6.3.2. Dashboard variables
A dashboard variable is a dynamic element used to customize and filter the data displayed. These variables allow you to change the data shown on the dashboard, which includes the graph, legend, and table. When you change a value using these variables, the dashboard's metric queries automatically update to reflect the new selection. Selections made in one dashboard carry over to others with the same variables, preserving your context and streamlining analysis.
Variables are always found at the top of the dashboard, right above the cPacket logo. Depending on the dashboard, there are different variables available. Resolution is available on all dashboards. The Level 3 and Level 4 Troubleshooting dashboards offer various variables tailored to each dashboard's metrics. Common variables to the Troubleshooting dashboards include Endpoint and cStor.
- Resolution
The resolution of cPacket dashboards defaults to an automatic display resolution based on the time range. You can see the resolution at the top left of the dashboard and adjust it using the dropdown list as needed. The chosen resolution will be maintained throughout the dashboard workflow hierarchy.
When dashboards load, the default value is auto unless a value was set by previous navigation links or by manual selection in the current dashboard.
The list of values ranges from 10 seconds to 1 day. The minimum step is a 10-second increase. Possible values are auto, 10s, 30s, 1m, 10m, 30m, 1h, 6h, 12h, 1d.
The selected resolution value stays the same with dashboard navigation and filters.
- Endpoint
The Endpoint variable is featured on every Level 3 and Level 4 Troubleshooting dashboard. It is a free text input field that requires you to enter the specific IP address you want to analyze. Once an IP address is entered, it updates the entire dashboard, customizing the data to your specified endpoint.
- cStor
The cStor variable is common to the Level 3 and Level 4 Troubleshooting dashboards. Its default value is all, but you can refine your focus by selecting specific cStor devices from the dropdown menu. This helps you tailor the dashboard view to concentrate on data from one or more devices.
- Workflow specific variables
Each workflow within the Level 3 and Level 4 Troubleshooting dashboards feature unique variables. These variables have dropdown lists, allowing you to select and modify the data displayed on the dashboard. The following is a list of these variables and their associated workflows:
Service: Service Latency and Service Connection Failures workflows.
Location: Location Latency and Location Connection Failures workflows.
Protocol: Explore Protocols workflow.
IP Protocol: Explore Protocols workflow.
Monitoring Point: Explore Monitoring Points workflow.
- Peer
The Peer variable is available only on the Level 4 Troubleshooting dashboards. It is a free text input field that requires you to enter the specific IP address you want to analyze. Once an IP address is entered, it updates the entire dashboard, customizing the data to your specified endpoint.
- Include Excluded Services or Locations
The analytics label configuration for Services and Locations allows you to exclude specific traffic from your analysis. If you need to incorporate the metrics from the previously excluded services or locations into your visualizations, use the Include Excluded Services or Locations variable on the Level 4 Troubleshooting dashboards. This allows you to adapt your data visualization to any changes in your analytics requirements, including metrics initially excluded during configuration.