Architecture – Plugins
Introduction
This section describes three complementary plugins used to enhance the capabilities of discovery, monitoring, and resource distribution in corporate environments: Netscan, SNMP, and ADW (Distribution Wizard).
Each component operates in a distinct layer of the management ecosystem, enabling administrators to expand monitoring coverage, gain visibility over network devices, and optimize the large-scale distribution of files and applications.
Netscan – Discovery of unmanaged devices
Netscan is a module integrated with the Desktop Agent that performs network scans to identify devices that do not have the Server Agent or Desktop Agent installed.
Its operation is based on scanning IP addresses within defined subnets, correlating responses from network protocols (such as ICMP and TCP) to determine the presence of unmanaged assets.
Technical example:
In a scenario where the subnet 192.168.10.0/24 has 250 devices, but only 180 are under management, Netscan detects the remaining 70 devices, which helps determine which devices should receive the appropriate agents.
SNMP – Collection of network device metrics and status
The SNMP plugin, installed alongside the Server Agent, uses the SNMPv2c protocol to query MIBs (Management Information Bases) and collect information about network devices, such as interface status, utilization metrics, and operational parameters.
Communication is carried out through SNMP GET and WALK requests on a minute-by-minute basis, enabling equipment monitoring without the need for proprietary agents.
Technical example:
A managed switch with 48 ports can have its per-interface traffic monitored via SNMP, enabling the identification of network bottlenecks or detection of inactive ports for cabling optimization.
ADW (Distribution Wizard) – LAN resource distribution
ADW is a plugin integrated with the Server Agent that enables the device to operate as a LAN distribution node, acting as a repository and broadcast point for files, installation packages, and scripts.
This approach reduces dependency on external links for mass distribution, leveraging the high transfer rate of the local network to deliver content to multiple endpoints simultaneously.
Technical example:
When deploying a 500 MB update to 100 workstations, instead of each machine downloading it individually from the internet, ADW replicates the package within the internal network, using multicast or multiple local unicast sessions, thereby reducing latency and preventing external link saturation.
