Table Of Contents

Managing Links

Creating a Static Link

Removing a Static Link

Managing Links

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This chapter describes how to add and remove a static link between two ports of two NEs in the network. Static links override any existing autodiscovered topology in the system. A static link is identical in all respects to a link that is autodiscovered.

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

This chapter includes:

•Creating a Static Link

•Removing a Static Link

Creating a Static Link

You can create a static link between devices by selecting the two end ports from the device physical inventory in Cisco ANA Manage. To create a static topological link, you need 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 > [shelf] > module > [submodule] > port

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Note The link is bidirectional, and needs to be added only 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 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.

•Whether one of the ports is part of another link.

If validation reveals that one of the ends is part of a static link, you are asked to delete the previous link manually. If validation reveals that one of the ends is part of a dynamic link, the previous link is overridden.

To create a new static link:

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Step 1 Select Topology in the Cisco ANA Manage window.

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

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Step 2 Open the New Static Link dialog box in one of the following ways:

•Right-click Topology, then choose New Static Link.

•Choose File > New Static Link.

•Click New Static Link in the toolbar.

The A Side and Z Side lists enable you to choose the devices and the ports for the static link. When you select a device from the 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 lists choose a device. The physical inventory of each device is displayed in the related area of the dialog box.

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

For more information about the icons and severity displayed in this dialog box, see the Cisco Active Network Abstraction 3.6.5 User Guide.

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

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Note The Create button is enabled only 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 closes, and the newly created link between the two devices appears in the workspace.

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

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Removing a Static Link

A static link between the devices can be deleted. A static link is one that is manually entered by the user.

To remove a link:

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Step 1 Select Topology in the Cisco ANA Manage window.

Step 2 In the workspace, select one or more links to delete.

Step 3 Delete the link in one of the following ways:

•Right-click the link, then choose Delete.

•Click Delete in the toolbar.

The selected link is deleted and is no longer displayed in the workspace.

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