netOctopus 4.0 has three methods that you may use to contacts netOctopus agent machines that have changed dynamic IP addresses.
- Use the notification system.
The built-in notification system is the best way to keep track of agent machines as their IP addresses change. When the notification system is turned on, a netOctopus agent will automatically updates its record in the Administrator's Computers window whenever the agent's IP address changes. For detailed instructions on using the Notification system please see your netOctopus manual or netOctopus Help menu in version 4.x
- Update Computer Info command
If the agent computer's IP address has changed, but you know it is still located on the same IP subnet, you can select the computer in the Computers window of the Administrator console and issue an "Update Computer Information" command. This command will issue a broadcast to the local subnet, and if the agent's new IP address is on this subnet, it will be updated in the Administrator console.
- Re-Scan the Subnet/Zone containing the agent.
If you re-scan the subnet/zone containing the agent you wish to locate, the agent's IP address will be automatically updated in the Computers window, as long as the agent's new IP address is in that same subnet/zone.
How do I know which method should I use?
The Notification System is the preferred method of receiving update as agent IP addresses change. Notification works no matter what part of the IP network the agent may be located. On the other hand, the Update Computer Info method will only work when the agent remains on the same subnet. It will not work for agent computers on different subnets. The third method, rescanning the zone/subnet is generally an inefficient way of searching for agents with updated IP addresses because it generates extra traffic, but if you know the agent is somewhere in your pre-defined zone, this method will locate the agent.