Why Netflow Analysis?
With Netflow and flow enabled network devices you can quickly see which users, applications, protocols and traffic sources are generating traffic and consuming bandwidth. Maybe some users are doing unexpected things - like streaming large files or doing backups during normal business hours. Or maybe it's something dangerous - like a virus spreading on your network. But you can only see this on a Netflow or flow-enabled network with a Netflow Analyzer.
What is Netflow?
A flow is a series of packets with a set of common characteristics sent between devices. As packets traverse a device, seven parameters are analyzed, if they all match exactly, then this sequence of packets is determined to be a flow. Flows are comprised of one of the IP protocols (usually TCP or UDP) depending on the end system being accessed.
Netflow Analyzers - what do they do?
Netflow Analyzers provide Netflow and flow management information on the different types of traffic traversing the network (as compared to simply looking at bandwidth utilization) to ensure the network is able to support key business applications. The practice of flow management began with the implementation of Netflow, a technology developed by Cisco, which is part of the device IOS (internal operating system). In addition to the Netflow format, other popular formats include J-Flow (developed by Juniper Networks), and sFlow (RFC 3176 standard). The vast majority of hardware manufacturers support one or more flow formats.
Why are Netflow Analyzers and management important?
The practice of Netflow management using Netflow Analyzers enables you to efficiently characterize the IP traffic on a network, which is critical to identifying the cause of link/network congestion, facilitating effective network capacity planning, and ensuring network resources are used to support organizational goals, including the support of key business applications.
What can Netflow management data be used for?
Netflow data can be used for many applications such as:
- Traffic and bandwidth utilization analysis
- Application monitoring
- User monitoring
- Network performance monitoring
- Network capacity planning
- Security analysis
- Traffic engineering
- Peering agreement
- Usage-based billing
- Destination sensitive billing
How does Netflow Analysis work?
Each Netflow or flow enabled router or switch (source) collects and aggregates information about traffic passing through it, and when configured to do so, transmits the information to a Netflow enabled analyzers, network management and monitoring system such as WhatsUp Gold. WhatsUp Gold then converts the flow data into actionable Netflow reports.
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Flow monitoring lets you find the solution. Easily view flows between networks, devices and servers. Identify problem applications, protocols and services.
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Start using flow technology within your existing network by deploying the FlowPublisher agent. Keep your existing legacy network devices, but add valuable flow data collection - and then move it to any segment of your network.
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Easily identify problem applications and protocols on your Windows servers, and plan for upgrades, moves and changes using a simple, visual representation of your server data flows.
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Finding performance bottlenecks & bandwidth reducing configuration errors is a snap when you deploy the Flow Publisher agent within your Storage Area Networks. And best of all, it's available right from your WhatsUp Gold dashboard.
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There's no need for disposal or costly infrastructure upgrades – Flow Publisher can provide flow information from legacy 2900, 3500 & 3750 Cisco series devices along with stacks of non-flow enabled networking equipment from 3COM, Alcatel, Juniper, HP & many other vendors.
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Extend your network visibility and go beyond simple up-down availability and identify the actual causes of network traffic congestion with WhatsUp Gold and Flow Monitoring.
Digital Networks Australia is the authorised distributor of Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold throughout Australia and New Zealand. Our certified WhatsUp Gold Engineers are available free of charge to assist you during your evaluation. For assistance, please call 1300 723 600
