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Sync API Endpoint

The /sync endpoint is used by the SYNC plugin to synchronize data between multiple NetAlertX instances (e.g., from a node to a hub). It supports both GET and POST requests.

9.1 GET /sync

Fetches data from a node to the hub. The data is returned as a base64-encoded JSON file.

Example Request:

curl 'http://<server>:<GRAPHQL_PORT>/sync' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer <API_TOKEN>'

Response Example:

{
  "node_name": "NODE-01",
  "status": 200,
  "message": "OK",
  "data_base64": "eyJkZXZpY2VzIjogW3siZGV2TWFjIjogIjAwOjExOjIyOjMzOjQ0OjU1IiwiZGV2TmFtZSI6ICJEZXZpY2UgMSJ9XSwgImNvdW50Ijog1fQ==",
  "timestamp": "2025-08-24T10:15:00+10:00"
}

Notes:

  • data_base64 contains the full JSON data encoded in Base64.
  • node_name corresponds to the SYNC_node_name setting on the node.
  • Errors (e.g., missing file) return HTTP 500 with an error message.

9.2 POST /sync

The POST endpoint is used by nodes to send data to the hub. The hub expects the data as form-encoded fields (application/x-www-form-urlencoded or multipart/form-data). The hub then stores the data in the plugin log folder for processing.

Required Fields

Field Type Description
data string The payload from the plugin or devices. Typically plain text, JSON, or encrypted Base64 data. In your Python script, encrypt_data() is applied before sending.
node_name string The name of the node sending the data. Matches the node’s SYNC_node_name setting. Used to generate the filename on the hub.
plugin string The name of the plugin sending the data. Determines the filename prefix (last_result.<plugin>...).
file_path string (optional) Path of the local file being sent. Used only for logging/debugging purposes on the hub; not required for processing.

How the Hub Processes the POST Data

  1. Receives the data and validates the API token.
  2. Stores the raw payload in:
INSTALL_PATH/log/plugins/last_result.<plugin>.encoded.<node_name>.<sequence>.log
  • <plugin> → plugin name from the POST request.
  • <node_name> → node name from the POST request.

  • <sequence> → incremented number for each submission.

  • Decodes / decrypts the data if necessary (Base64 or encrypted) before processing.

  • Processes JSON payloads (e.g., device info) to:

  • Avoid duplicates by tracking devMac.

  • Add metadata like devSyncHubNode.
  • Insert new devices into the database.
  • Renames files to indicate they have been processed:
processed_last_result.<plugin>.<node_name>.<sequence>.log

Example POST Payload

If a node is sending device data:

curl -X POST 'http://<hub>:<PORT>/sync' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer <API_TOKEN>' \
  -F 'data={"data":[{"devMac":"00:11:22:33:44:55","devName":"Device 1","devVendor":"Vendor A","devLastIP":"192.168.1.10"}]}' \
  -F 'node_name=NODE-01' \
  -F 'plugin=SYNC'
  • The data field contains JSON with a data array, where each element is a device object or plugin data object.
  • The plugin and node_name fields allow the hub to organize and store the file correctly.
  • The data is only processed if the relevant plugins are enabled and run on the target server.

Key Notes

  • Always use the same plugin and node_name values for consistent storage.
  • Encrypted data: The Python script uses encrypt_data() before sending, and the hub decodes it before processing.
  • Sequence numbers: Every submission generates a new sequence, preventing overwriting previous data.
  • Form-encoded: The hub expects multipart/form-data (cURL -F) or application/x-www-form-urlencoded.

Storage Details:

  • Data is stored under INSTALL_PATH/log/plugins with filenames following the pattern:
last_result.<plugin>.encoded.<node_name>.<sequence>.log
  • Both encoded and decoded files are tracked, and new submissions increment the sequence number.
  • If storing fails, the API returns HTTP 500 with an error message.
  • The data is only processed if the relevant plugins are enabled and run on the target server.

9.3 Notes and Best Practices

  • Authorization Required – Both GET and POST require a valid API token.
  • Data Integrity – Ensure that node_name and plugin are consistent to avoid overwriting files.
  • Monitoring – Notifications are generated whenever data is sent or received (write_notification), which can be used for alerting or auditing.
  • Use Case – Typically used in multi-node deployments to consolidate device and event data on a central hub.