This is because a parameter is a variable that can be defined and modified by the user or the script, and can be used to customize the behavior and output of the NAE script. A parameter can be referred to by using the syntax self ^ramsfname], where ramsfname is the name of the parameter.

By defining a parameter for the value, the developer can make the NAE script more flexible and adaptable to different scenarios and switches. The parameter can be set to a default value, such as 10, but it can also be changed by the user or the script based on the network conditions and requirements. For example, the parameter can be adjusted dynamically based on the average or standard deviation of the number of rejects per hour, or based on the feedback from the user or other admins. This way, the NAE script can trigger an alert only when the number of rejects is truly unusual and not just arbitrary.

A. Checking one of the access switches’ RADIUS statistics and adding 10 to the number listed for rejects. This is not a good recommendation because it does not account for the variability and diversity of the network environment and switches. The number of rejects listed for one switch might not be representative or relevant for another switch, as different switches might have different traffic patterns, client types, RADIUS configurations, etc. Moreover, adding 10 to the number of rejects is an arbitrary and fixed value that might not reflect the actual threshold for triggering an alert.

B. Defining a baseline and referring to it for the value. This is not a bad recommendation, but it is not as good as defining a parameter. A baseline is a reference point that represents the normal or expected state of a network metric or performance indicator. A baseline can be used to compare and contrast the current network situation and detect any anomalies or deviations. However, a baseline might not be easy or accurate to define, as it might require historical data, statistical analysis, or expert judgment. Moreover, a baseline might not be stable or constant, as it might change over time due to network growth, evolution, or optimization.

C. Using 10 (per hour) as a good starting point for the value. This is not a good recommendation because it is an arbitrary and fixed value that might not reflect the actual threshold for triggering an alert. Using 10 (per hour) as the value might result in false positives or false negatives, depending on the network conditions and switches. For example, if the normal number of rejects per hour is 5, then using 10 as the value might trigger an alert too frequently and unnecessarily. On the other hand, if the normal number of rejects per hour is 15, then using 10 as the value might miss some important alerts and risks.