Stability of the NBN Gateway
Work has been ongoing to improve the stability of the NBN Gateway 5. We know that mapping speed and availability is a continuing issue and we are working on an improvement in the map server which we hope will be available in May. One issue that has been resolved related to the performance of the Gateway when huge amounts of data were being downloaded and we are pleased to report that this has now been fixed.
Data loading
So far this year we have loaded around 180 datasets, adding an additional 4.5 million new records to the NBN Gateway. The technical team has now cleared the backlog and aims to ensure that the waiting time for datasets to be uploaded is no more than 10 days, wherever possible.
Time limited access requests
We are pleased to report that the bug which affected time limited access requests has been resolved. Fifteen data providers and users have already given their response to the communication we sent to them asking for more information and these requests are being updated. We would be very grateful for other users that we contacted to send back their completed spreadsheets, so that we can make sure that their intentions are correctly applied to the system.
Download logs
If you are a dataset administrator, two download logs are now available through your account page, so make sure you are logged in to access them.
1. The API* download log provides information on who has been viewing records on the NBN Gateway, through the Interactive Mapping Tool and site reports. It also shows how data are being downloaded using the API, for example by other applications using the REST web services to request records. In your account, this is shown as “View and REST services log” under the available Actions for each dataset which you administer.
*API means application programming interface and specifies how some software components should interact with each other.
2. The standard download log provides the statistics on who has been downloading records through the NBN Gateway. In your account this is shown as “Download log” under the available Actions for each dataset which you administer.
These will eventually be available as monthly summaries via email, but you currently need to login to your account to gather the information.
Activating your account
When you register on the NBN Gateway you will receive an automatically generated activation email. This contains a link to activate your account. Unfortunately, the link often comes through with a break in the middle, which means that if you just click on the link from within the email it won’t work and your account will not be activated. To get around this, you need to copy and paste the entire link into a web browser and press enter. You will then see that your account activation has worked.
If you don’t receive the activation email, then there is likely to have been an issue perhaps because you have given an incorrect email address, or the message may have gone into your spam folder.
The issue with breaks in the email will be solved in the future. If you have any problems please let us know.
Logging in
Please be aware that usernames and passwords are now case sensitive. If you forget your username / password click on the Login button and then “can’t access your account?” You will then receive a username or password reset email. Click on this and enter your new details as appropriate.
Contact
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at access@nbn.org.uk