[Feature Request] Hypervisors

[modem7]

Heya,

Some people have hypervisors on their network, and as such, things like virtual machines and containers can't be attached on the network page as there is no option to do so (as these items aren't connected to a switch/router/access point).

My request is as follows:

• Under Network, allow the ability to create an entry for Hypervisor and Container (much like one would do for WLAN/Powerline). Container would cover things like Docker and Kubernetes with MACVLAN.
• Under Connection Type, allow for two additional labels such as "Virtual Machine" and "Container" (the latter would cover LXC, Docker and Kubernetes MACVLAN containers).

Allow the ability to attach the VM/Container to the Hypervisor (much like one would do with WLAN) under Network.

[modem7]

Whilst there is an argument to be made that containers are technically services rather than nodes/machines, they do show up on the network diagram if one has set them up with MACVLAN so they have their own vNIC.

For example, these are some LXC containers I've created on Proxmox which show up on the network diagram as they have their own vNIC:

And here is my list of Virtual Machines and LXC containers:

[leiweibau]

I also use different hypervisors in my network. I have handled it by assigning the VMs to the same port as the hypervisor. When doing this, the hosts/VMs are listed one below the other. Of course, I also understand the desire to display the VMs separately. I'll give that some thought.

[modem7]

I wasn't aware you could do that.

Your method would be suitable (although I would recommend the VM/Container labels for Connection Type).

It all depends on your viewpoint and obviously the cost/benefit on the rework.

[leiweibau]

Adding 1-2 labels and extending the code is a bit of work, but it's not too much. And there is no pressure, because this is a freetime project.

However, a rewrite will not happen so soon, because the presentation at the end looks simple, but the creation of the page is so convoluted that I have no motivation for the time being.

[modem7]

That makes sense!

It makes sense to keep it on the backburner for now until such a time it becomes viable or someone with suitable python experience puts a PR in.

The method you've mentioned above works fine for the moment, so I appreciate that!

[leiweibau]

Adding labels should be possible with the next update in the next 1-2 weeks. If I have any questions, I will get back to you here.

Just to give a short explanation why this page "creeps me out" a bit 😉.

So that I don't have to make database queries again and again for the creation of the page and thus possibly block the scan, I load different tables in arrays. These are then used to generate the tabs and the content of the tabs. Thereby further arrays with arrays in them are created which are later read out again. In addition, there is the array for the different languages and arrays for exceptions such as the manual port configuration. To make it short: This page is a mountain of arrays whose content changes dynamically.

[modem7]

To make it short: This page is a mountain of arrays whose content changes dynamically.

Jeez, I can absolutely see why. I shuddered at the explanation, and was very thankful I'm a backend engineer!

[leiweibau]

Here is a preview. Some tweaks are not done yet.

New Tab:

New Device Type:

Selection:

[modem7]

Oh that looks absolutely perfect!

[leiweibau]

Update released with https://github.com/leiweibau/Pi.Alert/commit/37b6b1e7a051dec1668b86bea410f37ef4feb055

[modem7]

Works perfectly, will close as complete.

Thank you very much for the massively quick turnaround!