Note:
- This procedure pertains to switching classes within a particular rack type (ENT, MX, Virtual-Per-Kit, etc.). If your custom class has multiple racks or multiple rack types, each one will have its own reservation and this procedure must be followed for each reservation. In other words, class switching is only available within the same reservation (rack), not between reservations.
- This procedure is only available to Instructors and must be be initiated by them. However it can be done at their convenience within the event's time frame (in other words, classes will NOT switch automatically).
- Virtual (per-rack) and Space rack courses such as JSE, JS-ND, JSDNF, IJSA and CSBR courses cannot be switched.
The QualiSystems CloudShell environment allows Instructors much more flexibility when it comes to prescriptive training and switching the lab setup between classes. To switch classes, follow this procedure.
- From the Instructor's Reservation page, click on the "main" reservation (usually labeled as the class title only without any additional student or rack info appended).
- On the Instructor's topology page, you will see all the student resources as well some additional resources available. The first to take note of is the "Active Reservation" resource, which shows what class is currently configured on the racks.
- You will also see the list of available classes you can switch to (based on the Prescriptive event you are teaching). In the example below, the Instructor can switch to either AJSPR or JTNOC.
Again, this can be done at any time during an active reservation and has to be invoked by the Instructor (classes will not switch automatically).
- Use the resource's "Command" arrow (i.e. the "Run" arrow) which will slide out a command window from the right side of the page.
- Click on the blue ">" to verify you are ready to switch to the class. You will be asked: "Are the students logged out and their devices all reachable?" Verify that is the case and select "Yes" when you are ready to start the class change and select "Run".
NOTE: This procedure will immediately begin tearing down the current environment (turning off VM resources, de-configuring rack devices, resetting student reservations, etc.). Do not issue "Run" more than once as it can affect the switch process!
Please insure all students have completed their work and are logged out of the portal before running this command!
The command will start and you should see a status of "running" in the Command window. Also the activity monitor count will increase indicating the class switch is taking place.
The Active Reservation resource will also show the current status of the switch.
Depending on the complexity and number of resources in the lab being torn down and subsequently spun up, the class switch procedure can take up to 60-180 minutes. Below are some suggestions that you can follow before issuing class switch:
1. DCX Racks: If you are switching between DCX rack courses, ensuring that student devices are not in VCF mode can help the switch process to go smoother. Before switching from DCX to TDCX course, it is recommended to encourage students to complete the last lab which is "Part 7: Resetting the Members of the VCF". This will help for the switch operation to not go through complications with VCF breaking and save some time for your class switch process.
2. ENT Racks: If you are switching between ENT rack courses, ensuring that devices are not in VC (EXs) or chassis cluster mode (SRX's) will help the switch process. Also if you are switching from IJOS to other courses, ensuring root password is back to the original password will reduce switch time as the switch process will not need to recover root password. So before you switch from IJOS, advising students to complete lab step 4-7 or last lab will help for the switch operations.
If you experience issues with the class switch procedure, please view the activity log (click on the "Activity" clipboard icon at the top of the screen). If you are still having issues, please submit a support request.
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