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Topology Scanner in ObserveOps

The Topology Scanner in ObserveOps controls when and how ObserveOps discovers network path relationships between your monitored devices. You schedule topology scans to run at set intervals so the topology maps in ObserveOps reflect your current network accurately.

Prerequisites​

  • At least one network device is discovered and provisioned as a monitor. See Adding and Managing Devices.
  • You have admin or configuration access to Settings.

How It Works​

When a topology scan runs, ObserveOps traces the connections between entry point devices using the protocol and link layer you configure. It records which devices are connected to which, builds the relationship map, and updates the Topology view. Scans run independently of normal metric polling. You can schedule them to run once, daily, weekly, or monthly depending on how often your network changes.

Topology Scanner Screen​

Go to Menu. Select Settings Settings icon. Select Monitor Settings. Select Topology Scanner. The Topology Scanner screen opens.

Topology Scanner screen showing the list of scheduled scans with Entry Points, Scheduler Type, Start Date, Triggers, Total Runtime, and Actions columns

The screen lists all configured topology scan schedulers. Each row represents one scheduled scan.

ColumnDescription
Entry PointsThe device or devices ObserveOps uses as the starting point for the topology scan. The scan traces outward from these devices to discover connections.
Scheduler TypeHow often the scan runs: Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
Start DateThe date and time the scan is scheduled to start.
TriggersThe number of times this scan has been triggered.
Total RuntimeThe total time taken across all runs of this scan.
ActionsThe ON/OFF toggle enables or disables the scheduler without deleting it. The three-dot menu gives access to Edit and Delete.

Create a Topology Scan Scheduler​

  1. Go to Settings Settings icon. Select Monitor Settings. Select Topology Scanner.
  2. Click Create Scheduler. The Schedule Topology drawer opens on the right.

Schedule Topology drawer showing Entry Point, Scheduler Type, Start Date, Hours, Link Layer, Protocol, and Notify fields

  1. Fill in the following fields:
FieldDescription
Entry PointSelect the device to use as the starting point for the topology scan. ObserveOps traces connections outward from this device.
Scheduler TypeSelect how often the scan runs: Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
Start DateSelect the date the scan starts.
HoursSelect the time of day the scan runs.
Link LayerSelect the network layer to use for path discovery. L2 discovers connections at the data link layer.
ProtocolSelect the discovery protocol. CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) is the default. You can add more protocols using the +1 control.
NotifyEnter a user, email, handle, user profile, or mobile number to notify when the scan completes.
  1. Click Create Scheduler. ObserveOps saves the scheduler and adds it to the list. Click Reset to clear all fields and start again.

Enable or Disable a Scheduler​

Toggle the ON/OFF switch on any row to pause or resume a scan scheduler without deleting it. A disabled scheduler stays in the list and retains its configuration so you can re-enable it at any time.

Edit or Delete a Scheduler​

Click the three-dot menu on any row. Select Edit to change the scan configuration. Select Delete to remove the scheduler permanently.