# Add your first device

> Add a network device to the ITVA inventory, give it credentials and a probe, and test the connection.

Section: Getting Started  
Source: https://www.itva.com/docs/getting-started/add-your-first-device  
Last updated: 2026-11-04

A device is a router, switch, firewall, server, or other host that ITVA manages. In this guide, you create a folder, add a device to it, give the device credentials and a probe, and test the connection.

## Before you begin

- A probe that is installed and passes **Test Connection**. See [Add your first probe](https://www.itva.com/docs/getting-started/adding-your-first-probe).
- The management IP address or hostname of the device.
- A username and password that can sign in to the device over SSH, or over HTTPS for a firewall.
- Network access from the probe host to the device on its management port.

## Create a folder

Every device must be in a folder. If you already have a folder, go to the next section.

1. In the portal, go to **Devices**.
2. In the folder list, select **Create Folder**.
3. In **Name**, enter a name for the folder. For example, the site or network the device is in.
4. Select **Save**.

## Add the device

1. On the **Devices** page, select **New Device**.
2. In **Management IP/Hostname**, enter the IP address or hostname that ITVA uses to connect to the device.
3. In **Vendor**, select the vendor and operating system of the device. If it is not in the list, select **Other**.
4. In **Folder**, select the folder you created.

If you enter a hostname in **Management IP/Hostname**, the probe must be able to resolve it.

## Assign credentials

ITVA uses the credentials to sign in to the device. You can assign more than one credential, but ITVA uses only the credential at the top of the list. It does not try the next credential if the first one fails.

1. In **Credentials**, select the add button (**+**). The **Select Credential** panel opens.
2. If the credential already exists, select it and go to step 7.
3. Select **New**.
4. In **Name**, enter a name for the credential.
5. In the type list, select **Username / Password**.
6. Enter the **Username** and **Password**, then select **Save**. The portal adds the credential to the device.
7. Make sure **Admin** is set correctly for the credential. It is on by default.

ITVA also supports **API Key**, **SNMPv1**, **SNMPv2c**, and **SNMPv3** credentials. Use the type that your device needs.

## Set connectivity and probes

1. In **Connectivity**, set **Management Port** to the port for SSH, or HTTPS if the device is a firewall. The default is 22.
2. Optional: In **Connect Port**, enter a different port for ITVA Connect sessions. If you leave it empty, ITVA uses the management port.
3. In **Probes**, set **Primary Probe** to the probe you installed.
4. Optional: Set **Secondary Probe** to a different probe. ITVA uses it if the primary probe is not reachable.
5. Select **Save**. The portal opens the page for the new device.

## Check that it worked

1. On the device's page, open the test menu and select **Test Connection**.
2. Wait for the result:
- Successfully connected: ITVA can sign in to the device. The dialog shows the device's hostname, IP, and port.
- Failed to connect: ITVA cannot reach or sign in to the device. The dialog shows the error. See Troubleshooting.
3. If you change a setting, select **Retest** to run the test again.

## Troubleshooting

If the test shows that the device "does not have a probe assigned", edit the device and set **Primary Probe**.

If you see "Primary and Secondary probe cannot be the same", select a different secondary probe, or clear it.

If the portal shows "vendor is required", "folder is required", or "management ip is required", fill in that field and select **Save** again.

If the connection fails:

- Open the probe in **Inventory > Probes** and select **Test Connection**. If the probe fails, fix the probe first.
- Make sure the probe host can reach the device on the management port.
- If you used a hostname, make sure the probe host can resolve it. If it cannot, use the IP address.
- Make sure the credential can sign in to the device. Try to sign in from the probe host with the same username and password.