Define the network interface details

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 4 minutes to read

    • Review, update, or create a network instance for a network interface that controls the signaling and management functions between your networks. You define these attributes so that you can track and manage your network instances in the Telecommunications Network Inventory application.

    Before you begin

    Role required: sn_ni_core.inventory_admin, sn_ni_core.inventory_agent, sn_ni_core.inventory_template_manager, sn_ni_core.telco_inventory_catalog_manager

    About this task

    Network interfaces are used for the interconnection of signaling, or for the Internet Protocol (IP) or ATM networks. When you create a network interface record, it creates a corresponding configuration item (CI) record in the Network Interface [cmdb_ci_interface] table. To learn more, see Data model for Telecommunications Network Inventory.

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to Workspaces > Network Inventory Workspace.
    2. From the list icon (List icon., go to Inventory > Interfaces.
      Note:
      You can also access the Network Interface list by clicking the Network Interface count in the Network entities by categories widget of the Network Inventory Workspace landing page. To learn more, see Reviewing and updating your network inventory with the Network Inventory Workspace.
    3. Click New.
    4. On the Details tab, in the Network Interface section, fill in the general information for the network interface.
      The fields in the following table are unique to the Network Interface form.

      To learn about the remaining identification fields that are common to most of the Inventory and Inventory number allocation menu forms, see Commonly used network asset instance identification fields.

      Table 1. Network Interface form
      Field Description
      Name Name of the network interface. The ServiceNow AI Platform uses this name to identify it in your network inventory.
    5. On the Details tab, in the Configuration section, fill in the configuration information for the network interface.
      The following table lists the fields that are unique to the Configuration section.

      To learn about the remaining configuration fields that are common to most of the Inventory menu forms, see Commonly used network asset instance configuration fields.

      Table 2. Network Interface form - Configuration
      Field Description
      Telco equipment

      Device that provides the technical functionality to a network.
      Management option

      Attribute that indicates who or what is responsible for managing this endpoint.
      Connector type
      Type of physical cable connector that is used for the connection of the cable to the network interface. Select one of the following options:
      • BNC
      • SC
      • LC
      • ST
      • Wire Wrap
      • RJ45
      Port Type
      Types of port on the network interface. Select one of the following options:
      • Ethernet
      • Optical
      • Serial
      Directionality
      Type of the connections between the nodes of a network. Select one of the following options:
      • Tx
      • Rx
      • Tx/Rx
      • Bus
      • Broadcast
      Port Bandwidth

      Measured bandwidth for the ports on this network interface. Select the search icon ( Search icon.) and select a bandwidth.
      Endpoint role
      Endpoint role that is associated with the service endpoint for this network asset. An endpoint role is the function that is served by the endpoint of the service that you’re providing. Select one of the following options:
      • ROOT or LEAF endpoint role, as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).
      • --None-- for no assigned endpoint role.
      Virtual
      Option to verify whether the network interface is physical or virtual.
      Note:
      If you select Virtual, then the Connector Type field doesn’t appear.
      Cabled Option to verify if the interface is pre-cabled or not.
    6. To create the Telecommunications Network Inventory attributes for the Network Interface form, click Set Inventory Attributes.
      When you click the Set Inventory Attributes button, it creates the TNI CI Attributes record in the CI table as well as the Telecommunications Network Inventory CI Attributes tables and makes a relationship with the CI record.
      Note:

      If you click Save without clicking Set Inventory Attributes, it creates a CI record but not a Telecommunications Network Inventory CI record. In the network inventory workspace, the Set Inventory Attributes is visible only for the Telecommunications Network Inventory roles.

    7. On the TNI CI Attributes form, fill in the fields.

      To learn more about the Telecommunications Network Inventory attribute fields, see TNI CI Attributes form.

    8. Click Save.

      The Telecommunications Network Inventory attribute fields are displayed on the Network Interface form after you save the TNI CI Attributes form. The Set Inventory Attributes doesn’t appear when you reopen the CI record.

    9. To add the attachments, such as graphics or documents, click the attachment icon (Attachment icon.) in the right panel.
    10. Optional: To view the Dependency views map, select Dependency View.

      The Dependency Views map graphically displays the CIs that support the specific network asset and the relationships between the CIs.

    11. Optional: Select Add Packs to capture the attributes for a configuration item (CI) record.
      To learn more, see Using an attribute pack for a CI record.
    12. Optional: Select Decommission to decommission a CI record.
      To learn more, see Decommission an inventory record.
    13. Click Save.
      The related tabs appear on the form. You can view or modify the related tab information. To learn more about the related tabs, see Related tabs in the Network inventory forms.
    14. To view the associated network inventories, click the brick icon (Brick icon.).

      The Infrastructure Relationships section shows all the associated network inventories grouped by the individual network instances.

    What to do next