Overwriting vs. Appending Custom Attributes
When the Overwrite Existing Attributes option is selected, all existing custom (user defined) patterns are deleted from the system’s database and replaced with those in the upload file. When the Overwrite Exiting Attributes option is cleared, custom patterns already in the system are preserved and those with patterns matching patterns in the upload file are updated to the values in the latest upload. Clear the box when you want to add new or update existing patterns without deleting those patterns already in the database.
When a pattern having the same pattern as one already in the system is uploaded, the newly uploaded entry will replace the existing pattern in the database.
What affect do these options have?
| IF the upload file contains | AND the Overwrite checkbox is | Custom attribute from upload file | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unique Label:Value |
Checked | Is added to Asset Manager custom attributes | Adds CIDR:Label:Value to Asset Manager |
| Unique Label:Value |
Cleared | Is added to Asset Manager custom attributes | Can be used to label a single CIDR with multiple custom attributes. |
| Duplicate CIDR:Label:Value | Checked | Overwrites Asset Manager custom attribute with identical custom attribute (no net change) | Has no affect on the attribute list |
| Duplicate CIDR:Label:Value | Cleared | Appends Asset Manager custom attribute with identical custom attribute, then drops the duplicate (no net change) | Has no affect on the attribute list |
| Unique CIDR, Duplicate Label:Value | Checked | Overwrites current CIDR:Label:Value with newly uploaded CIDR:Label:Value | Updates/replaces the CIDR associated with a Label:Value pair |
| Unique CIDR, Duplicate Label:Value | Cleared | Appends unique CIDR, duplicate Label:Value to Asset Manager's list of custom attributes | Use to associate a Label:Value with multiple CIDRs |
This page takes a closer look using sample custom attribute files that are attached to this page.
Append Custom Attributes
Here's how:
- Browse to Settings > Zones.
- In the Available Zones column, select a zone.
- Select the Custom Attributes tab.
- Input or upload a list of attributes containing entries for the IP/CIDR address, Label, and Value.
- Click Upload.
- Browse to and then select a file of additional attributes you would like to upload such as "region_attributes.txt. "
- Clear the Overwrite checkbox. This toggles the functionality from "overwrite" to "append."
Select "Yes" to replace all existing patterns with those in your upload file. Select "No" to preserve unique custom patterns already in the system while updating the values of patterns matching patterns in your upload. Uploaded patterns take precedence." - Click Save Custom Attributes.
A warning will display. - Click OK.
The resulting list of custom attributes contains all the entries from both attributes files, even those having the same CIDRS. Using this method, you can label a single CIDR with multiple custom attributes.
Other Considerations
- If you upload a /32, the /32 part of the CIDR notation will be dropped.
- If you upload a /32 but accidentally input it as a /16, the system will replace the entry with a /16 CIDR. For example, a 10.9.0.6/16 will import to 10.9.0.0./16.
- Entries are case-sensitive and space-sensitive: Berries, berries, and Berrie s, will all be treated as different attributes.