There are plenty of software applications and services available to monitor servers, alerting you if you have a problem. But none of them come close to the awesomeness of this traffic light server monitoring system, which has been created using a little Arduino wizardry.
The monitor has been created to work alongside Xymon in this instance and provide a simple overview for the most critical systems.
How It Works
The traffic light server monitoring system uses an Arduino microcontroller to interface with the Xymon server monitoring software. Xymon is an open-source tool that provides real-time monitoring of servers, networks, and applications. By integrating with Xymon, the traffic light system can visually represent the status of your servers using the familiar red, yellow, and green lights.
The green light indicates that all systems are functioning correctly, the yellow light warns of potential issues that need attention, and the red light signals critical problems that require immediate action. This visual representation allows for quick and easy assessment of server status without needing to delve into detailed reports or logs.
Building Your Own Traffic Light Server Monitor
Depending on the components you already have lying around, you might be able to scrap the bits together. The main working stoplight was purchased for $199, and additional components ran to around $130. If you fancy building your very own, all instructions and the components you will need are listed over on the Instructables website.
To build this system, you will need the following components:
- An Arduino microcontroller
- A traffic light (which can be purchased or salvaged)
- Relays to control the traffic light
- Wiring and connectors
- Power supply
- Software to interface with Xymon
The Instructables guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to assemble the hardware and configure the software. It includes detailed diagrams and code snippets to help you get everything up and running smoothly.
Advantages of a Visual Monitoring System
Using a traffic light system for server monitoring offers several advantages:
- Immediate Awareness: The visual nature of the traffic light system allows for instant recognition of server status, reducing the time it takes to identify and respond to issues.
- Simplicity: The straightforward red, yellow, and green indicators are easy to understand, even for those who may not be technically inclined.
- Cost-Effective: While there is an initial investment in hardware, the overall cost is relatively low compared to some commercial monitoring solutions.
- Customizable: The system can be tailored to monitor specific servers or services, providing flexibility to meet your unique needs.
For example, a small business with limited IT resources can benefit greatly from this system. Instead of relying on complex software dashboards, the traffic light provides a clear and immediate indication of server health, allowing staff to focus on other tasks until an issue arises.
Source: Instructables : Engadget
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