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Distribution

The Distribution page spreads network traffic and server loading by executing agent procedures evenly throughout the day or a specific block of time in a day. Applies to agent procedures currently scheduled to run on a recurring basis only.

Note: Recurring procedures listed here include function-specific procedures that are not visible as agent procedures in the Schedule / Create folder tree, such as procedures created using a Patch Management wizard.

Procedures can cause excessive network loading by pushing large files between the KServer and agent. Performing these operations with hundreds of agents simultaneously may cause unacceptable network loading levels.

Procedure Histograms

The system plots a histogram for each procedure currently scheduled to run on a recurring basis. Setting the histogram period to match the recurring interval of the procedure counts how many machines execute the procedure in a specific time interval. Peaks in the histogram visually highlight areas where a lot of machines are trying to execute the procedure at the same time. Click a peak to display a popup window listing all machine IDs contributing to that peak load. Use the controls, described below, to reschedule the procedure such that the network loading is spread evenly over time. Only machine IDs currently matching the Machine ID / Group ID filter are counted in the histogram.

Reschedule selected procedure evenly through the histogram period

Pick this radio control to reschedule selected procedures running on all machines IDs currently matching the Machine ID / Group ID filter. Procedure execution start times are staggered evenly across the entire histogram period.

Reschedule selected procedure evenly between <start time> and <end time>

Pick this radio control to reschedule selected procedures running on all machines IDs currently matching the Machine ID / Group ID filter. Procedure execution start times are staggered evenly, beginning with the start time and ending with the end time.

Run recurring every <N> <periods>

This task is always performed as a recurring task. Enter the number of times to run this task each time period.

Skip if Machine Offline

Check to perform this task only at the scheduled time, within a 15 minute window. If the machine is offline, skip and run the next scheduled period and time. Uncheck to perform this task as soon as the machine connects after the scheduled time.

Distribute

Click the Distribute button to schedule selected procedures, using the schedule parameters you've defined.

Note: The procedure recurring interval is replaced with the histogram period.

Select Histogram Period

Selects the schedule time period to display histograms.

Histogram Plots

Each recurring procedure displays a histogram of all the machine IDs that are scheduled to run that procedure within the selected histogram period. Only machine IDs currently matching the Machine ID / Group ID filter are counted in the histogram.

Above the histogram is a:

  • Procedure name - name of the procedure. Check the box next to the procedure name to select this procedure for distribution.
  • Peak - the greatest number of machines executing the procedure at the same time.
  • Total - total number of machines executing the procedure.