This section describes how to import previously collected device configuration files and other CLI device data into NetIM. NetIM collects and archives precollected configuration files and other CLI data using External Data Collection. The Pre-Collected Files Adapter component is useful for files stored locally on the NetIM host. The Remote File Collection component of External Data Collection can be used to copy (via FTP or SFTP) remote files to the NetIM host.

CLI data files collected either by the Pre-Collected Files Adapter or Remote File Collection are imported into NetIM by the Network Data Import adapter. You must include both External Data Collection (with Pre-Collected Files Adapter or Remote File Collection active, as appropriate) and Network Data Import in the schedule chain. For your convenience, a predefined schedule chain named Pre-Collected Files Chain is provided. It contains both External Data Collection and Network Data Import as well as other recommended adapters.