Signature Files

The Application Visibility Signature Files Screen displays all imported Signature Files, and is used to upgrade/import Signature Files. A Signature File contains application signature information that is used to create Signature Profiles. Once you create a Signature Profile, you assign that profile to switches to monitor/control application traffic on the network.

Viewing Signature Files

The Signature File Management Screen displays all Signature Files in OmniVista Cirrus. Signature Files are binary files (e.g., AppSig.upgrade_kit_1) that are provided by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) and are automatically downloaded/updated.

Note: Signature Auto Update is enabled on the Application Visibility Screen, which is available for a System User. If you are logged in as a System user, go to the Network - Application Visibility - Settings Screen to enable Signature Auto Update. If Signature Auto Update is enabled, OmniVista Cirrus automatically downloads newer Signature File versions when they become available.

Importing a Signature File

OmniVista Cirrus automatically checks the ALE Signature File Repository and updates and downloads Signature Files (see Upgrading a Signature File below). There should be no need to import these Signature Files into OmniVista Cirrus. If necessary, you can download a Signature File and click on the Import button to import the file into the Application Visibility application.

Note: Once a new Signature File is available, it is recommended that you use the latest Signature File on your network devices and delete unused Signature Files and Signature Profiles.

Upgrading a Signature File

OmniVista Cirrus regularly checks the ALE Signature File Repository for newer Signature File versions. The update check frequency is configured on the Application Visibility Settings Screen (System User.) If OmniVista Cirrus detects that a new Signature File version is available (e.g., version 1.1.1 is stored in OmniVista Cirrus and version 1.2.1 is available in the repository), OmniVista Cirrus automatically downloads the file. However, you can manually upgrade a Signature File at any time by selecting the file and clicking on the Upgrade button.

Note: Signature File "Auto Update" is supported on OS6860/6860E Switches. If Signature File "Auto Update" is enabled on a switch (configured on the Devices Management Screen), after downloading the new Signature File version, OmniVista Cirrus first updates any Signature Profiles created with the older Signature File. If a switch has "Auto Update" enabled and that Signature Profile is being used by the switch, OmniVista Cirrus then automatically assigns the updated profile to the switch or AP Group. Note that profiles and switches are only automatically updated if they are using the same "Major" version of the new Signature File (e.g., profile and switch are using version 1.1.1 and version 1.2.1 is available and downloaded by OmniVista Cirrus).

Deleting a Signature File

To delete an imported Signature File from the repository, select the file in the table and click on the Delete icon. Click OK at the confirmation prompt. Note that you cannot delete a Signature File that has been assigned to switches on the network.