Configuring a probe lets you decide what tests will be monitored on the target machine. It also creates a link and an invitation email for the user installing and running that probe on the given machine.
To configure a new probe, do the following:
Step 1 – Create new probe
Navigate to the probeRTC administration screen and click the Create New Probe button. probeRTC can be accessed via the testRTC sidebar.
Step 2 – Add probe details
Add probe details.
- Name: When creating a probe, give it a clear name for easy tracking and association with location, user, or device.
- Alert Emails: This is the email address of the user who will be monitoring the test and all results.
- End Date: This section allows the administrator to set an optional end date for the probe, but it can also be disabled remotely from the main admin panel at any time.
- Description: You can add a short description to the probe, giving you more context and information about where and how the probe is being deployed. This information is displayed on the probe’s results page as well.
- Options: There is a need to modify a probe’s behavior from time to time, especially when troubleshooting is required. The Options section allows you to add further variables to your test if necessary.
Step 3 – Set test frequency
Configure the testing frequency by choosing either Normal Run or Thorough Run and picking a frequency from the drop-down menu.
Normal Run
In the frequency section, select a high frequency for tests that do not consume much bitrate, with options ranging from every 5 minutes to once a day for normal runs.
Thorough Run
In the frequency section, select a high frequency for tests that do not consume much bitrate, with options ranging from every 5 minutes to once a day for normal runs.
Step 4 – Select test parameters
Configure the parameters you want to monitor using the toggle switches to turn them on/off. Each parameter has two columns. You can select different tests and define them under these two frequency configurations.
Note: The list of tests available in your account will be different than what is shown above and will be based on the configuration selected for your specific use case during onboarding you to the probeRTC product.
Note: It is considered good practice to include whatever you decide to place in your Normal Run as part of your Thorough Run also.
Step 5 – Add DNS Lookup (Optional)
Any URLs entered here, both HTTPS and secure websockets will be checked to see if they can be reached and connected to from the browser. This is important for users behind restrictive networks where domains must be whitelisted. See the DNS Lookup Widget for more info.
Step 6 – Create the probe
After completing the configuration, click the SAVE button to create the probe.
Step 7 – Send email instructions
Once the probe has been created, you will need to send the URL, which includes its unique API key, to the end user so that they may begin the probe. This URL will be sent along with further instructions for the end user to help them initiate the probe.
- Click SEND.
- Enter the user’s email address.
- Click SEND.
