CommCells - How To

On the Setup menu, click Cell Synchronization.
From the drop down tree of the Cell Synchronization dialog box, select the CommCells that you wish to synchronize.
Click OK. This will start the synchronization process.

To synchronize one CommCell:

Right-click on a CommCell in the CommNet Tree.
Select Synchronize from the popup menu. This will start the synchronization process.

Register a Cell

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

Use this procedure to register a cell using the CommNet Console:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, click Add CommCell (or Modify if reregistering the Cell).

From the Register CommCell dialog box, specify the registration information.

If reregistering the Cell, click the Register CommCell Again - CommCell Administrator check box and specify the user account name and password. Click OK. The re-registered Cell is displayed in the Cell Registration dialog box.

Select the following options to collect the specific data thereby enabling you to run the corresponding reports. Note that this is only applicable when registering a CommCell.
- Collect Primary Storage Data: Select this option to collect SRM data from the CommCell, enabling you to run the Primary Storage Data Growth Report against this CommCell. Select this option only if an SRM Server has been installed on the CommCell.
- Collect Media and VaultTracker Data: Select this option to collect media and VaultTracker data from the CommCell, enabling you to run the Media Management Media Information and VaultTracker Actions reports against this CommCell.
Click OK.

The newly registered Cell is displayed in the Cell Registration dialog box. You can now see information associated with the Cell in the CommNet Browser.

When you register a CommCell, a CommCell license is used.
Make sure that services are running on the appropriate cell before registering that cell with the CommNet Server.
CommNet Server can function with several CommCell versions. For more information, see the Compatibility Matrix.

Register a Cell When the CommNet Server is not Reachable

Use the following steps to register your cell and generate reports, if the CommNet Server is not reachable and you are not able to register your cell using the CommNet Console.

The following steps allows you to import multiple CommServe databases to the CommNet Server. SRM databases, if available in the CommServe, can also be imported to the CommNet Server.

Use the following steps to download the tool:

Click the Download Now button located on the right to download the ImportCommServDBGui.
Select <install directory>\Base folder in the CommNet server as the location to save the .zip file.
Navigate to the location of the .zip file and unzip the file.

Double-click ImportCommServDBGui.

The Import CommServe DB Tool is displayed.

From the Actions menu click Add Task.

The Task dialog box appears.

In the Description field, type a description of the Import Task.
The CommCell Properties are selected automatically, however you may change them if needed.
To edit any of the options under CommCell Properties, clear the check box, and then type the child ID, display name, or interface name in the box.
To browse to the CommServe Database Dump file, next to CommServe Database Dump, click the ellipsis button [...].

You can also browse SRM Server Database dump file along with the CommServe Database dump using this dialog box.
Click OK.

Select and highlight the added task and click Actions from top menu.
Click Run Selected.

Enter a path to backup CommNet database in Confirm Execution dialog box and click Yes.

Alternatively, you may clear the Backup CommNet database before running task(s) and click Yes to not backup the CommNet database.

You can view the progress of the import job in the Progress area.

Stop All Other Tasks if Current Task Fails

Navigate to the <install directory>\Base folder in the CommNet computer.
Double-click ImportCommServDBGui.
The Import CommServe DB Tool is displayed.

From the Actions menu click Add Task.

Use the Description field to enter a description about the Import Task.
The CommCell Properties get selected automatically, however you may change them if needed.
Click ... to browse to the CommServe Database Dump file.

You can also browse SRM Server Database Dump file along with the CommServe Database dump using this dialog box.

From the Actions menu click Add Task.

Add another CommServe Database Dump file and/or SRM Server Database Dump file.

Click Additional to open the Custom options dialog box.

Select Cancel Import process for the rest of tasks to stop all other tasks if current task fails.
By default this option is cleared in order to resume other tasks if current task fails.
Additionally you may perform the following:
Select ... to browse and change to a new Schema script location.
Verify and edit the Collection parameters specified if needed.
Clear Drop database(s) to retain database at the staging path after the task completes successfully.
Clear Delete Intermediate to retain intermediate files after the task completes successfully.
Click OK.

Click OK.

Select and highlight the added task and click Actions from top menu.
Click Run All Selected.

Enter a path to backup CommNet database in Confirm Execution dialog box and click Yes.

Alternatively, you may clear the Backup CommNet database before running task(s) and click Yes to not backup the CommNet database.

You can view the progress of the import job in the Progress area.

Register From the Command Line

From the command prompt, navigate to <software_install_folder>\base folder.
Run the following command:
ImportCommServDBGui [-console] [-silent] [-log<log_file_name.<xml:html>> [-r<stage_dir_name>] [-e] [[-f:-i] input_file]

For Example:

ImportCommServDBGui -console -silent -log log_file.htm -r C:/Program Files/Bull Calypso/Calypso/Base/stage -e input_file.txt
where
-console Runs the application in console mode.
-silent    Does not allow printing of log messages while importing data.
-log        Saves execution log to a file. Log output format is determined by file extension that is either XML or HTML.
-r           Sets CommServe database staging directory. Overrides staging folder values specified in input file file.
-e          Immediately executes import tasks from input file.
-i or -f    Specifies input file.

Remove a Registered Cell

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To remove a registered Cell:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, select a CommCell, and then click Remove.
Click OK in the Warning prompt.
In the Enter Confirm dialog box, type Confirm and then click OK. The Cell is removed in the Cell Registration dialog box.

A CommCell license gets released when you remove a registered CommCell from the CommNet domain.
Make sure services are running on the appropriate Cell before removing that registered Cell.
After removing the registered Cell, you should remove the Cell-Client Groups that are only associated with the removed Cell. For more information, see Remove Cell-Client Group.
Users can unregister a CommCell from the CommNet Server using the CommServe software. For more information, see Books Online documentation for the CommServe.

Modify the Display Name of a Cell

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To modify the display name of a Cell:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, highlight the Cell for which you wish to modify the display name from the Cell(s) list, and then click Modify.
From the Modify CommCell dialog box, type the new name in the Display Name box.
Click OK.
Click OK in the Registration Changed prompt. The new name for the Cell is displayed in the Cell Registration dialog box.

The CommNet Browser uses the Display Name to display the Cell in the CommNet tree. Hence you can modify the display name to include relevant information that will help you to easily identify the Cell. For example, include the physical location of the Cell in the display name.

Modify the CommServe Host Name

If the name of the CommServe computer changed, then you must change the host name in the CommServe computer and in the CommNet Browser.

Prerequisite

Update the name of the CommServe computer in the CommCell Console. For instructions, see Change the Name of the CommServe Computer.

Update the CommCell Registration

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
The Cell Registration dialog box appears.
In the Cells list, click the Cell where you want to modify the display name, and then click Modify.
The Modify CommCell dialog box appears.
In the the Display Name box, type the new name.
In the CommCell Interface Name box, type the full interface name.
For example: cell.company.com
Click OK.
A message appears that says that the registration changed.
Click OK.
The new name for the Cell is displayed in the Cell Registration dialog box.

Modify the Description or Contact Information of a Cell

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To modify the description or contact information of a Cell:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, highlight the Cell for which you wish to modify the description and/or contact information from the Cell(s) list, and then click Modify.
From the Modify CommCell dialog box:
- Type the description in the Description box.
- Type the contact information in the Contact Information box.
Click OK.
Click OK in the Registration Changed prompt.

You can record relevant reference information about the Cell in the description and contact information boxes. For example: you can record the contact information, such as the contact person, telephone numbers, email addresses, etc.

Change the Network Connection Type

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To change the network connection type:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, highlight the Cell for which you wish to modify the network connection type from the Cell(s) list, and then click Modify.
From the Modify CommCell dialog box, choose the appropriate connection type from the Connection Type list.
Click OK.
Click OK in the Registration Changed prompt. The system saves the network connection type.

The connection type can be changed when the Cell is not accessible due to a low bandwidth in the connection.
Select LAN when you have a faster and reliable connection or WAN for slower and less reliable connections.
Keep in mind that by default the retry attempts for communication failures on WAN are more. The retry attempts for communication failures can be established in CommNet Properties dialog box.

Modify the CommCell Network Interface Name Used to Communicate with the CommCell

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To modify the CommCell Network Interface Name used to communicate with the CommCell:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, highlight the CommCell for which you wish to modify the interface name from the Cell(s) list, and then click Modify.
From the Modify CommCell dialog box, type the following:
New name in the Display Name box.

New network interface name in the CommCell Interface Name box.
Click OK. The system attempts to connect to the CommCell using the new interface name.
- If the connection is established using the new network interface name, the new interface name for the CommCell is displayed in the Cell Registration dialog box.
- If the connection fails, an error message is displayed.

The CommCell Interface Name may be changed in the following situations:

When the CommCell network interface name is changed.
When you have multiple network interfaces in the CommCell computer, and you wish to configure another network interface.

Modify the CommNet Server's Network Interface Name Used to Communicate with the CommCell

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To modify the CommNet Server's Network Interface Name used to communicate with the CommCell:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Registration.
From the Cell Registration dialog box, highlight the CommCell for which you wish to modify the CommNet Server's network interface name used to communicate with the CommCell from the Cell(s) list, and then click Modify.
From the Modify CommCell dialog box, perform the following:
- Type the new name in the Display Name box.
- Choose the appropriate interface name from the CommNet Interface Name list.
- Click OK.
Click OK in the Registration Changed prompt. The system saves the new Network Interface Name.

This option is useful if you have multiple network interface cards (NIC) on the CommNet Server. In such a situation, you can configure some of the CommCells to communicate through one interface, while others can be configured to use a different interface.

Set Up Frequency for Checking Network Connectivity Between CommNet Server and CommCells

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To set up the frequency for checking the network connectivity between the CommNet Server and CommCells:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Configuration.
From the Cell Configuration (General) dialog box, type the frequency in the Heartbeat Interval box.
Click OK.

The idle time for the users logged in is calculated by the CommNet Server whenever the server checks the network connectivity to the CommCell.

Configure Data Collection Policy for Obtaining Configuration Information

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To configure Data Collection Policy for obtaining Configuration information:

On the Setup menu, click Cell Data Collection Policy.
From the Cell Data Collection Policy dialog box, click the arrow to set the time and the time frame (hours or minutes) in the Configuration boxes.
Click OK to save changes.

The updates are provided by the individual Cells and hence the update time is based on the CommCell time.

Change the CommCell Authentication Password

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To change the CommCell authentication password:

On the Setup menu, click CommCell Authentication.
From the CommCell Authentication dialog box, click Change Authentication.
Type the new password in the New Password box.
Retype the password in the Confirm Password box
Click OK.

The authentication password is used as an internal security measure for CommNet-related communications. All computers within the CommNet domain will have a default password that is created when the software is installed on the computer. You can periodically change this password, to enhance security.

Run CommCell Tasks

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To run CommCell Tasks:

From the CommNet Browser:
- To run a task for all the CommCells, select the CommCells' parent node
- To run a task for a specific CommCell, expand the CommCells' node, and select (highlight) a CommCell.
From the CommCell(s) Tasks window, select a task. The corresponding view will display in the right-hand side windowpane.

Control Jobs from the CommCell Jobs View

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To control jobs from the CommCell Jobs View:

From the CommNet Browser, expand the CommCells' parent node.
Select (highlight) a CommCell.
From the CommCell Tasks window, select Jobs and Resources. The corresponding view will display in the right-hand side windowpane.
From the right-hand side windowpane, select the Jobs View option. The CommCell's Job View will display in the right-hand side windowpane.
Right-click any job and select Tasks or View from the popup menu:

Select Tasks to launch a popup menu allowing you to Resume, Suspend, or Kill the selected job. Select your option and confirm.
Select View to launch a popup menu listing those fields to add or delete from the Jobs View table display. Those items with a checkmark appearing before the field are active and currently displayed in the Job View. Click on a field to add it or remove it.

Manage Resources from the CommCell Resources View

Required Capability: See Capabilities and Permitted Actions

To manage resources from the CommCell Resources View:

From the CommNet Browser, expand the CommCells' parent node.
Select (highlight) a CommCell.
From the CommCell Tasks window, select Jobs and Resources. The Resources View will display in the right-hand side windowpane.
From the right-hand side windowpane, select the appropriate option to display the information in tree or table format. The corresponding view will display in the right-hand side windowpane.
Right-click any field item and select View to launch a popup menu listing those fields to add or delete from the Resources View display. Those items with a checkmark appearing before the field are active and currently displayed in the Resources View. Click on a field to add it or remove it.
Click on a Library, Drive, Media and/or MediaAgent to launch a detail report regarding the selected entity. To close or minimize the detail report and return to the Resources view, use the window controls.
Right click on a Library, Drive, or MediaAgent and select Tasks to launch a popup menu to manage the CommCell's resources. Options available are as follows:
- Library: Enable, Disable, or Reset the library
- Drive: Enable, Disable, Reset, or Unmount the drive
- Mountpath: Enable or Disable the mountpath
- MediaAgent: Enable or Disable the MediaAgent.

Click the icon next to the Resource View format options, Table View and Tree View, to initiate the Filter Dialog. Use this dialog box to select the specific libraries or MediaAgents to be included in the Resources View.

To use this filter, the CommNet Browser must be in a paused state, which stops updates to the current window; to do this, click on the Pause

button in the CommNet Browser tool bar. When finished with this filter, click on the Play

button to resume updates to the current window.