Frequently Asked Questions¶

Getting Started¶

What is a Nautobot project?

Projects are a way to add security and isolation between groups of instances. It is common to have prod, dev, and testing projects along with any other environment needed. When using projects, click "Nautobot" in the sidebar to view all Nautobot instances.

Creating Instances¶

Why don't I see my newly created Nautobot instance?

It is likely it is in a different project. Click "Nautobot" to view all Nautobot instances and then change the Project if needed. Remember, when you click the Nautobot Cloud logo in the top-left, that takes you to your default project and shows instances in your default project.

How long does it take to create a new Nautobot or AWX instance?

It currently takes approx 10 mins to create a cloud-native Nautobot instance. Every so often, it may take more time if auto-scaling is taking place.

Configuring Instances¶

Can I change the URL of an instance after creating a Nautobot instance?

That is something not currently supported. However, custom FQDNs are supported, so you have the ability to use the default URL as well as an added FQDN for each instance.

How do I create a custom FQDN?

Navigate to the form in Organization Settings FQDN, enter your desired FQDN, and then open a Ticket. You'll find even more detailed documentation by clicking the question mark "?" button at the top of the FQDN page.

Why would I need to 'update', 'restart' or 'recover' Nautobot via Nautobot Cloud Console?

Update - After any configuration change, such as a setting, installed Apps, or image, you must update the Nautobot instance for the changes to take effect.
Restart - Restarting Nautobot will stop and restart all services for a given Nautobot instance. You will also need to restart Nautobot when using Secrets via environment variable and they have been associated, removed, or updated.
Recover - If you are experiencing any issues with a particular Nautobot instance, this will perform a full recovery by re-deploying the Nautobot instance, including the Jobs workers. The database is kept intact during this operation.

If you are ever unsure about which operation to perform, feel free to open a Ticket.

Is it possible to pass non-default settings values into nautobot_config.py (Nautobot Config)?

Yes! Each time you create a new Nautobot instance, there is a Settings tab that allows passing any environment variable and its associated value. For an already existing Nautobot instance, navigate to the Settings tab on the instance page to manage existing and create new environment variables. Note: this tab should NOT be used for secrets.

Can I upgrade my Nautobot instance to a newer version?

Yes, you can upgrade Nautobot at your convenience as long as it's a minor or patch change. In order to do that, navigate to Nautobot instance page, change the Image, click "Save" and update the instance. To execute a major upgrade, please open a Ticket.

Can I downgrade my Nautobot instance to an older version?

No, Nautobot version downgrade is not available via Nautobot Cloud Console.

I've recently created a new Nautobot instance in the Nautobot Cloud Console. How can I connect it to my on-prem network?

Navigate to Organization Settings VPN. From there you can create a new IPSec VPN. This should take less than a minute to create. To access the detailed documentation click the question mark "?" button at the top of the VPN creation form. After creating it, simply configure your side of the VPN tunnel. If you want to use an AWS Transit Gateway or Direct Connect instead, please open a ticket.

Snapshots and Backups¶

What is a Snapshot? How do I take a Snapshot and restore it?

Snapshot is a Nautobot instance database backup taken at a certain point in time which can be restored later. To take a new Snapshot navigate to Organization Settings Snapshots or instance page Snapshots tab and click "Create." To access the detailed documentation click the question mark "?" button at the top of the form. To restore a Snapshot, click the ellipsis button in a row in Snapshots list and choose "Restore". All snapshots compatible with a certain Nautobot instance version can be restored on it, not only those taken from that specific instance.

Users and Passwords¶

I know I was told to save and write down my admin password when creating a new instance and I did. But I lost it. Can you help?

Yes! Just create a new ticket on the Help Tickets page. We’ll get you back into your Nautobot ASAP.

Is it possible to change the admin password for a Nautobot instance?

You can change it via the Nautobot UI, but once Nautobot is restarted or updated from the Nautobot Cloud Console, it will revert back to the original provided to you upon instance creation, so we do not recommend you trying to change it.

How do I invite users to my Organization?

Currently, you must ask the Support Team to do this. NTC also manages removing users and changing users' permissions. Just create a new ticket on the Help Tickets page and we'll get your new team members added.

Secrets¶

I have the ability to create Secrets through Environment Variables or the Secrets Provider App on an on-prem installation of Nautobot. How does this work with Nautobot Cloud Console?

This is a three-step process similar to what it would be with an on-prem installation with one change. Nautobot Cloud Console only supports HashiCorp Vault and Environment Variable Provider types.

Nautobot Cloud Console stores secrets in an encrypted store but to keep things simple it does not support any Provider types other than HashiCorp Vault and Environment Variable for Nautobot secrets.

Create a new Secret in Nautobot Cloud Console. This is done via Organization Settings Secrets. To access the detailed documentation click the question mark "?" button at the top of the Secret creation/edition form.
Associate the Secret to your Nautobot instance in Nautobot Cloud Console. To do this click the "+" next to your Secret or navigate to Nautobot instance page Secrets tab and click the "Associate" button at the top of the page. If you intend to use the Secret via environment variable you must restart the Nautobot instance before it will be available.
Create the appropriate Secret(s) and Secret Group(s) inside Nautobot, using secret path(s) or environment variable name(s) provided in Nautobot Cloud Console. Ensure each new Secret is created using the Provider type of HashiCorp Vault or Environment Variable.

Apps¶

Why don’t I see certain Nautobot Apps in the Marketplace?

We are in the process of certifying more apps for Nautobot Cloud. If there is one of interest to you, be sure to let us know via the Feature Request link in the footer.

We use custom Nautobot Apps. Can they be used in Nautobot Cloud Console?

Yes! For any Premium customer, we work with them to build a custom image that includes their Apps. You just need to give us access to your custom App, and we'll take care of the rest.

Support and Suggestions¶

Is Nautobot support included with Nautobot Cloud?

Yes! Feel free to create a new ticket on the Help Tickets page. From bugs to general questions, we're here to help.

I have an idea for a new Dashboard. Will you add it for me?

We'll do our best! It's best to submit a Feature Request and also open a ticket to be safe!

I have a whiz bang idea for Nautobot Cloud Console. How can I submit my idea as a feature request?

We have just the feature for you! Check out the Feature Request link in the footer!