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Sources

The Sources page provides a centralized view of all data collection sources. These sources include network devices, cloud infrastructure, network endpoints, and custom integrations. Users can efficiently manage existing sources, add new sources, and take Snapshots for analysis.

Classic​

Classic Devices refer to on-premises devices that are natively supported by Forward Enterprise. These devices are essential for collecting data from traditional network infrastructures.

Classic Devices

For more information on how to add new Classic Sources, please visit the Adding Devices page.

Cloud Infra​

Cloud infra enables data collection from public and private cloud environments, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Cloud Infra

For more information on Cloud infra sources, please visit the Cloud Infrastructure Setup page.

Cloud Managed​

Cloud-managed sources refer to devices and services managed via cloud platforms, such as Cisco Meraki and other similar platforms.

Cloud Managed

For more information on Cloud managed setups, please visit the Cloud Infrastructure Setup page.

VMware NSX & vCenter​

Forward Enterprise supports integrations with VMware NSX and vCenter, enabling visibility into virtualized environments.

VMware NSX & vCenter

For more information on VMware NSX & vCenter setups, please visit the VMware NSX & vCenter page.

Synthetic​

Synthetic devices are virtual or simulated devices used for testing and validation purposes within the network.

Synthetic Devices

For more information on Synthetic Devices, please visit the Synthetic Devices page.

Endpoints​

Endpoints are devices that connect to a network but are not network infrastructure devices themselves. Endpoints include a wide range of devices with varying data collection needs. Forward Enterprise allows users to define endpoint profiles for collecting relevant data from these devices using CLI, SNMP, and HTTP(S).

Endpoints

For more information on Endpoints, please visit the Endpoints page.

Data Connectors​

Data Connectors are data sources used to augment data within Forward Enterprise. Data connectors are HTTPS-based data sources that enable integration with external tools and applications for data ingestion.

Data Connectors

For more information on data connectors, please visit the Data Connectors page.

Data Files​

Data files let you upload structured information; such as device metadata, site details, or compliance parameters, that can’t be collected automatically. Once enabled, data files are stored with snapshots and become available for use in NQE queries, helping enrich your network analysis with context-specific data from external systems like CMDBs or inventory tools.

Data Files

Use the Data Files tab in the Sources page to manage availability of each uploaded file. From this tab, you can:

  • Enable or disable a file for use in current and future snapshots.
  • View file details, including schema and description.
  • Download the current version of a file.

For step-by-step instructions on using Data Files, visit the Getting Started with Data Files page.

End-Host Scanners​

End-host scanners allow Forward Enterprise to discover endpoints and gather data for exposure analysis and security assessments.

End-host scanners

For more information on end-host scanners, please visit the End-host scanners page.