These are the foundational elements that enable Slurpit to automate secure network infrastructure provisioning and deep inspection workflows:

• Slurpit Controller: Acts as the orchestration engine, handling API requests, deployment logic, and interactions with infrastructure endpoints. It provides the central intelligence for automated pipeline execution.
• Connector Framework: Provides extensible plugins or modules for integrating with diverse network platforms (cloud-native, on-prem, or hybrid). Each connector translates Slurpit’s requests into actionable tasks on the target system.
• Configuration Templates: Define reusable network and security policy templates, allowing teams to standardize deployments while ensuring compliance with organizational requirements.
• Audit and Logging Pipeline: Captures granular logs and change events for every automation action taken. This ensures traceability, aids in troubleshooting, and supports regulatory auditing needs.
• Credential Vault Integration: Interfaces with secret-management systems to securely store and retrieve sensitive credentials, certificates, and tokens needed for infrastructure access.
• Event Processor: Monitors infrastructure state in real time, responding to triggers (like configuration drifts or compliance violations) by initiating remediation or alerting workflows.

Before setting up Slurpit, ensure the following requirements are in place to allow for a smooth and reliable deployment:

1. Hardware Resources:
   • At least a quad-core CPU for development or lab use; a hexa-core or higher is recommended for production.
   • Minimum 16GB RAM (32GB or more is ideal for large deployments).
   • Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 250GB free space; more is required as your network grows.
2. Operating System:
   • Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu or CentOS) with an up-to-date kernel.
   • Support for container runtimes like Docker or Podman.
3. Software Dependencies:
   • Latest Docker Engine (or compatible container runtime) installed and ready.
   • Network connectivity between the Slurpit host and target infrastructure endpoints (devices, APIs, or controllers).
   • Outbound internet access for updates and pulling container images (if air-gapped, ensure you have access to offline installation bundles).
4. Administrative Access:
   • Ability to run commands with root or sudo privileges on the deployment host.
   • API credentials, tokens, or certificates for integrating with managed network infrastructure.
5. Time Synchronization:
   • Network Time Protocol (NTP) or similar time sync service configured on the host to avoid log discrepancies.

Ensuring these prerequisites are met helps Slurpit to integrate securely and efficiently within your environment.

Follow these steps to configure Slurpit for automated network infrastructure deployment and maintenance:

1. Install the Slurpit Controller:

   Deploy the Slurpit Controller on a supported Linux host or container platform.

2. Configure Connector Framework:

   Select and enable connectors for your target network platforms. Customize connector settings to match your infrastructure APIs and authentication methods.

3. Define Configuration Templates:

   Create reusable templates for network devices and services, specifying security policies, interface settings, routing protocols, and compliance rules.

4. Integrate Credential Vault:

   Set up integration with your secret-management system. Store and manage sensitive credentials securely used during deployment.

5. Set up Audit and Logging Pipeline:

   Enable detailed logging and event capture for all automation actions to facilitate traceability and troubleshooting.

6. Configure Event Processor:

   Define monitoring rules to detect configuration drifts, compliance issues, or infrastructure events that require automated remediation or alerts.

7. Test Deployment Workflows:

   Execute initial automation pipelines in a controlled environment to validate configuration settings and deployment procedures.

Following this systematic configuration procedure ensures Slurpit is tailored effectively to your network environment and automation goals.

Ensure that Slurpit is correctly deployed and functioning as intended by following these validation steps:

1. Verify Controller Status:

   Check that the Slurpit Controller service is running and healthy using system or container management commands.

2. Test Connector Communication:

   Confirm connectors are properly communicating with their target network devices or APIs by triggering test API calls or status queries.

3. Validate Configuration Templates:

   Deploy sample configurations to test devices or virtual environments to ensure templates are applied correctly and policies enforced.

4. Confirm Credential Vault Access:

   Ensure Slurpit can retrieve necessary credentials securely from the integrated secret-management system without errors.

5. Review Audit and Logging Outputs:

   Check logs and audit trails for comprehensive records of automation actions and verify that no errors or unexpected warnings occur.

6. Simulate Event Processor Triggers:

   Generate test events such as configuration drifts or compliance violations to validate automated detection and remediation workflows.

7. Perform End-to-End Workflow Tests:

   Run complete deployment and maintenance automation pipelines to confirm Slurpit’s integration and orchestration functions operate smoothly.

Completing these validation steps provides confidence that Slurpit is properly configured and ready for production use.

If you encounter issues during or after deploying Slurpit, follow these step-by-step troubleshooting actions to identify and resolve common problems:

1. Check Service Status:

   Verify that all required Slurpit services and containers are running using system commands or container management tools.

2. Examine Controller and Connector Logs:

   Inspect log files for the Slurpit Controller and connectors. Review for errors, warnings, or failed communication attempts with network endpoints.

3. Validate Network Connectivity:

   Ensure the Slurpit host can reach all configured devices, APIs, and external services. Use ping, traceroute, or API call tests if necessary.

4. Test Credentials and Secrets:

   Confirm that the credentials, API tokens, and certificates used by Slurpit’s connectors and vault integration are correct and current.

5. Review Port and Firewall Rules:

   Verify that all necessary ports are open between the Slurpit host and managed infrastructure. Check local and network firewalls for restrictions.

6. Enable Debugging Mode:

   For persistent or unclear issues, enable debugging for the Data Collector, Device Finder, and Warehouse modules by setting the appropriate environment variables (e.g., SCRAPER_DEBUG=true), then restart affected containers to generate detailed logs.

7. Resolve Device Discovery Issues:

   If network devices are not discovered or appear as generic, verify SNMP or SSH settings and increase timeouts if needed. Confirm device compatibility with supported protocols.

8. Address Login Problems:

   If you can reach the login page but cannot authenticate, check that the PORTAL_BASE_URL parameter matches your DNS setup and that HTTPS configuration is correct. Try logging in only through the specified URL.

9. Consult Audit and Event Logs:

   Review audit trails and event processor logs for system actions and error events. This information can highlight misconfigurations or automation failures.

10. Restart and Re-Test:

    Restart Slurpit services or containers after applying any changes, and then retest automation workflows to verify resolution.

If challenges persist after following these steps, consult Slurpit’s knowledge base, community forums, or support resources for guidance.