Proposal: Introduce Custom Field for BMC Power Status in Netbox-sync

[sh0x]

Issue

Currently, in Netbox-sync, the BMC power status is synchronized with the management status in Netbox. While Netbox's management status is designed for inventory provisioning purposes (Offline, Active, Planned, Staged, Failed, Inventory), it's being utilized by netbox-sync to represent the server power status.

https://github.com/bb-Ricardo/netbox-sync/blob/main/module/sources/check_redfish/import_inventory.py#L217

Proposal

I suggest implementing a custom field specifically for the BMC power status instead of repurposing the device management status field. This separation would maintain clarity and prevent the BMC power status from conflating with device management statuses.

Reasoning

By introducing a dedicated field for BMC power status, we ensure that both the server's operational state and its management status remain distinct and accurately represented within Netbox. This separation enhances clarity and avoids potential confusion or misinterpretation of device statuses.

Benefits

1. Clarity: Users can easily differentiate between the server's power status and its management status, facilitating better understanding and management of devices.
2. Flexibility: Having a custom field allows for future expansions or modifications specific to BMC power status without impacting other aspects of device management.
3. Consistency: Adhering to Netbox's intended use of management status promotes consistency across the platform and aligns with established conventions.

Conclusion

By implementing a dedicated field for BMC power status, we can enhance the clarity and maintain the integrity of device management within Netbox, ensuring a more intuitive and efficient experience for users.

[bb-Ricardo]

Hi,

This sounds reasonable, will try to change this behavior as described.

[bb-Ricardo]

Hi @sh0x,

really sorry, it's almost a year. But I finally pushed a change which implements exactly this behaviour.

Would be happy if you could try the development branch and see if this is what you expected (if you even still use this repo).

[sh0x]

It works great, thanks for implementing it!

[bb-Ricardo]

Are you actually working at VMware?

[sh0x]

Yes I'm still there :)

[bb-Ricardo]

I just read that more then half of the employees have been booted sincethe takeover, which is crazy.

So you're telling me that VMware itself is using this project?

[sh0x]

I'm using check_redfish and netbox-sync to sync redfish data for ~1,500 servers we manage (Dell, HP, Lenovo), works great!

[bb-Ricardo]

Wow, great to hear. Didn't anticipate this when I started this project 😅. And these days, both projects are just a hobby of mine as I shifted my work focus.

[patschi]

Didn't anticipate this when I started this project 😅.

I've heard from multiple customers/friends using your project in their companies; it's a really valuable addition to netbox. I'm personally using it for my HomeLab and helps me to keep an overview (let's say, the lab "it escalated quickly"...)

But also interesting to hear that VMware/Broadcom is using it too. Definitely an achievement - but honestly well deserved!

[bb-Ricardo]

Didn't anticipate this when I started this project 😅.

I've heard from multiple customers/friends using your project in their companies; it's a really valuable addition to netbox. I'm personally using it for my HomeLab and helps me to keep an overview (let's say, the lab "it escalated quickly"...)

But also interesting to hear that VMware/Broadcom is using it too. Definitely an achievement - but honestly well deserved!

Thank you for the kind words. It's great to here that people appreciate this work.