sFlow is a technology required for multi-vendor packet sampling that can be used to monitor network devices. These include wireless access points, host devices, switches and routers. The goal is to get a more secure device chip implementation in the network.
How do you use sFlow to monitor this network traffic? Those of you who are curious further can immediately check the full benefits and also how it works below!
What is sFlow?
What exactly is sFlow? For those of you who don’t know, sFlow is a technology that is embedded and directly implemented through hardware chips, especially for the switch and router parts. This software component is called the sFlow agent and runs using the network management tools in it.
This technology is also called packet sampling or flow sampling. Then for the IP flow that enters into a series of IP packets, it can directly move from the source to its destination using a specific port. Then for J-Flow and NetFlow are used in sampling a portion of each IP flow.
So, sFlow will take 1 of N samples at each interface regardless of the flow in it. This sampling and application is done randomly according to the time. Then for sampling from packets may not sample from each flow that requires support for results with easy measurement accuracy.
Usually they will work more in the needs of application loading and video streaming with heavier traffic in it. The process of the sFlow capture system is done with the help of ASIC switching or routing so that the performance and cable speed provided will also be more balanced or stable.
Benefits of using sFlow
After understanding the explanation of sFlow in terms of definition, then you need to know the inherent benefits of sFlow in a network. Sflow itself becomes a network technology that can be used to monitor network traffic to make it more stable and controllable. As well as to help observe network problem solving quickly and more easily.
- Get Deeper Information
sFlow can be used to capture a deeper level of information than NetFlow including the need for complete packet headers and partial packet generation. You can get wider and more controlled access to every crucial piece of network information you need.
- More Open and Neutral
We clearly need a system that is more open and neutral, especially when dealing with vendors. It is necessary to have sFlow which is able to provide a better level of openness regarding the protocol and also the neutrality side in it. This is used to facilitate monitoring of available network traffic.
- Displaying the Traffic Side According to Its Type
The third benefit obtained from using sFlow is being able to display the traffic side according to its type. This custom sensor owned by sFlow turns out to be really good to use to display traffic according to the desired type. In addition, you can also specify the definition of the channel to divide traffic on different channels.
When we can divide these channels better according to their direction and purpose, the rest of the system development and information obtained will also be better.
- More Detailed Export Forms and Counters
sFlow is able to provide technology that can be used to push and export interface counters of CPU usage and other details. This is what makes the export form and counters in it more detailed including the information and type of network provided.
- Multi-Vendor Packet Sampling
sFlow can be used to retrieve random or pre-defined sample packets even if they do not belong to an actual flow. The reason is that sFlow is directly implemented from a hardware chip that is embedded directly into the router or switch inside.
How does sFlow Work?
sFlow, also known as sampled flow, is a monitoring technology that operates directly by sampling network traffic in real time. In its performance, the sFlow sampling process is carried out by ASIC switching or routing which ensures a more balanced speed performance on the cable.
Furthermore, this sFlow agent will combine interface counters, flow samples and also the status of the forwarding table and routes that have been made from the sFlow datagram to the main server to run the software system. The goal is to help the process of easier analysis and reporting of all network traffic in it.
sFlow will export counters and details to use push technology not only regarding SNMP polling but also capturing a deeper level of information compared to what NetFlow already does. This includes headers as well as various network equipment according to the many products from Cisco.
Enjoy using sFlow with Netmonk
One of the software supporting network monitoring that uses sFlow is Netmonk. This network module from Netmonk uses a network device data acquisition system that is directly displayed on an analytical dashboard so that its contents are easier to understand, including making it easier for the IT team involved in it.
Netmonk provides convenience by means of proactive monitoring and also preventive maintenance performance, making the process easier. In addition, there are several reasons used for Netmonk to support better network monitoring needs. As for some of the advantages in question, you can immediately check below!
- Netmonk helps users more easily use data related to the devices used. You only need to register the IP address once then all data is immediately displayed clearly.
- You can get two types of dashboards that are used for management and operational needs so that the functionality provided will not be combined.
- With Netmonk, of course, the IT team can work more professionally considering that the operational system provided is also easier. With Netmonk, you can monitor the network more easily from crucial conditions to the safest ones in it.
- Netmonk has an easy-to-understand interface for everyone who is just starting to use digital monitoring. This convenience is what makes Netmonk suitable for all aspects and fields in it.
Netmonk can be an attractive choice for crucial network monitoring needs considering the performance provided is more complete and the results are real. All the features and advantages of Netmonk are quite flexible and can be customized as needed. Subscribe to Netmonk right now for more secure business network control!
