ConnectMaster Training

GUI & Filters

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Table of Contents
1 ConnectMaster Version 6.00 .......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Complete .NET Framework Integration .................................................................................. 1
1.2 The New Connect Master GUI ................................................................................................ 1
2 Connect Master GUI........................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Main Program Interface .......................................................................................................... 2
3 Navigation Area............................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Explorer ................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1.2 Exercise: Change the selection to understand this function .......................................... 4
3.1.3 Exercise: .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.4 Explorer Context Menus ................................................................................................. 7
3.1.5 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ....................................... 7
3.1.6 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ....................................... 8
3.1.7 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ....................................... 9
3.1.8 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ..................................... 10
3.1.9 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ..................................... 11
3.1.10 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ..................................... 12
3.1.11 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ..................................... 13
3.1.12 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality ..................................... 14
3.2 Tasks ...................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.1 Exercise: Create new Task ............................................................................................. 15
3.3 Projects ................................................................................................................................. 19
3.3.1 Exercise: Create new Project ........................................................................................ 19
4 Quick Access Area ......................................................................................................................... 23
4.1 Clipboard ............................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 Connection Sheet .................................................................................................................. 24
4.3 Quick Analysis Search............................................................................................................ 24
4.4 Info Feature........................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1 Exercise : Using Info Feature ......................................................................................... 25
4.5 Pre-settings ........................................................................................................................... 26
4.5.1 Exercise: ........................................................................................................................ 26
5 Visualisation Area.......................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.1 Exercise: ........................................................................................................................ 29

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6 Menu Bar....................................................................................................................................... 30
6.1 File Menu .............................................................................................................................. 30
6.1.1 Preferences ................................................................................................................... 30
6.1.2 File > Library .................................................................................................................. 30
6.1.3 File > Export/Import ...................................................................................................... 31
6.1.4 File > Windows > Protocol ............................................................................................ 31
6.1.5 File > Windows > New Window .................................................................................... 32
6.1.6 Exercise: Investigate possibilities with new window creation ...................................... 32
6.1.7 Exercise: Understand this feature................................................................................. 32
6.1.8 Exercise: Understand this feature................................................................................. 33
6.1.9 File > Windows > Menu................................................................................................. 33
6.1.10 File > Windows > Clear History ..................................................................................... 33
6.1.11 File > Windows > Close All ............................................................................................ 33
6.1.12 File > Windows > Reset all toolbars and docking windows .......................................... 33
6.2 Network Inventory ................................................................................................................ 34
6.2.1 Network Inventory > Location Structure ...................................................................... 34
6.2.2 Exercise: ........................................................................................................................ 35
6.2.3 Network Inventory > Components................................................................................ 35
6.2.4 Network Inventory > Category Searches ...................................................................... 35
6.2.5 Exercise: Try some Category based searches ............................................................... 36
6.2.6 Network Inventory > Groups ........................................................................................ 36
6.2.7 Location Groups ............................................................................................................ 37
6.2.8 Exercise: ........................................................................................................................ 37
6.2.9 Collections ..................................................................................................................... 37
6.2.10 Exercise: ........................................................................................................................ 37
6.2.11 Network Inventory > Lines > Cable Lines ...................................................................... 37
6.2.12 Network Inventory > Component Types ....................................................................... 37
6.3 Network Usage...................................................................................................................... 37
6.3.1 Network Usage > Physical Paths ................................................................................... 38
6.3.2 Network Usage > Signals ............................................................................................... 38
6.3.3 Network Usage > Section Trails .................................................................................... 39
6.3.4 Exercise: ........................................................................................................................ 39
6.3.5 Network Usage > Customer Connection ....................................................................... 39
7 Filters............................................................................................................................................. 40
7.1 Standard Filter Features........................................................................................................ 40

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7.1.1 Exercise: Create a Component Filter that has a Medium/Large amount of returned
records 43
7.1.2 Exercise: <do exercise and add screen shots> .............................................................. 46
7.2 Search Filters ......................................................................................................................... 49
7.2.1 Search: General ............................................................................................................. 49
7.2.2 Search: Location ............................................................................................................ 50
7.2.3 Search: Location groups ................................................................................................ 50
7.2.4 Search: Component types ............................................................................................. 51
7.2.5 Search: Component....................................................................................................... 52
7.2.6 Search: Port ................................................................................................................... 53
7.2.7 Search: Physical path .................................................................................................... 54
7.2.8 Search: Signal ................................................................................................................ 55
7.2.9 Search: Logical paths ..................................................................................................... 56
7.2.10 Search: IP addresses...................................................................................................... 57
7.2.11 Search: Events ............................................................................................................... 57
7.2.12 Search: Filters ................................................................................................................ 58

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1 ConnectMaster Version 6.00

1.1 Complete .NET Framework Integration
The previous version of ConnectMaster V550 was a combination of 2 programming languages:
1. W4GL run-time created by Ingress, and
2. .NET created by Microsoft.

W4GL had limitations and was the base language of V550. V550 users may have found issues with:
 Window Navigation and Control
 Menu bar and context menus
 The need to close windows in the order they were create

All these issues and more have been resolved by creating the entire system using the Microsoft .NET
Framework. The new development language has improved the look and feel of ConnectMaster as
well as made it easier to Navigate.

1.2 The New Connect Master GUI

The main goal of Version 6.00 was to port all existing functionality into the .NET framework. There is
some new functionality in the system however the major difference between the 2 versions is the
interface. This training manual will go through the functions and features of the new ConnectMaster
Version 6.00 interface.

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2 Connect Master GUI

2.1 Main Program Interface
The program interface is essentially divided into four areas:
 The Menu Bar
 The Navigation area
 The Quick access area
 The Visualisation area

Menu Bar

Navigation
area
Navigation
area

Visualisation area

Quick
access
area

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3 Navigation Area
The Navigation Area has 3 Features that can be viewed and changed by clicking on their respective
icons from the Navigation Area Toolbar. There are 3 Major sections to the navigation area

1. Toolbar – Where you select which feature you are using

2. Selection – Each Feature has its own selection drop down depending on the
3. Feature Area – Contents of the specific feature chosen

3.1 Explorer

Explorer allows the user to see a hierarchical tree based view of all the objects in each location
system, and it allows the user to navigate and visualise the data in the system.
Selection Drop Down

3.1.1.1 The selection drop down for explorer contains all the Location Systems
in Connect Master. Each location system is a way of hierarchically
displaying locations.

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3.1.2 Exercise: Change the selection to understand this function

Feature Area
The feature area of Navigator is split into 2 parts, on the top there is a search bar which will initiate a
global search within Connect Master.

Under the search bar is the tree view of the location system in the Selection Drop Down. As you
progress down the tree of locations you will be able to see Components and Logic that are in each
location as well as the sub-locations within that location.

When you reach the components you will see that the tree is separated out into component
categories. Under each category will be a list of all components in that category. If the object is a
Container / Network Element or Network Interface you will be able to see the tree of sub-
components (Elements) under that component.

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For Network Interfaces you will see the ports associated with the network interface under the tree
For Cables you will be able to see the other side of the cable in the name

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3.1.3 Exercise:
 Use the Search Bar to find components in your network
 Choose the object in Explorer you find to display it in the explorer tree view

 Now use the explorer tree view to find another object in the system

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3.1.4 Explorer Context Menus

Context menus are a way of displaying available functions for a specific object in the system. Each
item except for the Category headings has its own Context menu which is initiated by using the Right
Click of your mouse.

Location Context Menu

The Location Context menu has a number of functions that can be initiated from Explorer. Options
include:
Right Click> on Location Object

3.1.5 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

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Container Context Menu

The Container Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to Containers
Right Click> on Container Object

3.1.6 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

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Network Element Context Menu

The Network Element Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to
Network Elements:
Right Click> on Network Element Object

3.1.7 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

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Cable Context Menu

The Cable Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to Cables:
Right Click> on Cable Object

3.1.8 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

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Panel Context Menu

The Panel Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to Panel:
Right Click> on Panel Object

3.1.9 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

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Network Interface Context Menu

The Network Interface Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to
Network Interfaces:
Right Click> on Network Interface Object

3.1.10 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

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Splice Context Menu

The Splice Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to Splice objects:
Right Click> on Splice Object

3.1.11 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

Logic Context Menu

The Logic Context Menu is slightly different, and has all the functions relating to Logic:
Right Click> on Logic Object

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3.1.12 Exercise: Review these options and understand functionality

3.2 Tasks

Tasks are like a customisable Explorer and specifically used to help the user manage objects to be
used in Connection Sheet. The task object has not changed much in terms of features, but may not
be used as much now that explorer is here.
The Selection Drop Down in this feature will display all of the users tasks so that they are easily
accessible. There is a Toolbar at the top that has the following functions:

Add Location Group to the Task

Add Location(s) to the Task

Add Component(s) to the Task from selected location

Remove Select Object(s) from the Task

Show Logical Assignment Column (Statistics) on Components

Open selected object in Connection Sheet

Update Select Location Group with added locations

Refresh

View objects in Selection Drop Down

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3.2.1 Exercise: Create new Task

o From the Menu Bar, select Network Operation > Tasks > Create Task

o Operation Window will open in the Visualisation Area

o Select Insert Row and name your Task: e.g. My Task

o Click Save

 Select and Open Task in Task Navigator

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 Add Location Group to Task

 Select Location Group

 Click OK

 Remove Location Group

 Select Add Locations and tick the check boxes on Locations you want to select.

 Click OK

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 Select Add Components To Locations

A new Component Filter Window will open and will start with an automatic search for
existing components in the Selected Location.

 Select Container, and Click OK

 Components have now been loaded into the Task.

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 Select a Component and open In Connection Sheet (Using Button)

 Connection Sheet will open in Visualisation Area and Quick Access Area

 Select and Deselect Connection Sheet using Connection Sheet Symbol

 Change view back to Explorer

 End Exercise

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3.3 Projects

Projects is a feature of ConnectMaster that allows the user to group any number of objects that
relates to a specific project. It is structured in a sub-element called steps that allows you to separate
the project into smaller portions.
When you view a project using the Navigation Area you will see how the project is structured and
work with each of the objects in the project using the context menus.
You can use the Selection Drop Down to select the project you wish to view. You can also get a
context menu for that project by right-clicking on the Selection Drop down box once you have
selected a project, allowing you to edit and change to contents of the Project.

3.3.1 Exercise: Create new Project

o From the Menu Bar, select Network Operation > Projects…

o Operation Window will open in the Visualisation Area

o Select Insert Row and name your Project: e.g. My Project

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o Projects can be grouped by Project Leader and Customer

o If selected existing or new Companies, Departments or Persons used.

o Click Save

o Create some steps in the new Project

o Right Click on Project Name > To open Context Menu >Select Detail

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 Details window will open in Visualisation Area

 Select Contents TAB
o Ensure you rename the first step before creating new steps or adding items to that
step

o Rename all Steps and Click SAVE

o Add components to steps such as devices, cables, ducts, etc..

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4 Quick Access Area

The Quick Access Area has 5 Features that can be viewed and changed by clicking on their respective
icons from the Quick Access Toolbar. There are 3 Major sections to the Quick Access area

1. Toolbar – Where you select which feature you are using

2. Selected Feature Toolbar – Some features have a specific additional tool bar
3. Feature Window – Contents of the specific feature chosen

4.1 Clipboard

Clipboard is a feature that is used to save a reference to an object to an object to be used elsewhere,
e.g. tasks, connection sheet or as data entry for creating a new object.

Users can view the contents of the clipboard as well as edit or bring up the context menu for that
object.

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There are 2 ways of getting objects into your clipboard. The first is the same as it was in V5.50 the
second is new to V6.00

4.2 Connection Sheet

This feature is covered by the Connection Sheet Training later in this manual.

4.3 Quick Analysis Search

ConnectMaster has several Analysis Features that can be used to locate best paths/best objects in
the system based on certain criteria. The Quick Analysis Search allows a user to quickly enter details
for an analysis search and jump to the specific Analyser.

Below is a list of analysers

Physical Path Search – Used to find already connected Physical Paths between 2 locations

Duct Way Search – Used to find the best way of available connected ducts between 2
locations and to create a duct network drawing

Cable Way Search – Used to find a best way via cables with unused wires between 2
locations and to create a Cable network drawing

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Physical Path Ways – Used to find a best way via already Connected Physical Paths between
2 locations

Logical Way Search – Used to find the best logical path in unutilised logic circuits and to
create a logical network drawing

As well as the search features you will find these icons in the toolbar

Clear all selected items in the Feature Window

All you to select between Way Search and Network View (Drawings)

4.4 Info Feature

Info Feature works with features in the Navigation Area. Basically whatever object you have
highlighted in the Navigation Area information relating to that object will appear in the Info Window.

The info feature is very similar to Quick View in V5.50. In V6.00 Quickview is only available via
MapInfo (GEO) and Visio (Schematics).

4.4.1 Exercise : Using Info Feature

o Exercise: From the Quick Access Area, select Info Feature
 Navigate between Explorer, Task and Projects selecting different objects and seeing info
window change
 Try bringing up context menus on specific object references.

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4.5 Pre-settings
The function of this feature is to allow the user to predefine the key variables of objects so that
when they are created the new object will automatically have this variable set.

At the top of the feature you will see the “Use presettings” check box which is ticked when activated
and unticked when not activated

Under General you will find:

 Owner – Allows you to select a Company or Person from the Organisation Class. This will be
the Owner value on all objects created that have an Owner field.
 Used By – Allows you to select a Company or Person from the Organisation Class. This will be
the Used By value on all objects created that have a Used By field.
 Status – Allows you to select a Status. This will be the Status value on all objects created that
have a Status field.
 Project – Allows you to select a project from the existing projects. This will be the Project
that all objects created are apart of.

Signal
 Type – Allows you to select a Signal Type. This will be the type of all newly created signals
 Group – Allows you to select a Signal Group. All newly created signals will be part of this
Group

The symbol next to each option will show you what that item can or is already being used for.

4.5.1 Exercise:
 Sample each Presettings type creating different objects in the system
 Remember to turn “Use Presettings” On

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5 Visualisation Area

The Visualisation area is the main details area of ConnectMaster. This section of the system is
completely new and works similar to that of a Internet Browser application.
The area itself is used to display all the major data entry, searching reporting forms and has 2 main
features to help control and navigate them.

1. Current Bar/History Drop Down – Used to view a selectable history of all the forms you
have used in the past in order. This feature allows you to trace back and jump to any form
you have been to that you have not closed yet.

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2. Back and forward Buttons - Allows you to navigate like a browser and similar to the history.

3. Class Tabs – Each Class of form is grouped in a tab allowing you to jump between forms.
When there area multiple forms of that class open they will group together and show a
number of how many forms are open.

To change to a form in the under a class tab click on the black arrow. It will show all the open
forms under that class tab

When you want to close the forms or that tab use the X button on the tab. The tab needs to
be selected before the X will be visible

When there are multiple objects under the class tab and you press the X you will be able to
choose which ones you want to close. To close all selected forms at once press ok.

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Detaching Forms
In V600 any form that is in a TAB can be detached using the right click button. For Class TABs with
multiple forms, right-click on the black arrow then again on the form you wish to detach. Select New
main window, this feature is very useful for multi monitor setups.

Note: To re-dock the new window click on Blue arrow top right corner.

5.1.1 Exercise:
 Open a variety of forms using methods you already understand and navigate between them
 Detach windows and browse history etc.

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6 Menu Bar
The Menu Bar has been restructured into more concise format making it easier to find the options
and functions in ConnectMaster. The menu bar has the following menus:
 File
 Network Inventory
 Network Usage
 Network Analyse / Search
 Network Operation
 Network View
 Contacts

6.1 File Menu

The file menu contains the following and has

6.1.1 Preferences

Preferences is covered later in the manual

6.1.2 File > Library

The Library is where the base ConnectMaster configuration is done. It is now in its own section
rather than being available via a number of different menu bar and context operations. All the
options under this section of the system should be managed by the administrators and not relevant
to this course.

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6.1.3 File > Export/Import

Export and Import are functions that allow you to export data into XML for reuse within
ConnectMaster such as copying component instances/type between databases. All the options
under this section of the system should be managed by the administrators and not relevant to this
course.

6.1.4 File > Windows > Protocol

Protocol is a debug console that will explain operations happening in ConnectMaster and identify
issues in execution. This is a administration tool that is not covered in this course.

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6.1.5 File > Windows > New Window

ConnectMaster’s interface allows a lot more flexibility in how and where the windows appear.
Creating a New Window will give you a window for ConnectMaster that can be moved outside of the
original interface. There are 3 types of windows that can be created using this option.

6.1.5.1 Main Window

Creating a new main window will allow you to place any of the tabs you have in the main interface
into their own window. For example you may want to place your GEO and Visio Tabs into a separate
window so it can be displayed on a secondary monitor.

6.1.6 Exercise: Investigate possibilities with new window creation

 Open some Master Data Filters in the main screen
o Network/Analyse Search > Search Master Data >
 Open GEO
o Network View > GEO
 Open New Visio Schematic
o Network View > Schematics > Visio: New
 Open new Main Window
o File > Windows > New Window > Main Window
 Drag and Drop Tabs between Main Screen and new Main Window

6.1.6.1 MapInfo Window

We can also create a new MapInfo window that is separate from the Main Screen. Note: Only 1
MapInfo Tab can be used at any one time.

6.1.7 Exercise: Understand this feature

 Close MapInfo (GEO) window/tab if it is open
 Open new MapInfo window File > Windows > New Window > MapInfo Window

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6.1.7.1 Visio Window

We can also create a new Visio window that is separate from the Main Screen. Note: Only 1 Visio
Schematics Tab can be used at any one time.

6.1.8 Exercise: Understand this feature

 Close Visio (Schematics) window/tab if it is open
 Open new MapInfo window File > Windows > New Window > Visio Window

6.1.9 File > Windows > Menu

All the toolbars and menus can be customised and this menu enables the user to edit and change
the menu structure of ConnectMaster. This feature should be controlled by your administrators

6.1.10 File > Windows > Clear History

This option clears the history in the Current Bar/History Drop Down

6.1.11 File > Windows > Close All

This option will clear the history in the Current Bar/History Drop Down

6.1.12 File > Windows > Reset all toolbars and docking windows
Use this option if you want to reset all your menu and docking windows back to default

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6.2 Network Inventory

The Network Inventory menu has forms relating to the inventory side of ConnectMaster.

6.2.1 Network Inventory > Location Structure

This object gives a tree view of the location structure. It looks a lot like explorer except there are no
components underneath the locations.

From here you can see all location systems and locations in one spot.

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Menu has the option for Copy Networks function. Highlight site and select Copy Network
from menu

Expand all trees below selection

Collapse all trees below selection

Create Location

Create Sub Location

Details of Current Selection

Open Location Filter

Create Empty Location

Create Multiple locations using text generator

6.2.2 Exercise:
 Sample each of these functions using example data

6.2.3 Network Inventory > Components

This option opens the Components Filter under the Inventory Class TAB. More details on this filter is
covered in the filters section of the training.

6.2.4 Network Inventory > Category Searches

Category Based Inventory Searches are the menus between Container and Pipe. These are quick
links to the Components filter and can allow the user to quickly bring up a Category or Category
Group (Kind). The menu will change as new Category Groups are defined in the library.

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6.2.5 Exercise: Try some Category based searches

6.2.6 Network Inventory > Groups

Under Groups you will find 2 options Location Groups and Collections

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6.2.7 Location Groups

Location groups is a group feature for Locations. A location can be part of many groups and are used
to help define areas of relevance not covered by the location structure and reporting.

6.2.8 Exercise:
 Explore existing location groups
 Create new location groups
 Add/Remove elements of location groups
 Reporting on location groups

6.2.9 Collections
Collections are a more general grouping feature allowing you to group as many different objects as
you like into a single group. This feature is similar to projects and is used for defining relationships
between similar objects and reporting.

6.2.10 Exercise:
 Create new Collections
 Add and Remove items to collections.

6.2.11 Network Inventory > Lines > Cable Lines

Cable Lines are more functional then the other Group. Cable lines should have connectivity and
location relevance between each other so that they can be ordered and reported on.

6.2.12 Network Inventory > Component Types

Component Types are the configurable models that template specific inventory. This training does
not cover Component Types. However, should you need to know how to find them this is the menu
item, It will open a Component Type filter.

6.3 Network Usage

Network Usage contains all the forms relating to network usage. In ConnectMaster usage is a term
given to the usage of a Physical Path which is a string of Connected Components. When a path has a
usage on it, the components in that path will reflect the utilisation of the points on the each object.

Example: A pair of fibres between 2 STM-1 Cards going from TX to RX will be used by the STM-1
transmission running over those fibres.

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6.3.1 Network Usage > Physical Paths

Physical Paths are a collection of pointed objects in order of their respective connectivity. A Physical
path can be created and run via the following Component Categories:

Component Category Connectivity Description

Cable Through Connectivity from Left Points < Distance of Cable > Right Points
Card/Network Interface Start of a Port > Left Connectivity only no through connectivity*
End Device End of Physical Path > Right Connectivity only no though connectivity
Strip/Panel Through Connectivity from Left Points to Right Points
Terminal Strip Through Connectivity from Left Points to Right Points
T-Splice/Joints Through Connectivity from Left Points to Left Centre to Right Centre to Right
Point

Extending Physical Paths is done via Connection Sheet

Pressing this option from menu bar will open the Physical Paths filter. Covered in Filters section of
the training.

6.3.2 Network Usage > Signals

This option will open the Signal filter allowing you to search for a Signal. Signals are used as
unstructured logic and can be added to any Physical Path. Common uses for signals are:

 Reservation of physical network (ie Fibres)

 Fibre Services that have no active equipment involved
 Fibre Monitoring Devices

The Signals Filter is covered in the filters section.

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6.3.3 Network Usage > Section Trails

Depending on active modules you can see up to 5 options in this menu:
 SDH/PDH
 WDM
 IP/Ethernet
 VF
 CW/CWH

Each of these is a Type of logical network modelling techniques. Selecting any of these options will
open the Logical Filter with the selected technique as the filter criteria (Shows only logical objects of
that technique).
The Logical filter will be covered in the filters sections

6.3.4 Exercise:
 Open all SDH/PDH logical objects

6.3.5 Network Usage > Customer Connection

Customer Connections are a way of representing Customer Traffic. This option takes you to the
Logical Filter with Customer Connection as the Kind.
The Logical filter will be covered in the filters sections

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7 Filters
Filters are used in ConnectMaster to find and report on objects. Each type of object has its own
filter, eg Locations, Components, Logic. All filter types have specific features unique to the type of
object it is filtering. There are some features that are common to all filters:

7.1 Standard Filter Features

Take the below Components filter as an example

Filter Type
Name of the Filter Type

Save and Print

Save and Print options associated with the Filter

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Filter Menu
Contains a list of options available to filters

 Load – Load previously Saved filters

 Combine With – Cross reference against another filter
 My filter – Define if it appears in your “My Filter” List
 Back – Jump to previously run filter
 And / or – Chooses whether the filter is filtering deferent fields in an And or an Or behaviour
 Save – Save current filter
 Reset – Reset all fields
 Advanced – Turns on the Operators for each field. Table of possible operators below

Operation Description
Empty Field must be empty
Not empty Field must have any content
= Field must match criteria
<> Show all records that do not match this criteria

 Columns – Number of Columns the Permanent Fields are to be set out in.

Filter Properties
This option will show you all the properties (Fields) which can be configured to define your filter.
Each Filter Type has different properties and some properties only apply to some sub-set objects.

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Filter Properties (Fields) are separated into groups to help find them. The values are entered on the
right side of the window. The Permanent Check Box allows you to choose if it is visible on the main
filter form and the active check box indicates if the Property is in use for this filter.

Search Button
When your filter has been defined you press the Search button to fetch the results.

View Menu
Options in this menu include
 Attribute columns – Show all attribute columns in results
 Cost Columns – Show all cost related columns in results
 Statistics- Show all Statistics columns in results

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7.1.1 Exercise: Create a Component Filter that has a Medium/Large amount

of returned records
 Add and remove fields from the permanent section

 Add attribute columns

 Save the filter

 Change the Filter> Select Network Analyze/Search> Component

 Go back to previous filter using back option

 Close Filter window

 Re-open and select the filter you saved

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View Options
Next to your record count is the View Options. The View Options

 Print – Will send the current list to the printer

 Save Data As – Provides a number of output formats to save the data as
 Grouping – Options relating to grouping
 Adjust Column Width automatically – To fit window
 View -
o Adjust Row Height
o Show All Columns
o Restore saved view – Restores your default saved view
o Reset View – to Default
 Save View – Saves the current view as your default including
o Columns and the order of columns
o Permanent List
 Show/Hide columns – Opens the column chooser

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Columns
Using Column chooser to drag and drop columns is the best way to add and remove columns. You
can also just drag a column off the filter to remove it. You can click on a column to alternate sorting
between A-Z and Z-A sorts.
Columns also have a context menu which is activated by right clicking on the Column and has the
following:

 Sorts at the top

 Group By Options – By Column or by Box
 Column Options
 Filter Editor – Edit Properties of the column filter
 Lock – Freeze a column to the right or left when scrolling
 Markers – Colour records

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7.1.2 Exercise: <do exercise and add screen shots>

 Try some sorting
 Save your filter in Excel and view it
 Create some grouping using the Group by Box
 Change your view and columns around and Save View
 Group by Column using context menu
 Lock a column and scroll
 Mark some Columns

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Column Results Filter

Once you have a result set in your filter you can use the column filters to filter the results more.
These work very similar to Excel Auto Filters and are activated by clicking on the small filter button in
the top right of the column name.

Auto-Filter Results Filter

The auto filter is another method for filtering results. This filter opens a bar under each column for
free text and drop down boxes for each field. The results will change as you type them.

Results Filter Status Bar

When a results filter is activated you will see a status bar appear down the bottom of the results list.
This status bar shows what is currently being filtered. The check box will allow you to turn the filter
on and off while the X button will clear the results filter altogether.

Context menus in Results

If the field in the results of a filter is referencing another CM object then you can activate that
objects context menu by right clicking on that object.

Bulk Changes
Some fields like status can be changed in bulk. To do this highlight the records and click to edit one
of the records. If you see a drop down you can click on it to see the possible values that can be set.
When you change the value all the values for that field in each record will change.

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Filter Functions Toolbar

The filter function toolbar will change from filter to filter however every filter has these common
functions.

 Show Auto Filter – Activate auto filter

 Adjust all column widths – To fit screen
 Insert Row
 Add Multiple Rows (Not applicable to all filters)
 Delete
 Copy to Clipboard
 Open Details Form

 Create a filter
 Use a column filter to filter the results some more
 Use an auto-filter
 Place multiple filters on at the same time
 Toggle the filters using the Results Filter Status Bar
 Clear Filter using the Results Filter Status Bar
 Open the details of a Component Type by using the context menu on the field
 Select multiple records and bulk change the status
 Add a record – Pick a component
 Delete that component
 Copy a component to Clipboard
 Select a component and open the details for it

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7.2 Search Filters

Symbol Name Description

General Search any ConnectMaster objects according to general
criteria like e.g. description or status.
Location Location search according to defined criteria.

Location group Search special location groups.

Component type Search special component types.

Components Search special components.

Port Port search

Physical path Search special physical paths.

Signal Signal search.

Logical paths Search special logical elements.

IP addresses IP network search

Events Search for events

Filters Search saved filters.

7.2.1 Search: General

A search for all ConnectMaster objects can be carried out with the filter “General” . The required
information can be determined according to the following search criteria:

Criterion Description
Name Search for one/several specific object names.
Description Search for a specific object description.
Status Search for a defined object status.
Owner(s) Search for one/several specific object owners.
Used by Search for one/several organisations that are leasing an object.
Attributes Search for specific attributes.
[Drawing] Search for objects that are placed in a specific drawing (only with drawing
administration module); please refer to “Drawing Administration”.
At least one criterion must be defined. Any number of parameter combinations can be used.

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7.2.2 Search: Location

With the filter “Location”, the information search is limited only to the locations. The required
information can be determined according to the following search criteria:

Criterion Description
General search criteria.
Full name Search for locations with defined names.
Description Search for location description.
Location type Search for locations of a specific location type.
Status Search for locations with specific statuses.
Attributes Search for specific attributes.
Search criteria structure.
Location systems Search for locations in a specific location system.
Location levels Search for locations of a specific location level.
Location groups Search for locations within defined location groups.
Reduce locations to Only the locations of the corresponding level are displayed under which
level the searched locations are based.This can also lead to groupings.

Address data
Room
Floor
Street
Number Search for locations with specific address data
Street
Postcode
Country
Use search criteria
In use Search for locations that are used in ConnectMaster (e.g. include components)
Components Search for locations that include specific components
[Drawing] Search for locations that are included in specific drawings (only with drawing
administration module); see Drawing Administration.

7.2.3 Search: Location groups

With the filter “Location groups”, the display is limited only to the created
location groups.

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7.2.4 Search: Component types

With the filter “Component type”, the information search can be restricted to the component types.
The required information can be determined according to the following search criteria:

Criterion Description
Name Search for component types with defined names.
Description Search for component type description.
Categories Search for components of a specific category.
Kind Search for component types of a specific kind.
Attributes Search for specific attributes.
Component type group Search for component types that belong to one/several component
type groups.

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7.2.5 Search: Component

With the filter “Component”, the information search is limited only to the components. The required
information can be determined according to the following search criteria:

Criterion Description
General search criteria.
Name Search for component with defined names.
Description Search for component description.
A/Z location Search for components in a specific location.
Categories Search for components of a specific category.
Component type Search for components of a specific component type.
Filter for component types Search for specific component types.
Kind Search for component of a specific kind.
Owner(s) Search for components of specific owners.
Used by Search for components that are leased by specific organisations.
Status Search for components with a specific status.
Attributes Search for specific component attributes.
[Drawings] Search for components that are placed in a specific drawing (only with
drawing administration module); please refer to “Drawing
Administration”.

Structure
Top components/elements Search for components that are either top components or
elements.
Elements Search for components that include specific elements.
Subordinate components Search for components that are included in a specific
component.
Container allocations A/Z Search for components that are/ are not allocated to a
location container in A and/or Z location.

Additional filters (depending on the category)

Resistance [ohm] Search for components with defined resistance in ohm.

Attenuation [dB] Search for components with attenuation in dB.
Utilisation (point/wire) [%] Search for components with defined utilisation (equation: number
of patched points/wires in relation to number of all points/wires)
in %).
Utilisation (usage) [%] Search for components with defined usage capacity (equation:
number of used points/wires in relation to number of patched
points/wires) in %).

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Cable-specific filters
Length[m] Search for cables with defined length in meters.
Fibre leasing Search for cables whose fibres are leased by specific organisations.
Fibre owner(s) Search for cables whose fibres are leased by specific owners.
Card-specific filters
Port empty Search for cards with a defined number of not created ports (difference between
spaces ports specified by type and actually created ports of the card).
Port usages Search for cards with ports that are used with signals or transport containers.

Connections
Cross- Search for components that have cross-connections to components
connections/Categories of specific categories.
Number of patched Search for components that are cross-connected with a defined
components number of components.
Physical paths Search for components that are included in a defined number of
physical paths.
Usage
Usages Search for components with (any) usage.
Signals Search for components with defined signals.
Transport containers Search for components used with defined transport containers.

7.2.6 Search: Port

With the filter “Port”, the information search is limited only to the ports of cards. The required
information can be determined according to the following search criteria:

Criterion Description
Name Search for ports with defined names.
Capacities Search for ports with specific capacities.
MUX Search for ports of a specific MUX.
Card Search for ports of a specific card.
Attributes Search for specific attributes.
Kind Search for ports that are defined as inner or/and outer ports.
Port usage Search for ports with a specific type of usage (bundle, signal, TC).
Signals Search for ports that are used with specific signals.
Type Search for ports of a specific type (Access, Trunk, MPSL Access/Network).
Location Search for ports in a specific location.

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7.2.7 Search: Physical path

With the filter “Physical path”, the information search is limited only to the physical paths. The
required information can be determined according to the following search criteria:
Criterion Description
General search criteria.
Name Search for paths with defined names.
Description Search for path description.
Status Search for paths with specific statuses.
Owner(s) Search for paths of one/several specific owner(s).
Used by Search for paths that are leased by one/several organisation(s).
Attributes Search for specific attributes.
Cross-connection Search for paths with a defined number of cross-connections.
Resistance Search for paths with defined overall resistance.
Attenuation Search for paths with defined overall attenuation.
[Drawing] Search for paths that are included in defined drawings (only with drawing
administration module); please refer to “Drawing Administration”.
Linear Search only for linear paths (without branches).

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Location search criteria that are applicable to the locations of a path.

Start Start location of the physical path.
End End location of the physical path.
Routing via Path includes the “routing via” locations.
Exclude Path does not include any “Exclude” location.
Location search criteria that are applicable to the components of a path.
Categories Search for paths that are only made up of components of specific categories.
Component Search for paths that are only made up of components of specific component
types types.
Routing via Search for paths that are only made up of specific components.
End components Search for paths with specific end components.
Ports Search for paths with specific card ports.
Cable search criteria that are applicable to the cables of a path.
Only cable path Search only for cable paths.
Cable type Search for paths with cables of a specific cable type.
Fibre leasing Search for paths with fibres that are leased to specific organisations.
Fibre owner(s) Search for paths with fibres that belong to specific owners.
Coil-loading Search for paths with defined overall coil-loading.
Size Search for paths with specific fibre sizes.
Length[m] Search for paths with defined total length of all cables in [m].
Utilisation Search for paths including cables with defined percentile utilisation (patched
(point/wire) [%] fibres/overall dimension).
Utilisation Search for paths including cables with defined percentile utilisation of usage
(usage) [%] (patched fibres/overall dimension).

Usage search criteria that are applicable to the usages of a path.

Usages Search for paths with specific usage types.
Signals Search for paths with specific signals.
Transport containers Search for paths with specific transport containers.

Attenuation search criteria that are applicable to the attenuation of a path.

Lambda 1 -5 Search for paths with defined lambda 1 – 5 values.
Attenuation (Cu) Search for paths with specific attenuation of copper cables.

7.2.8 Search: Signal

Signals can be searched using the “Signal” filter. The required information can be determined
according to the following search criteria:

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Criterion Description
General search criteria
Name Search for signals with defined names.
Description Search for signal description.
Signal Search for signals of specific services.
categories
Signal types Search for signals of specific service types.
Signal groups Search for signals in specific signal groups.
Attributes Search for signals with specific attributes.
Usages
Components Search for signals available on specific components.

7.2.9 Search: Logical paths

The filter “Logical paths“ is only available if the ConnectMaster additional module “Logical Network
Manager” was implemented.
With the filter “Logical paths”, only information pertaining to the logical paths is searched. The
required information can be determined according to the following search criteria:
Criterion Description
General
Name Search for the name of the logical element underlying the logical path.
Description Search for the description of the logical element.
Only top level Search for transport containers located on the higher level, i.e. which do
not exist in subordinate transport containers.
Unrelated paths Search for log. paths with routing gaps.
Type Search for logical paths of a specific type.
Technology Search for logical paths of a specific technology.
Capacity Search for logical paths with defined capacity.
Status Search for logical paths with specific statuses.
Owner(s) Search for logical paths of specific owners.
Used by Search for logical paths used by specific users.
Attributes Search for logical paths with specific attributes.

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Location search criteria that are applicable to the locations of a path.

Location A Search for logical paths beginning/ending in Location A.
Location Z Search for logical paths beginning/ending in Location Z.
Location Search for logical paths running via specific locations.
Component
Used by Search for logical paths used by specific users.
Status Search for logical paths with specific statuses.
Attributes Search for logical paths with specific attributes.
Usages
Component Search for logical paths running via specific components.

7.2.10 Search: IP addresses

With the filter “IP addresses”, only information pertaining to the IP networks is searched. The required
information can be determined according to the following search criteria:
Criterion Description
General
Network Search for IP address of the network.
Network name Search for name of IP network.
Function Search for functional description of the IP network.

7.2.11 Search: Events

With the filter “Events”, only information pertaining to Events is searched.

The required information can be determined according to the following
search criteria:
Criterion Description
General
Name Search for name of event.
Description Search for the description of the event.
Start Search for the start date of an event.
End Search for the end date of an event.
Type Search for the type of an event.
Created Search for the user that created the event.
Changed Search for the user that modified the event.
Elements
Components Search events applying to specific components
Transport Search events applying to specific transport
containers containers
Physical paths Search events applying to specific physical paths

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7.2.12 Search: Filters

With the filter “Filters”, saved filters can be searched. The required information can be
determined according to the following search criteria:
Criterion Description
Name Search for filters with defined names.
Type Search for filter type.
Active user Search all filters of a defined active user.
Description Search for filter description.

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