For example, let’s say we have a network of four Linux servers, two Unix servers, and one Cisco router. Here, if we use a template, we will need to make only three different templates: one for the Linux servers, one for the Unix servers, and one for the Cisco router. You may ask why we have to make a template for the Cisco router? We will make it so that we can use it later.
Cacti templates can be imported and exported via the Console under Import/Export. You can only import templates that have been created on a system that is at the same, or an earlier, version of Cacti.
At the end of this article, there is a list of third-party templates that can be imported.
Types of Cacti templates
Cacti templates are broken into two areas:
- Graph templates
- Host templates
In the above figure, under the Templates section, you will see the three types of templates that come with the Cacti basic installation. If you click on one of those links, you will get the complete list of templates for that type.
Graph templates
Graphs are used to visualize the data you have collected. A graph template provides a skeleton for an actual graph. When you have more then one system/device, a graph template will save you lots of time and also reduce the possibility of error. Any parameters defined within a graph template are copied to all the graphs that are created using this template.
Creating a graph template
Now, we are going to create a new graph template. Under the Templates heading, click on Graph Templates. A list of the already available graph templates will be shown. Click on the Add link in the top right corner. You will get a screen like this:
Here, you have to give the values that will be used in future to create the graph.
If you have checked Use Per-Graph Value (Ignore this Value), then every time while using this graph template to create a graph, you have to give an input for this option. It’s always best to enable this option for title field.
After filling all these fields, click on the Create button. The graph template will be created.
Now, we need to add a Graph Template Item and Graph Item Inputs to complete this graph template.
Graph Template Item
Graph template items are the various items that will be shown on the graph.
To add a graph template item, click on Add on the right side of the Graph Template Items box.
You will get this page. The following are the fields that can be filled in:
When creating a graph item, you must always start with an AREA item before using STACK; otherwise, your graph will not render.
Graph Item Inputs
The second box is Graph Item Inputs. Graph item inputs are the input source through which the data will be collected. To add a new graph item input, click on the Add link on the right side of the Graph Item Inputs box.
Below are the various fields that have to be filled out for a graph input item:
After completing all these fields, click on the Create button. Do this again to add more graph item inputs to this graph template.