Network Management

Software Version Not Displayed on Node Details for Aruba Devices in NPM

This article provides information about an issue where the Software Version field is not displayed on the Node Details widget for certain Aruba network devices monitored in SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM). The issue occurs when the device returns a sysDescr format that is not recognized by the native polling logic.

First published date

11/14/2025 10:08 PM

Last published date

11/14/2025 10:08 PM

Overview

In some environments, SolarWinds NPM may fail to populate the Software Version field for specific Aruba switch models.

This happens even though the device responds correctly to sysDescr (OID 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1) during SNMP polling, and other node details load without issue.

Common Symptoms

  • The Software Version field on the Node Details widget appears blank or missing.
  • The issue is isolated to specific Aruba switch models while others display the version correctly.
  • SNMPwalk confirms that sysDescr returns a value, for example:
     
    1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1.0 = STRING: "FL.10.13.1010"
  • PCAP traces show that SNMP GET requests and responses to sysDescr are successful.
  • Rediscovering or re-adding the node may temporarily show the version, but it disappears with the next polling cycle.

Product section

Network Performance Monitor

Cause

SolarWinds NPM extracts the Software Version using the built-in poller N.Details.SNMP.Generic, which includes OS version parsing logic for known patterns.

Some Aruba devices, particularly those returning short or non-standard sysDescr strings (e.g., "FL.10.13.1010"), do not match any existing parsing format. As a result:

  • The Software Version is not automatically parsed.
  • The field remains blank even though the OID returns valid data.
  • This is a gap in the current product behavior for certain Aruba models.

Resolution

A permanent fix is planned for a future release of NPM.

Until an official fix is released, you may use a workaround by creating a custom Node Details poller via Device Studio to manually poll the Software Version OID.

 

Workaround: Create a Custom Node Details Poller via Device Studio

1. Prepare the OIDs

  • Use SNMP Walk on the device.
  • Identify the OID that correctly returns the Software Version (for your device, this is typically 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1.0).
  • If needed, identify and note down the OIDs that provide the following information (example OIDs listed; replace with your device-specific OIDs):
    • Vendor (manual)
    • Machine Type (e.g., 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.2)
    • Software Version (e.g., 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1 or vendor-specific OID)
    • Software Image (e.g., 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1)
    • Contact (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.4.0)
    • Location (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.6.0)
    • Sysname (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.5)
    • SYSObject (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.2)
    • Description (1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1.0)

2. Create the Custom Poller

  • Go to Settings → All Settings → Manage Pollers.
  • Click Create New Poller → choose Node Details.
  • Select a test node and proceed.

3. Add OIDs for Each Field

  • For “Software Version,” enter the identified OID.
  • Click Test to confirm the device returns the correct value.
  • Mark the data source as valid and proceed.
  • Repeat as needed for other fields.

4. Assign the Poller

  • After creating the poller, return to Manage Pollers.
  • Click the Unassigned link next to your new poller.
  • Select the nodes affected and assign it.

5. Refresh Node Details to See Updated Information

  • Go to the assigned node’s Node Details page.
  • Click Rediscover and Poll Now to force immediate polling.
  • Verify that the Software Version and other Node Details fields now display the information set.