It’s time for the latest release of the NetStork network inventory system. In version 14.3 we have focused on making work with the program even faster and more efficient. The improvements are a response to the most frequently reported needs of our users. Read the article and find out how NetStork changes to streamline your work with telecommunications networks.
Conditional and descriptive expressions wizard – more efficient and simpler work in the system
The wizard was created in response to requests from users who were confused when trying to construct expressions manually, especially as the number of functions utilizing expressions has grown. This new feature makes creating queries and descriptive expressions simpler while minimizing errors – common when constructing expressions manually. It also streamlines the work of less advanced NetStork users. How so?
Key Benefits of the Expressions Wizard:
- No Syntax Knowledge required – the user is guided step-by-step through the process of creating an expression and selects only the operations possible in a given context,
- No data model knowledge required – all attributes, dictionaries and relationships are automatically calculated and prompted,
- No knowledge of the database required – all dictionary values are retrieved from the database and presented to the user to choose from.
- Built-in help – there’s no need of using the documentation to understand how a function works and what its parameters are,
- Error prevention – the feature automatically takes care of the expression syntax, closing previously opened parentheses, etc., making it virtually impossible to make a mistake,
- Entire expression presented in a multiline form – it allows you to control complex expressions more easily,
- Two modes of operation: descriptive and advanced. In descriptive mode, keywords and function names are translated and more descriptive making them easier to understand for a novice user.
- Built-in Undo/Redo function
- Allows changes in any part of an already completed expression
NetStork 14.3: Expressions Wizard
New DXF/DWG loader – new data import capabilities
In NetStork 14.3, we have completely redesigned the DXF/DWG data import engine, addressing user feedback and eliminating prior limitations such as the restriction to load only consistent network (only nodes connected by segments).
It is now possible to load non-terminated sections and even pure line data. So now NetStork allows you to:
- Import terminal lines, that is, mostly lines not terminated by any point object. You can specify the template for a terminal node separately.
- Import of ordinary line data, that is, data that does not contain any points. In this case, nodes are established by terminating more than two sections in a single point.
Thanks to the improved complexity class of the algorithm, the loader’s performance has also significantly increased. As a consequence, the restrictions on the size of imported documents have been removed.
NetStork 14.3: Import of connections from a sample DXF document
Modeling multiple connections to a location – more accurate network modeling
Version 14.3 of NetStork gives you the ability to model more than one connection leading to the same premises. For example, if two or more fibers are brought to a premises, now they can all be inventoried in the system. The same applies to connections made via patch-panel or Ethernet technology.
NetStork 14.3: Premises editor with information about two connected fibers
More efficient work with network logic diagrams
NetStork 14.3 introduces improved the drawing of cables connecting particular optical schemes in the logic diagram. The cables no longer overlap neighboring schemas and do not cover their contents. As a result, it is now possible to position adjacent schematics freely, regardless of the position of the cables, and to arrange the schemas more efficiently to fit them on a single sheet (e.g., for printing purposes).
NetStork 14.3: Logical network diagram with arranged diagrams in a grid layout
Geometry preview – efficient verification of network data on the map
In NetStork 14.3, we added a tool that allows you to quickly preview geometry on a map. It is especially useful when you need to visualize and verify line data stored as a list of WGS84 coordinates.
NetStork 14.3: View of linear geometry on a map
Additional Features and Improvements in Version 14.3
Here are some other changes introduced to improve work in the NetStork network inventory system:
- New attributes: External ID, Physical Status, Technical Status for Device and Card.
- Improved zoom when searching for addresses using the search engine in the desktop and WEB applications,
- WEB application: the size of the diagram opened in a new tab is now automatically calculated so that the diagram is always legible.
- CSV Reports: Enable using multiple aggregation functions for a given grouping.
- CSV Reports: The new aggregating function Unique Values displays all unique values for a given group.
Discover NetStork 14.3
Try out the latest features and see how NetStork 14.3 can enhance your network design and inventory workflows: