Enhancing StargateProject-software Gate Connection And Call Log Discussion

by Sebastian Müller 75 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into an exciting enhancement idea for the StargateProject-software. We're talking about adding a connection/call log feature that can be easily accessed from the web UI. This is all about making the system more user-friendly and providing valuable insights into gate activity. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Current Logging System: A Quick Recap

Currently, we've got a couple of logs in place. First, there's the logs/milkyway.log, which is like the grand central station for all logs. It's comprehensive, but sometimes a bit too much information if you're looking for something specific. Then, we have the dialing_log.json, which is more focused, giving us established counts and minutes. It's great for a quick overview, but it doesn't give us a detailed history of each connection. To improve user experience, it's important to have a system that not only records everything but also presents the data in an organized and accessible manner. This is where the new connection/call log comes into play, aiming to bridge the gap between comprehensive logging and user-friendly data presentation. This enhancement will make it easier for users to track gate activity, troubleshoot issues, and gain insights into network usage patterns.

The Need for a Dedicated Connection/Call Log

Imagine you're trying to track down a specific gate connection or understand the pattern of incoming calls. Sifting through the milkyway.log can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. The dialing_log.json gives you the big picture, but what if you need the details? This is where a dedicated connection/call log steps in. It’s designed to provide a clear, concise, and easily accessible history of each gate connection. By having a specialized log, users can quickly find the information they need without having to wade through irrelevant data. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall usability of the StargateProject-software. Think of it as your personal gate connection diary, always ready to provide the specifics you're looking for. This log will be a game-changer for anyone who needs to monitor gate activity closely.

Proposed Solution: A Detailed Connection/Call Log

So, how do we make this happen? The idea is to integrate this new connection/call log into dialing_log.py. Since this script already handles a lot of the necessary info, it’s the perfect place to build this feature. Let's break down the key aspects of this proposed solution.

Integration with dialing_log.py

Why dialing_log.py? Well, it’s already in the thick of things, managing the data we need for connection tracking. By integrating the new log here, we can leverage existing functionality and streamline the development process. This approach minimizes code duplication and ensures that all connection-related data is managed in one place. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, guys! Plus, it keeps our codebase nice and organized. Think of it as consolidating all the important papers into one well-labeled folder instead of scattering them across your desk. This integration is a strategic move to make the software more efficient and maintainable.

Storage Capacity: How Many Calls?

Now, let's talk about storage. We don’t want to overload the system, but we also need to keep enough history to be useful. The suggestion is to store a fixed number of calls, maybe around 256. This gives us a good balance between having enough data and keeping the log manageable. It’s like having a photo album – you want to keep the best memories, but you don’t want it to become so big that it’s impossible to flip through. This limit ensures that the log remains performant and easy to navigate, even with frequent gate activity. It’s a practical approach to ensure the system remains responsive and efficient.

Incoming vs. Outgoing: How to Differentiate?

Next up, how do we distinguish between incoming and outgoing connections? There are a couple of ways we could handle this. One option is to use a key within the log entry to indicate the direction of the activity. Another approach is to have two separate arrays, one for incoming calls and one for outgoing calls. Both methods have their merits. Using a key is simpler in terms of data structure, while separate arrays might make it easier to filter and analyze the data. It’s like choosing between a single, multi-compartment backpack and two separate bags – each has its own advantages depending on how you want to organize your gear. The key is to choose the method that best suits the needs of the users and the overall design of the system.

Possible Data Format: A Closer Look

To get a clearer picture, let’s look at a possible data format for the connection/call log. This is where we define the structure of each log entry, ensuring that we capture all the relevant information in a consistent way.

[
  {
    "activity": "outbound",
    "name": "ABYDOS", // In case gate is removed from address book
    "address": [ 27, 7, 15, 32, 12, 30 ],
    "type": "standard",
    "start_time": "2025-07-23T19:45:32.123Z", // UTC format or Epoch time,
    "elapsed": 5.32, // minutes
  },
  {
    "activity": "inbound",
    "name": "Kristian Tysse",
    "address": [ 7, 5, 20, 27, 32, 21 ],
    "type": "fan",
    "start_time": "2025-07-30T12:34:56.928Z",
    "elapsed": 25.3,
  }
]

Let's break down the fields in this format:

  • activity: This field indicates whether the connection was