Manual Chapter : Using iHealth for Configuration Collection and Diagnostics

Applies To:

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Enterprise Manager

  • 3.1.1
Manual Chapter

Overview: iHealth

You can use BIG-IP iHealth to verify that the hardware and software for your managed devices is operating properly and at peak efficiency. iHealth is a tool that collects data about elements of device configuration, logs, command output, password security, license compliance, and so on. You can use the iHealth diagnostics to identify any issues that require your attention.

When you create a task to gather iHealth diagnostics, Enterprise Manager captures a snapshot of the specified device in the form of a qkview file. The iHealth service compares the device's information to an F5 database containing known issues, common configuration errors, and F5 published best practices. Enterprise Manager then displays the results of this evaluation, which includes:

  • Descriptions of configuration issues or code defects
  • Recommended solutions
  • Associated link(s) to the AskF5 Knowledge Base for reference

In many cases, you can use this customized diagnostic information to resolve common configuration issues without contacting F5 Technical Support for help. If you do require assistance from F5 Technical Support, this iHealth data can help F5 engineers provide you with a resolution more quickly.

Specifying credentials to access iHealth diagnostics service

To send iHealth data for diagnosis, you must have an AskF5 Knowledge Base user name and password, which you can obtain at https://login.f5.com/resource/registerEmail.jsp.
Use the following procedure to specify the credentials required to send collected data to the iHealth diagnostics service.
  1. On the Main tab, click Enterprise Management > Options > Devices > Diagnostics.
  2. In the User Name field type the name of the registered AskF5 Knowledge Base user.
  3. In the Password field type the password for the registered AskF5 Knowledge Base user.
  4. Click Test Connection to verify the credentials and connectivity to the iHealth diagnostics service.
  5. Click Save Changes.
Enterprise Manager uses the credentials you specified when contacting the iHealth diagnostics service.

Gathering configuration data for diagnostics with iHealth

BIG-IP iHealth is only available starting in Enterprise Manager version 2.0 and BIG-IP version 10.0.1.
You collect iHealth diagnostics data to help you verify that your devices are running efficiently, find out about upcoming events for which an action is required, and to help you troubleshoot issues.
  1. On the Main tab, click Enterprise Management > Tasks.
  2. For the Support setting, select Gather iHealth Diagnostics.
  3. Click Next.
  4. From the Device List, you can select a group of devices to narrow the number of devices displayed.
  5. In the User Name and Password fields, type the registered F5 Technical Support user name and password.
  6. For the Device Filter setting, you can select an option to display devices with a specific status. The Compatible Devices in Standby or Offline Mode table refreshes to display devices that meet the criteria of the option you selected.
  7. Select the check box next to the devices for which you want to gather configuration data.
  8. Click the Next button. The Task Options screen opens.
  9. From the Device Error Behavior list, select the action you want Enterprise Manager to take in the event that the task fails on one of the devices.
    • Continue task on remaining devices
    • Cancel task on remaining devices
  10. Click Next. The Task Summary screen opens.
  11. Click the Start Task button. The Task Properties page displays the progress for the task.
When the task completes, the Task Properties screen displays the Progress as Finished.

Creating an iHealth data collection schedule

Scheduling Enterprise Manager to perform a weekly data collection of iHealth diagnostics data ensures that your managed devices are working at peak efficiency and you are apprised of any upcoming system events.
  1. On the Main tab, click Enterprise Management > Tasks > Schedules.
  2. From the menu bar, click Schedules > iHealth Diagnostics.
  3. From the Collect Diagnostics Data list, select Weekly.
  4. From the Day of the Week and Start Time lists, select the day and time that you want Enterprise Manager to collect iHealth diagnostics data.
  5. Click Save Changes.
On the day and time specified, Enterprise Manager collects iHealth diagnostics data.
You can view iHealth diagnostics results on the iHealth Diagnostics screen.

Viewing iHealth diagnostics

iHealth diagnostics provides you with a snapshot of the health for the managed objects in your network and access to details about reported issues.
  1. On the Main tab, click Enterprise Management > Devices > iHealth Diagnostics. The iHealth Diagnostics screen opens.
  2. From the Show list, select an option to view devices specific to a severity level. The screen displays only the devices that match the severity level that you chose.
  3. To view the diagnostic details specific to a device, click the name of the device. The iHealth Diagnostics screen opens to display the specific details about the noted issues.