NetFlow is a network protocol that collects information about your network's IP traffic and monitors network traffic activity. It provides insights into application flows, enabling you to gain a picture of the flow and volume of traffic on your network. In this article, we'll explore the basics of NetFlow, how it works, and the best NetFlow analyzers and collectors available in 2023.
NetFlow is a network protocol developed by Cisco in 1996 to offer insight into network behavior, particularly in areas such as compliance, network security vulnerabilities, network productivity, and application usage. It generates insights into application flows, allowing you to troubleshoot network issues with a high level of specificity.
NetFlow works by interacting with IP flows, or sequences of packets connecting a server with a destination. Each packet that makes it through the router or switch is examined for certain IP packet attributes, which are then used as packet identifiers to determine whether a packet is unique or similar enough to other packets to be grouped with them. The data is then exported to a NetFlow collector, which processes and compresses the data, and an analyzer performs the necessary traffic analysis.
NetFlow and sFlow are both concerned with packets and network traffic, but they differ in their approach. NetFlow uses templates, while sFlow is a packet sampling protocol that uses protocol extensions rather than templates. sFlow is designed to handle high-speed or high-performance networks and can be retrofitted to snap into any network monitoring device.
Here are the top 8 NetFlow analyzers and collectors available in 2023:
When choosing a NetFlow analyzer, consider the size and complexity of your network, as well as your specific needs and requirements. Look for a tool that provides real-time and archived data, customizable traffic reports, and the ability to integrate with other network monitoring tools.
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