[Users] New OpenSER Module: The SNMPStats Module

[jmagder]

Hello everybody,

I recently submitted a new module known as the "SNMPStats module" to the
OpenSER CVS head.  The SNMPStats module provides an SNMP management 
interface
to OpenSER, and is intended for those who want better manageability of their
systems.

The module provides general SNMP queryable scalar statistics (useful for
discovering system trends), table representations of more complicated data
such as user and contact information, and alarm monitoring capabilities.

The scalar statistics are very useful for discovering trends in the ways 
your
systems are used.  For example, using a tool such as mrtg or Cacti, you can
collect SNMP based information over long periods of time, and automatically
graph statistics.  Some examples of good graphs would be:

  - The number of messages received each hour of the day.
    (Using the openserSIPSummaryInRequests scalar)

  - The number of active dialogs at any time of the day.
    (Using the openserCurNumDialogs scalar)

These graphs may reveal that most SIP traffic happens between say, 
14:00-16:00,
and that perhaps it would be beneficial to change rate plans based on 
this data.  

SNMPStats alarm monitoring provides for a useful tool in maintaining system
stability.  Currently there are two alarms implemented:

  - Dialog Alarms: If the number of active dialogs passes a certain 
threshold,
                   then a message can be sent to a network operation 
center. The
                   idea is that an administrator should me made aware a 
system
                   is becoming too heavily loaded before a failure occurs.

  - Message Queue Alarms: If the number of bytes waiting to be consumed 
by an
                          OpenSER instance exceeds a threshold, then a 
message
                          can be sent to a network operation center.  
The idea
                          is to find out why the system is not able to 
handle
                          the load, and to take corrective actions before a
                          failure occurs.

In order to get the SNMPStats module up and running, you'll be required 
to do
some extra configuration steps that at this time are not automated.  The 
full
installation procedure is documented on the OpenSER web site at:

    http://www.openser.org/docs/modules/1.2.x/SNMPStats.html

Since this is the first time the SNMPStats module will be tried outside 
of my
work at SOMA Networks, there may be a few rough edges I've overlooked.  I
welcome all to take out their sand paper help me polish the module.  All
suggestions and criticisms are always welcome.

Good luck all, and cheers!

- Jeffrey Magder
- SOMA Networks Inc.