Introduction

The CWM front end program maintains information about network status and statistics through its connection to the IPX or BPX node. This database is updated through Structured Query Language (SQL) commands issued by CWM to the Informix OnLine program. When you request information from the database using the CWM front end, the software generates the appropriate SQL commands and sends them to the Informix OnLine engine, which returns the database information.

CWM permits a finite set of database access types which provide useful and commonly used information about your Cisco network. CWM does not, however, provide low-level access to every field in every record in the database.

In situations where you need database information not obtainable through the CWM program, low-level access can be obtained through an alternative front-end program which operates along side the CWM program (Informix OnLine is capable of supporting multiple front-end programs concurrently).

1. Installation and operation of alternative front ends require considerable knowledge of UNIX, the Informix tools, and SQL.

2. Under some circumstances, it is possible to modify the contents and structure of the database using an alternative front-end program. Cisco has configured the database for optimum performance and functionality with CWM. Modifying the database may cause unpredictable results and the usefulness of CWM may be destroyed. It may be necessary to re-install CWM from the beginning. You should take precautions to ensure whatever alternative front-end program you use is limited to read-only status.