SNMP data type opaque

[Gabi]

Hi,

there is a plan to implement on DCE, option to handle data type opaque?

thanks

[Shaun]

Hi Gabi,

Could you help me understand, what kind of data you envisage capturing this way, and what value that data brings?

DCE is typically interested in data which is either scalar or stateful - things we can measure, graph, compare and act on.  Opaque types are usually difficult for this because if the data means nothing to the DCE, then all we're doing is warehousing it - which does not play to the DCE's strengths at all.

It is something that could be looked at, but we'd need to better understand the payoff, or "user story".

[Gabi]

Hi Shaun,

like usual Vertiv reinvent the wheel in the monitoring system and the new CRAC/CRAH units comes equipped with different Carel controllers and monitoring modules

this new monitoring modules use data type opaque and from interface I can change to integer/unsigned but response contains only 2 digit like temperature 21.5 with opaque remains 21 on integer/unsigned(I`m not sure but even worse the value is rounded up ) 

DCE ignore all oid configured in DDF that are set as opaque on Vertiv monitoring module

[Shaun]

HI Gabi,

Thanks, that makes a lot more sense.  I can see what they're trying to do - the only native snmp type for decimal values is using floats, which are an expensive operation for many embedded controllers.  (This is why a lot of APC oids use "tenths of an amp" & similar, to provide decimal precision without having to send decimal values).

Would it be possible to do an snmp walk from the DCE's web interface (the Status link top-right, and pick snmp walk from the menu) and share how this particular oid appears there?  (No need to share the whole thing, just the entry for this specific example will do me).

Thanks,

  Shaun

[Gabi]

Hi Shaun,

for example return temperature which is ending with .540.0 on previous screenshot is shown in different ways by mib browser, DCE snmp walk and Schneider windows walk app for DDF support

windows walker Schneider(seem like doesn`t know to decode the value)

1.3.6.1.4.1.476.1.42.4.3.32.540.0, Opaque      , ďż˝xAďż˝ff

mib browser

Name/OID: .1.3.6.1.4.1.476.1.42.4.3.32.540.0; Value (Opaque): 22.3

web walker DCE

.1.3.6.1.4.1.476.1.42.4.3.32.540.0 = Opaque: Float: 22.299999

[Gabi]

Hi @Shaun,

do you have any answer regarding this problem?

thanks

[Shaun]

Hi @Gabi,

I was off ill last week, sorry for the delay.

My plan going forward is to replicate this and see what our options are.  If it's possible to manipulate in the DDF I'll share what I find (on a "best effort" basis - we don't support customers creating their own DDFs, so what you do with those findings will be your problem).  But if it requires a feature/enhancement request in the DCE, there'll be very little I can share from there.  There's a line between being helpful, and "how the sausage is made", that I need to tread carefully.