One-time schedule object
One-Time schedules are in effect only once for the period of time specified in the schedule. This can be useful for testing to limit how long a policy will be in effect in case it is not removed, or it can be used for isolated events such as a conference where you will only need a temporary infrastructure change for a few days.
The time frame for a One-time schedule is configured by using a start time which includes, Year | Month | Day | Hour | Minute and a Stop time which includes the same variables. So while the frequency of the schedule is only once it can last anywhere from 1 minute to multiple years. Configuring a One-time schedule object in the GUI
- Go to Policy & Objects > Schedules.
- Select Create New. A drop down menu is displayed. Select Schedule.
- From the Type options, choose One-time.
- Input a Name for the schedule object.
- If you which to add a Color to the icon in the GUI, you can click on the Change link to choose 1 of 32 color options.
- Choose a Start Date.
Selecting the field with the mouse will bring up a interactive calendar graphic that will allow the user to select the date. The date can also be typed in using the format YYYY/MM/DD.
- Choose a Start Time.
The Start Time is composed of two fields, Hour and Minute. Think of setting the time for a digital clock in 24 hour mode. The Hour value can be an integer from 0 and 23. The Minute value can be from 0 to 59. 0 and 0 would be midnight at the start of the day and 23 and 59 would be one minute to midnight at the end of the day. The value can be entered by keyboard or by using the up and down arrows in the field to select the value.
- Choose an End Date.
Configuration is the same as Start Date.
- Choose a Stop Time.
Configuration is the same as Start Time.
- Enable/Disable Pre-expiration event log.
This configures the system to create an event log 1 to 100 days before the End Date as a warning in case the schedule needs to be extended.
- If the Pre-expiration event log is enabled, set the value for Number of days before.
- Press OK.
Example: Firewall Schedule – One-time
The company wants to change over their web site image to reference the new year. They have decided to take this opportunity to do some hardware upgrades as well. Their web site is business oriented so they have determined that over New Year’s Eve there will be very limited traffic. l They are going to need a maintenance window of 2 hours bracketing midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Configuration in the GUI
- Go to Policy & Objects > Objects > Schedule.
- Select Create New > Schedule.
- Fill out the fields with the following information:
| Type | One-time | ||
| Name | NewYearsEve_Maintenance | ||
| Start Date | 2014/12/31 <use the built in calendar> | ||
| End Date | 2015/01/01 <use the built in calendar> | ||
| Start Time | Hour: 23, Minute: 0 | ||
| Stop Time | Hour: 1Minute: 0 | ||
| Pre-expiration event log | <disable> | ||
- Select OK.
To verify that the schedule was added correctly:
- Go to Policy & Objects > Objects > Schedule.
- Check that the schedule with the name you used has been added to the list of recurring schedules and that the listed settings are correct.
Configuration in the CLI
- Enter the following CLI command:
config firewall schedule onetime edit maintenance_window set start 23:00 2012/12/31 set end 01:00 2013/01/01
next
end
To verify that the schedule was added correctly:
- Enter the following CLI command:
config firewall schedule onetime edit <the name of the schedule you wish to verify> show full-configuration