Integrating Uptime NetFlow with Uptime Infrastructure Monitor

Contents

Overview

Uptime NetFlow is a NetFlow analyzer that takes advantage of communications standards for Cisco IOS networking devices (as well as other compatible switches and routers) to retrieve and store network traffic information for users, systems, and applications. It allows administrators to monitor, graph, and report on network usage patterns, and locate the heaviest traffic creators.

To help you establish Uptime Infrastructure Monitor as the core component for tracking the performance and reliability of your network, you can integrate an Uptime NetFlow instance with Uptime Infrastructure Monitor. Once integrated, you can perform the following tasks in Uptime Infrastructure Monitor:

• Add network devices that are exporting NetFlow data to Uptime NetFlow.
• Generate Uptime NetFlow graphs from NetFlow-exporting elements. You can use the network device's Graphing page in Uptime Infrastructure Monitor to directly call an Uptime NetFlow instance. A graph that covers a specified time frame is generated, showing the monitored element's bi-directional throughput rates through known ports, which are determined based on use by all known applications.
• Generate Uptime NetFlow graphs from other Elements. Similar to network devices, you can use other Elements' Graphing pages to generate graphs in Uptime NetFlow. These graphs will show network traffic from the host, allowing you to pinpoint heavy users. From here, you will be able to select and graph other network traffic data for the host.
• Use an embedded Uptime NetFlow interface in Uptime Infrastructure Monitor's Global Scan panel. You can access all of Uptime NetFlow's features, such as the MyView status panel, from the NetFlow tab. This, in addition to custom dashboards, allows you to use Global Scan as a central reporting area for various infrastructure views, based on performance metrics from Uptime Infrastructure Monitor and other tools.

Integrating an Uptime NetFlow Instance with Uptime Infrastructure Monitor

To access Uptime NetFlow data directly from Uptime Infrastructure Monitor, the Uptime NetFlow instance must first be configured:

1. Access the Config tab in the Monitoring Station web interface.
2. Click Uptime Configuration to display the configuration panel.
3. Add the following entries to the text box:
   • netflow.enabled=true
   • netflow.hostname=[NetFlowHost]
     The host name or IP address of your Uptime NetFlow installation.
   • netflow.port=[NetFlowPort]
     The HTTP port through which Uptime NetFlow sends and receives communication.
   • netflow.username=[NetFlowAdmin]
     The user name required to log in to Uptime NetFlow.
   • netflow.password=[NetFlowPassword]
     The password required to log in to Uptime NetFlow.
4. Click Update.