A system is a logically complete group of objects that provide services to users or other systems. Such objects may include processors, memory, disks, filesystems, network adapters, and cards.

  • Bridge — A protocol-independent system that connects two LAN segments.

  • CallServer — A call server is a computer-based device dedicated to delivering call management and hosting a call manager network service. A host is represented as CallServer by IP Availability Manager and IP Performance Manager if it has VoIP-related data. This allows VoIP domain managers to fetch the topology from IP server for VoIP-specific discovery and root cause analysis.

  • FileServer — A system that hosts file shares.

  • Firewall — A system that controls the flow of traffic between networks.

  • Host — A general purpose computer, such as a workstation or server.

    A blade server is represented as a host. The individual blades are represented as hosts and switches under the ComposedOf relationship.

  • Hub — A system that connects multiple physical segments. Active hubs are multiport repeaters, which means that they repeat signals received on any port to all the other ports.

  • Hybrid Device — A hybrid device is a device that can be configured as a router, switch, or both. In IP Availability Manager a hybrid device is identified by the relationships between the device and its sub-modules, such as firewalls, wireless controllers, and loadbalancers. One example of a hybrid device supported by IP Availability Manager is the Cisco Catalyst 6509 and 2811 switch.

  • LoadBalancer — A system that distributes client traffic across multiple web servers.

  • MediaGateway — A Media gateway is a translation device or service that converts digital media streams between disparate telecommunications networks. A switch is represented as MediaGateway by IP Availability Manager and IP Performance Manager if it has VoIP related data. This allows VoIP domain managers to fetch the topology from IP server for VoIP specific discovery and root cause analysis.

  • Multilayer Switch Feature Card (MSFC) — A card in a switch that performs routing between VLANs.

  • Node — A system that is monitored by using generic network management instrumentation. Nodes are probed for standard MIB-II information, but not for enterprise-specific information such as system resources.

  • Probe — A system that monitors networks or other systems. An example is a Remote Monitoring (RMON) probe.

  • Router — A system or, in some cases, software in a computer that determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded as it travels towards its destination. A router is connected to at least two networks and decides which way to send each information packet based on its current understanding of the state of the networks to which the router is connected.

    A router might also be a virtual router, which is a software emulation of a router implemented within a physical router or switch. Each virtual router has its own independent IP routing and forwarding tables, which permit the same routing and forwarding of packets as with a standard router. Virtual routers are often used with VPNs to allow a greater separation of VPN traffic while using the same equipment.

  • Router Switch Feature Card (RSFC) — A card in a Catalyst switch that runs Cisco IOS router software and is used to perform routing between VLANs.

  • Router Switch Module (RSM) — A card in a switch that performs routing between VLANs.

  • Switch — A system that switches packets, typically at wire speeds, between physically separate network segments.

  • TerminalServer — A specialized system that connects terminals to a network.

  • Uncertified — An uncertified object identifies a system that has yet to be certified by VMware, Inc..