like Serio IT Service View to write your log files. The log files are produced in quoted Comma Separated Value (.csv) format, which you can open with a spreadsheet application such as Sun OpenOffice Calc or Microsoft Excel.