The next description corresponds to the state where the <NETWORK> layer is selected as active in the dialogue box >
Database MySQL is the primary area for storing the topology of the network and statistical data. We can log on to it using command > . In the login window add the name of the server and the selected database within it. It is possible to read and write in the database if logged in using the name and password of the owner of the database. If you login to another database, i.e. the name of the database and username are different, it is only possible to read. The successfully connecting to the database is indicated by the green colour of icon Load net from database. After loading some network from the database the message is written on the right hand side of the lower bar:
network: database@server [user]
After logging in, by determining the server and the user, we can change the database selection in the server using command
> > .Besides the main database used for storing network topology a database is also used for storing logs, which are continuously obtained records about network operation. Selection of this database is possible using the command The overall information is then provided in the message > > .
> > .Work with Ranec is limited when not connected to the databases.
Manual storage and reading of network topology can be done to file ( > or Open file) or to the MySQL database ( > or Load from database). When working with the network a situation may arise whereby the network is read automatically. In this case either the database or directory is selected in the dialogue box > > . For selecting the directory the path to it is also determined here. The database is already selected in the menu > . Selection of data sources is indicated on the bottom right hand side of the bar behind the label NR (Net resource).
The topology of the current network is registered in the main
memory of the computer where there is only one network. Before passing
to another network, i.e. also before entering a nested network, it is
necessary to record the topology of the current network so that edited
changes are not lost. The entry can be made to the selected directory or
to the MySQL database. Saving to the directory directly saves
information about all network elements to file, e.g. net1.rtd
. On saving to the database
the network elements are incorporated into the database system and
assigned a unique number. After saving we are called on to reload the
network from the database so that elements in the PC also appear with
their new recorded parameters. Graphically this registering in the
database is noticeable by a change in the colour of the outline of the
new element from green to black. Due to this registering it is not
advised to use save network under a new name as this may create unwanted
duplicity of two networks with the same registration number in the
database. The name of the current network is indicated on the bottom
right of the bar indicating the database or directory from where the
network was loaded. ZD information is not related to the origin of the
network.
network : database@serveru [user] ZD: directory
Each of the elements of the edited network is tied to a specific position called a Site. The site is marked with a cross and has specific Geographical coordinates. Other elements are connected to the Site, for example a node or IP host which has Logical coordinates. GEO and LOG coordinates are the same in the beginning. If the element (node) is moved then its LOG coordinates change whilst Site remains at the original GEO coordinates. This move is conditional on switching the editor to LOG mode using command > . The resulting status is indicated on the lower left bar with LOG or GEO.
The command > serves for shifting elements. In this mode it is possible to mark certain elements with a drawn frame or using the left mouse button. By pressing Shift we can add other elements to the selection. Now, using the left button, drag an element together with the other selected elements. Site marks remain in their original position at their GEO coordinates. The Site image is at the GEO coordinates and the elements image at different LOG coordinates. To finish the move use the context menu. Click on the selected element (not Site) with the right mouse button and selecting > we achieve a shift of Site to the position of its element (LOG coordinate is recorded to the GEO coordinate). By selecting > the element is returned to its original Site. An element can also be shifted from it context menu by overwriting items and >logY.
The raster is a graphical aid for positioning elements to diagrams. It can be switched on in the WGS system of coordinates using command > > > . It appears as a square grid with spacing selected in menu > > > and gridY. The desktop context menu allows network elements to be Sited to the nearest raster intersection point. If elements are shifted with the raster on they “latch” on to the raster intersection points.