How to Monitor Websensor EM08 in Nagios XI: Step-by-Step Guide for IT Administrators

Monitoring environmental conditions is essential for data centers, server rooms, and industrial facilities to prevent overheating, humidity issues, or excessive light exposure. The Websensor EM08 from eSensors provides real-time environmental data, including temperature, relative humidity, and light levels.

By integrating the Websensor EM08 with Nagios XI, administrators can:
– Monitor environmental conditions continuously.
– Receive alerts when conditions exceed predefined thresholds.
– Ensure IT infrastructure remains within safe operating conditions.

This guide outlines the steps to configure Nagios XI to monitor a Websensor EM08 using its built-in Esensors Websensor wizard.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• Nagios XI (latest version) installed and running.
• A Websensor EM08 configured on your network.
• Administrator access to both Nagios XI and the Websensor EM08.
• A static IP address or DHCP reservation assigned to the Websensor.

Step 1: Setting Up the Websensor EM08

Configure Network Settings

The Websensor EM08 must be reachable from the Nagios XI server:

1. Login to the Websensor’s web interface.
2. Navigate to Network Settings and set a static IP address (or ensure a DHCP reservation is assigned).
3. Enable HTTP access (default port 80) for web-based monitoring.

Step 2: Running the Websensor Wizard in Nagios XI

Nagios XI includes a built-in Esensors Websensor wizard, which simplifies the monitoring setup.

1. Login to Nagios XI as an administrator.
2. Navigate to:
   • Configure > Run a Configuration Wizard.
   • In the search bar, type “Esensors Websensor” and select the wizard.

Step 1: Enter Websensor Details

1. Enter the Websensor EM08’s IP address or hostname.
2. Select EM-08T as the Websensor Model.
3. Click Next to continue.

Step 2: Select Metrics & Thresholds

The wizard allows you to monitor specific environmental metrics:

• Temperature (specified in Fahrenheit).
• Relative Humidity (percentage).
• Illumination (measured in lux).

Set Warning & Critical thresholds:

• Example for Temperature:
  • Warning: 85°F
  • Critical: 95°F
• Example for Humidity:
  • Warning: 60%
  • Critical: 80%

Click Next to proceed.

Step 3: Completing the Wizard

1. Configure notification preferences for alerts.
2. Assign the Websensor to host groups and contacts.
3. Click Finish to apply the configuration.

Step 4: Viewing Monitoring Results

Once the wizard applies the configuration:

1. Navigate to Home > Service Status in Nagios XI.
2. Click View status details for your Websensor.
3. The current environmental conditions will be displayed.

Step 3: Setting Up Alerts in Nagios XI

Configure Notifications

To ensure IT staff is notified when conditions exceed safe levels:

1. Navigate to Configure > Notifications.
2. Select the Websensor’s monitored service (e.g., temperature, humidity, light level).
3. Define notification settings for:
   • Email alerts
   • SMS alerts (if enabled)
   • Custom scripts for automation

Test Alerts

To verify alert functionality:

• Temporarily set a low threshold to trigger a warning or critical state.
• Verify Nagios XI sends an alert when the condition occurs.

Step 4: Customizing Dashboards and Reports

Creating a Websensor Monitoring Dashboard

1. Navigate to Dashboards > Add a New Dashboard.
2. Name it “Environmental Monitoring”.
3. Add widgets for:
   • Temperature graphs.
   • Humidity trends.
   • Light level charts.
4. Save the dashboard for quick access to environmental data.

Generating Reports

1. Go to Reports > Availability Reports to view uptime and performance.
2. Use Performance Graphs to analyze temperature and humidity over time.

Conclusion

Integrating the Websensor EM08 with Nagios XI ensures real-time environmental monitoring, helping data centers and IT teams maintain safe operating conditions. By using the Esensors Websensor wizard, administrators can quickly set up monitoring, configure alerts, and generate reports for proactive decision-making.

For further support, visit:

• Nagios Support Forum: https://support.nagios.com/forum/
• Nagios Knowledgebase: https://support.nagios.com/kb/