Running a blackout

After you define the blackout, PATROL Agent validates the configuration information for a PATROL object and runs blackout functions. The product also generates events as described in Events generated.

When PATROL Agent starts up

PATROL Agent scans the blackout subtree and validates the blackout configuration information for all specified PATROL objects. For each valid object, the product checks the blackout configuration to determine whether the time specified in the associated blackout configuration for an object has lapsed, or needs to be applied now or in future. If an invalid value is specified in the blackout setting, PATROL Agent nullifies and removes the entire blackout setting.

When PATROL Agent is up and running, and you modify /AgentSetup/Blackout

PATROL Agent maintains a real-time watch on the entire blackout branch for any modifications. For each valid PATROL object defined in the blackout branch, the product checks the blackout configuration to determine the nature of updates and perform corresponding activities.

• If an object is removed, PATROL Agent stops the blackout activity that is currently in progress or scheduled for the object. If the blackout for the object was in progress, the product publishes the BlackoutStop event.
• If an object is added, PATROL Agent validates the blackout configuration for the object and schedules the blackout activities for the object.
• If a blackout rule is modified, PATROL Agent determines the modifications made to the blackout configuration. Any modifications to blackout configuration rules of an object for which blackout is in progress, stops the current blackout. A new blackout for the object is set in accordance with the updated blackout configuration rule. For an object for which blackout is scheduled for future, the modifications are applied immediately.