Tree and grouping

Tree representation

All devices can be ordered in a tree structure through different groups. This allows to control and configure all devices very granularly independent if they should be ordered according to customer, version, geographical location or any custom build logic.

The tree creates the logical structure in which all devices exist. This allows devices to inherit configuration and different configurations can be created for different branches of the tree.

Move devices out of unassigned

All new devices will appear either in the "unassigned group" or in the specific group that was defined for the bootstrap key. If the unassigned group is used devices need to be moved from there into the correct group of the tree structure and then the tree needs to be saved. They will then apply the configuration of that specific group. While being in unassigned the devices will not receive all the information.

In the tree devices can be moved, created and groups can be renamed. All changes will only be active after the save button has been pressed. Only empty groups can be deleted.

qbee-grouping-embedded-devices

Grouping strategies

First, group inventory logically. Best practice is to group servers and network devices by their What (function, vendor, revision), Where (location or region), and When (development, testing or staging):
What: Multitech, mLinux
Where: Norway, Oslo, floor_19, building_A
When: dev, test, staging, prod

Difficulties to change the tree?

When devices are moved into a group they need to be dropped slightly to the right of the group block in order to make them appear under the group immediately (and not on the same level as the group). With a bit of practice this usually will work the first time. Please remember to save group changes.