Probe

2 min

Probe (Optional Separate Service)

Typically runs on a dedicated server or workstation within the client's LAN. Acts as a local aggregator and point of contact.

Functionality Details:

Role:
- Reduce outbound internet bandwidth by aggregating data from LAN agents.
- Act as a local cache (e.g., for patch downloads - future).
- Monitor local network devices via SNMP.
- Potentially facilitate LAN-based actions (e.g., Wake-on-LAN).
Deployment & Discovery:
- Installation: Separate installer for Windows Service / Linux Daemon.
- Discovery:
  - Agents could find the probe via: DHCP Option, DNS SRV record (_commandit-probe._tcp.local), or manual configuration pushed via policy from CommandIT.
- Configuration: Locations/Sites in CommandIT can be configured with Primary and optional Backup Probe IPs/hostnames. This config is pushed to Agents assigned to that location.
Data Aggregation & Communication:
- Agent -> Probe: Agents send heartbeats, inventory data, logs, compliance status to the Probe using a secure local protocol (HTTPS on a specific port).
- Aggregation: Probe batches data from multiple agents before forwarding to CommandIT. For heartbeats, it might just send a summary ("X agents checked in").
- Probe -> CommandIT: Probe communicates with CommandIT API similar to how a direct Agent would, but potentially handling data for many devices. Needs robust error handling and queuing if CommandIT is unavailable.
- Security: Secure channel between Agent and Probe (TLS with potentially local certs), and Probe and CommandIT (standard TLS).
Failover:
- Agent Logic: If Agent cannot reach Primary Probe (timeout), it attempts Backup Probe. If Backup fails, it connects directly to CommandIT cloud endpoint.
- Recovery: Agent periodically retries connecting to Probes even if currently connected directly to CommandIT.
SNMP Monitoring:
- Configuration: Probe receives list of SNMP devices (IPs), versions (v1, v2c, v3), community strings/v3 credentials, and OIDs/MIBs to monitor from CommandIT (assigned per location).
- Polling: Probe performs SNMP GET requests at configured intervals.
- Alerting: Compares results against thresholds (defined in CommandIT). Sends alerts to CommandIT if thresholds are breached or device is unreachable.
- MIBs: Decide if Probe needs MIB files locally or if CommandIT provides pre-translated OIDs. Including common MIBs (e.g., IF-MIB, HOST-RESOURCES-MIB) locally is often useful.