Creating Blackout Times

Blackout times can be specified on managed Android devices to prevent the Enabler from performing tasks while a device is in use. When blackout times are in effect, the Enabler cannot sync with Avalanche and will not apply any new profile settings or payloads until blackout conditions are no longer met. Blackout periods are specified by adding the wavelink_blackout.ini file to devices.

If no blackout file is found on the device, then Avalanche will not apply blackout times.

You can specify blackout times in three ways:

•Time duration. Specify a start and end time for the blackout period. These times must be entered in 24-hour format with both start and end times included. For example:

start=08:00

end=14:00

•Network information. Specify values for network connectivity via Wi-Fi, cellular, and ethernet to determine how blackouts are applied. If no time duration is applied, then blackouts will always apply based on the network connection. The values for each of these network types is specified as a true or false value. A value of true will enforce the blackout period while the device is connected to the specified network type. For example:

network_wifi=true

network_cellular=true

network_ethernet=false

In this example, the Enabler will only attempt to perform tasks while the device is connected over ethernet. When the device is connected over Wi-Fi or a cellular connection, the Enabler will not attempt to update or apply settings.

•Power information. By specifying battery levels and if the battery is charging, you can determine when blackouts should apply. Battery levels are measured by percent, and power charging is a true or false value. A value of true will enforce the blackout period while the device is in the cradle. A value of false will enforce the blackout while the device is not in the cradle. For example:

min_battery=50

power_charging=false

All of these attributes can be combined to create specific blackout conditions.

All blackout times are overridden in the event of a device being powered on. Powered-on devices will automatically override blackout settings and sync with Avalanche, unless you manually set it not to. For more information, see Forced Sync on Power.

To set blackout times

1.Create a text file and save it as wavelink_blackout.ini.

2.Enter the desired blackout settings based on the options above.

3.Save the file.

4.From the Avalanche Console, navigate to the Profiles screen.

5.Click New Payload > Android > File.

6.Enter a payload name and upload the file.

7.Attach the payload to a profile and deploy it to your enrolled devices.

The new blackout settings are applied based on the attributes and values you set in the file.

To display blackout status on the Inventory panel

1.Navigate to the Inventory tab.

2.Click the Edit Columns button.

3.Click Add Custom.
The Modify Columns dialog appears.

4.Enter the following details:

Property key: blackout.status

Column title: Blackout

Data type: String

Tool tip: Blackout times are enabled.

5.Click Save.

6.Under Available Column, select the newly-created Blackout item and move it to the Selected Columns list.

7.Click Save.

The blackout status of each device is specified on the Inventory screen. Devices with blackout times specified on the wavelink_blackout.ini will display true. Devices with no times or file located on the device will display false.