Chapter 6. Object Types

The NorthStar system consists of 4 main object types: Location, Owner, Device, and Network Objects. In previous versions there was an 'Address' object that handled assignment of single IP addresses. These objects have been merged into the Networks object as of version 1.6, however, templates still differentiate between a block and an address. All of these objects all are fully "nestable" except the Owner object. When you are creating a new object you will be asked to select the template to use when creating that object if you have more then one template for that object type. If only one template exists (the Default template) it will be automatically selected.

6.1. Location/Region Objects

Location Objects are one of the basic building blocks used to provide effective IP space management. Location Objects can be created to be as broad or specific as you require. Since they are nestable it is fairly easy to create a tree that starts a very broad level and can be narrowed to to specific racks in equipment rooms. One example of this can be shown by using the following tree structure:

		
United States
  Alabama
  Alaska
  .
  .
  Oregon
    Eugene
	  123 Elm Street Datacenter
	    Room 1
		Room 2
		  Rack 1
		  Rack 2
		  Rack 3
		    Position 1
	  345 Pine Street Datacenter
	    Room 1
		  Rack 1
		  Rack 2
  .
  .
  Wyoming
Europe
  France
  Germany
    Berlin
	  123 Elm Street Datacenter
	    Rack 1
		Rack 2
    Munich
  United Kingdom
		
		
Obviously, not all setups will be this complex, however, this is an example of how fine grained you can get. Location objects can also be thought of as 'Geographical Regions' or by that token whatever else is required for your particular setup. Location Objects are not dependent on any other object for creation, however, Network, Objects require a corresponding Location Object.

6.1.1. Adding a Location/Region

To add a new Location Object select the 'Location' link under the 'Browse' section in the leftmost menu of your NorthStar screen. To add a new top-level Location click the '[Add Location]' link in the top right corner of the screen. To add a new Location under a existing Location find the parent Location and then click the '[Add Location]' link to the right of it.

6.1.2. Editing a Location/Region

To edit a Location Object select the 'Location' link under the 'Browse' section in the leftmost menu of your NorthStar screen. Find the object you would like to edit and click the '[Edit]' link to the right of it.

6.1.3. Deleting a Location/Region

To delete a Location Object select the 'Location' link under the 'Browse' section in the leftmost menu of your NorthStar screen. Find the object you would like to delete and click the '[Delete]' link to the right of it.