Configuring Smart Groups Rules

Smart Groups rules belong to a Smart Groups definition, which is used to determine group membership when automatically generating groups via a Generate Smart Groups command. The rules can be part of a simple or advanced group definition.

The simple group definition method always utilizes smart groups rules. It generates a single group based on the rules criteria you provide.

The advanced group definition method optionally utilizes smart groups rules. It can generate multiple groups based on values of the selected association property (primary criteria) you provide, and can additionally apply rule logic (secondary criteria) as wanted to further refine the group membership.

When using rules for either the simple or advanced group definition method, first define the Smart Groups rules and the logic between them, and then edit and refine the rules and their relationships using the Smart Groups Rule Definitions functions or context menu options.

Smart Groups Rules

Each Smart Groups rule set you define applies to a specific Smart Group definition, although rules can also be exported to or imported from XML files for ease of re-use.

In the top pane of the Smart Group Configuration page, select the definition for which the rules apply. This can be a new Smart Group definition you are adding, or an existing definition you want to edit. In the Group Definition box in the lower pane, click Simple or Advanced to access the configuration options that include creating and editing smart group rules.

To configure specific rules for the selected definition, click Edit rule list to access the Smart Groups Rule Definitions dialog box. When using the Simple group definition method, the Edit Rule List option is always enabled. When using the Advanced group definition method, the Edit rule list option is enabled only if you select the Enable additional rules check box.

The following options are available on the Smart Groups Rule Definitions dialog box.

Defining Smart Groups Rules

To define a smart groups rule, use the following procedure to select data item parameters for each rule, join them by selected operators and qualifiers, and then compare them to specified values in order to auto-create the group(s) when the Generate Smart Groups command is run. All devices matching the customized rules are put into a single group for simple group definitions, but may generate multiple groups for advanced group definitions.

To Define Smart Groups Rules

1. Click Edit Rule List to access the Smart Groups Rule Definitions dialog box. Rules can be viewed in Tree view or Text view, and rules can be exported/imported from/to either view. New rules can be created only in Tree view.

   

2. Click Add to add a new rule, and then define the following Rule Definition parameters for the new Smart Groups rule. Repeat for additional rules applicable to the selected Smart Group definition.

   

   Parameter	Description
   Data item	Click to select the Data item for the rule from the drop-down menu. Expand categories in the list to see available options. See Selecting an Association Property or Data Item for more information.
   Operator	Click to select the Operator for the data item from the drop-down menu. Options are as follows. Equals Greater Than Greater Than or Equal Less Than Less Than or Equal Not Equal
   Qualifier	Click to select a Qualifier for the operator from the drop-down menu. Options are as follows. Case Insensitive Case Sensitive Integer Real Number Timestamp
   Comparison type	Click to select a Comparison type from the drop-down menu. Select User value to type in a value in the Comparison item text box.
   Comparison item	Type in a Comparison item for the rule. This item will be compared, utilizing the operator and qualifier defined for the rule. See Selecting an Association Property or Data Item for more information.
   Rule name	Type in a Rule name to help identify the rule. This parameter is optional.
   (text box)	Displays a text view of the rule as configured.
   Enable rule	Click to select/clear the check box to enable the defined rule.

3. Click Import Rules to import additional rules, saved as XML files, if desired.
4. Click Export Rules to export configured rules, and save as XML files, if desired.
5. Once the new Smart Groups rules are created, modify the rule logic governing them. Rule Logic can be adjusted by the following methods. See Modifying Filter Rule Definitions in the CygNet Studio section for more information about how this works.
   • Select a rule, then use the navigation arrows << or >> to rearrange the rule hierarchy.
   • Double-click a compound rule, All Of (AND) or Any Of (OR), to access the Compound Rule Properties dialog box to edit the rule.
   • Right-click a compound rule, and then click Edit Rule to access the Compound Rule Properties dialog box to edit the rule.
   • Right-click a simple rule, and then click Convert to Compound Rule to access the Compound Rule Properties dialog box to edit the rule.
6. Click OK.

Context Menu

Use the context menu to edit and refine rules and rule logic. Right-click on a selected rule element to access the following context menu options.