This feature provides the ability to create device groups based on whatever criteria users choose, without having to create device shortcuts. Dynamic groups can be created for specific device types, device attributes, active monitors, or anything else that is stored for individual devices in the database. Dynamic groups act as SQL queries that run on the WhatsUp Gold database, and can display real-time data if viewed through a report that is set to automatically refresh.
WhatsUp Gold is pre-configured with dynamic group examples, which you can see in the Devices view, under Device Groups.
All of the Dynamic Group examples are active, so if you have devices that meet the criteria, you will see the device displayed within the group. In the web interface, the dynamic group display is refreshed every 2 minutes. A group is also refreshed when you select it.
To view or edit the criteria for a dynamic group, right-click the group name, then select properties.
Note: Dynamic groups on the web interface do not follow group access rights. Anyone with the ability to view the device group that a dynamic group is in can access that dynamic group. However, only devices that the user has the permission to view appear in the group.
To configure Dynamic Groups:
To use the Dynamic Group Builder:
To begin writing the rules for your SQL filter, click Add. The Dynamic Group Editor appears.
Parentheses (single, double, triple, and quadruple) are available for use in your filter code - add them by selecting them from the lists before and after your rules.
You can move existing rules up or down within your filter code by selecting a rule and then clicking on the Up and Down buttons.
Keep in mind that as you configure your rules, the SQL filter is displayed at the bottom of the Builder dialog. When you are satisfied with the filter code that is displayed, click the Validate button to test the filter code sytnax. If the test returns no errors, click OK to save the configured SQL filter and to add the new Dynamic Group to your Device List.
If the code returns errors, either make the needed changes at this time, then click OK. Additionally, you have the option to save the filter code so that you may edit it at a later time. You can then select the Dynamic Group from the Device List and right-click, then select Properties to edit the group filter code.
You can convert a Dynamic Group created with the Dynamic Group Builder to the SQL dialog by clicking the Convert button. It is important to note that once you convert the Dynamic Group to the SQL dialog, you will not be able to edit the group in the Dynamic Group Builder again - you will only be able to make changes to the group from the SQL dialog. If you aren't an advanced SQL user, we recommend that you make a copy of the Dynamic Group so that you can keep a copy available for edit in the Dynamic Group Builder.
To use the SQL Dynamic Group dialog:
In addition to the pre-configured dynamic groups, we have provided several sample filters for you to create some very interesting dynamic groups.
Tip: You can learn more about the database structure by downloading the database schema file on the WhatsUp Gold support page.