Splunk Enterprise Certified Admin Practice Test

When configuring TCP input in inputs.conf, what must be specified in addition to the connection_host?

1. index

2. host

3. source_type

4. hostname

The correct answer is: host

When configuring TCP input in the inputs.conf file for Splunk, it is essential to specify the host in addition to the connection_host. The host parameter defines the originating host of the data being ingested, which is important for data organization, search optimization, and management within your Splunk instance. By setting the host, you're providing context about where the data is coming from, which aids in effective data analysis and monitoring. This parameter is particularly useful for distinguishing data from multiple sources within the same index, allowing users to filter their searches based on the origin of the data. While the other parameters mentioned—index, source_type, and hostname—are not mandatory for the configuration of TCP input, they serve different purposes and could enhance data management. For example, the index determines where the data will be stored, the source_type assigns a type to the data for classification, and hostname generally points to the network address of the machine where the Splunk instance is running. However, the specification of the host is a critical step in data identification within the Splunk ecosystem, making it a necessary part of the TCP input configuration.