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====== Hardware ======

Hardware models define the data for a node's hardware. If it's a router or a switch, the type of file transfers it supports, and the name and location of its bootfile. Hardware can be linked through a template, which will link it to all nodes that use it. 

The hardware models can be used to make distinctions. You could have one hardware model for a vendor type. Or you could define multiple models per vendor, each with specific entries to be able to differentiate template syntax on those values.

{{:menu:design:hardware_models.png|}}

A lot of models are already available for you, these can be modified to your needs. If a certain model doesn't exist yet, you may add it yourself. 

For each model you define at least, the:

  * Vendor type
  * Model name
  * Hardware model
  * Hardware type
  * File transfer method

Each vendor type has a default file transfer method, this can be found along with the   [[guides:reference:vendors:supported_devices|supported hardware]].

Other entries can be used as [[guides:reference:templates:conditionals|logic/conditions]] in your templates.

Do note that once you define a hardware model, you cannot rename it or change its vendor type. This is because of all the templates that are already linked to this name. You also cannot delete a hardware model that has been linked to at least one template.