There are two parts to CatTools. The main control application and the Multi-threaded CatTools Client application. The main application runs the initial activity script which then marshals the client threads to connect to the end devices and gather data. The client can perform some data parsing or just collect the raw data and store it to a temp file. When all the devices have been serviced, control returns back to the main script. Post processing on the client data can then be performed and reports generated.
The client is the only application that connects directly to the devices. When adding a new network device, you only need to modify the client scripts.
CatTools = Main CatTools application (CatTools.exe or CatTools_Service.exe)
Run "Test Connectivity" activity (either scheduled, or via Run Now option).
CatTools looks up INI file associated with this activity (found in the Activities sub folder)
CatTools runs main script file for this activity
Main script file sets up folders, parses specific options for the activity and initializes any report files etc.
Main script calls ct.MarshalThreads and passes all the required data to the function
MarshalThreads causes the client script associated with this activity to be run on each client.
Each client is assigned a single device to connect to and told which client script to run.
The client connects to the device, runs the particular script and stores the returned data in a temp file.
It may parse or process the data it receives before writing it to file.
When the client has finished, the MarshalThreads function passes it the next device to connect to.
When all devices have been processed and all threads have finished, MarshalThreads returns control back to the main script again.
The main script collects all the data from the clients (data is stored in ClientTemp sub folder) and creates reports, e-mail, config comparisons etc.
When the main script has finished, control returns back to CatTools.
If the "Start Timer" button on the Activities tab is pressed, CatTools will enter into "active timer mode", it will cycle through the list of activities and wait for the next time and date match. Process then starts again.