In addition to connection data entries and user authorization tasks, you can use Network Utility and Visual DBA to perform vnode-related tasks, such as refreshing a vnode, testing a vnode, disconnecting from a vnode, and opening utility windows.

Refreshing a vnode updates loaded vnode data.

Click the Force Refresh button on the toolbar.

or

Choose a node, Force Refresh.

You can configure your background refresh settings by choosing File, Preferences.

In Network Utility, you can test if a connection to a specific node can be established.

From the Virtual Nodes toolbar, choose Node, Test Node.

If the connection fails, an error message is returned.

Closing a window does not end communications with the servers on that window. Network Utility continues to request data refreshes from the vnode until you disconnect from it.

Detailed steps for this procedure can be found in the Procedures section of Network Utility online help. See the topic Disconnecting From a Vnode.

By choosing a virtual node, you can both establish a physical connection between the database server and your client workstation, and also open one of the four types of Visual DBA database administration windows.

The detailed steps for these procedures can be found in the Procedures section of online help for Network Utility. See the following topics: