Selection method to use for report objects: Specific Objects, Dynamic Query Builder or SQL SWQL

11/1/2018 11:05 AM

1/28/2022 10:24 AM

When creating custom charts or reports, you can either choose individual objects, use the Dynamic Query Builder or specify objects using a SQL/SWQL query.

Network Performance Monitor

To create a chart for a new, custom group of objects, click Edit on the Custom Chart widget, click Select Datasource, and then specify the objects to chart using one of the following methods:

• Specific objects
• Dynamic Query Builder
• SQL/SWQL

Specific Objects (static selection) 

Use this method if you know precisely which objects to chart.
This is the most straightforward selection method, recommended for new users or for permanent network objects.

1. Select Specific Objects (static selection).
2. In the pop-up window, select objects to chart.
3. Provide a name for the Data Source.
4. Click Update Data Source. 

 

Dynamic Query Builder 

This is the preferred selection method for groups of objects based on a specified type that may change over time, such as "All Cisco nodes in Austin."

Use the Dynamic Query Builder selection when objects may change over time. For example, as your network ages, you will replace or upgrade various pieces of equipment. You can select each piece of equipment individually or create a dynamic query that adds objects to the custom chart or table based on the properties you choose.

Though the Advanced Selector provides access to all network object characteristics, the Basic Selector provides access to a smaller subset of the most frequently used network object characteristics.

1. Select the type of selector query you want to use (Basic or Advanced).
2. Select the type of objects to report on from the I want to report on the drop-down.
3. Use the following steps if you choose Basic Selector:
   1. Click Add Condition.
   2. Select All child conditions must be satisfied (AND), or At least one child condition must be satisfied (OR).
   3. Select a property of the monitored object, a conditional relation, and provide value.
   4. Click Add Simple Condition if you want to add another condition.
4. Use the following steps if you choose Advanced Selector:
   1. Select All child conditions must be satisfied (AND) or At least one child condition must be satisfied (OR).

   2. Select which field you want to evaluate, a conditional relation, and provide value.

   3. Click the + sign to add child conditions.
      • Add Single Value Comparison (Recommended) - The child condition evaluates a single field, like Status
      • Add Double Value Comparison - The child condition evaluates two conditions, such as Status and OS
      • Add And/Or block - Adds a sub condition block

 

Advanced Database Query 

If you are comfortable querying your SolarWinds database using SQL or SWQL, this is the method for you.

1. Select Advanced Database Query (SQL, SWQL).
2. Select the Query Type (SWQL or SQL), and type the code to specify entities for the chart.
3. Click Preview Results to see what the query returns. When the result matches your expectations, click Update Data Source.

Additional resources 

• Add a custom chart or table to a web-based report
• How to set trigger conditions for alerts