Sending Text Messages From PRTG

Paessler's network monitoring software, PRTG Network Monitor, offers multiple methods to relay notifications, including SMTP mail relay, SMS, ICQ, etc., allowing users to ensure in various ways that they are informed if an issue (such as an outage or a slow server) needs to be brought to their attention.

However, there are times when the normal relay means do not suffice, particularly if the main leased line used to connect to the network is interrupted. For these purposes, PRTG Network Monitor includes the option to trigger executable notifications which, combined with the proper external software, can overcome this issue with ease. One software we have been recommending a while is PageGate from NotePage.

Using PageGate to Relay Notifications With PRTG Network Monitor

The following article provides a quick and easy overview of how to define and configure a PageGate notification under PRTG Network Monitor.

• Install PageGate
• Create a carrier (e.g. PRTGCARRIER). Specify the protocol settings according to your needs
• Add a recipient: In the example below we used a SMTP recipient for simplicity's sake
• Make sure the PageGate service is running.

Screenshot of PageGate

• Create a .BAT batch file (e.g. PageGate.bat) within the \Notifications\exe subdirectory of your PRTG installation directory
• Input the following text (please ensure the path definition matches the directory used)

C:\PageGate\sendpage32.exe prtg_admin %1 %2

Note: The path must match the path specified in Interfaces/GetAscii/Settings in the PageGate Admin tool

(in this example, prtg_admin is the specified recipient. %1,%2 will be replaced with the notification)

Screenshot of PageGate

• Define a notification within PRTG 7.
• Select "Execute Program" from the notification options
• Add the necessary parameters (ensure the parameters are contained within "" as otherwise the individual parameter chains might contain empty spaces):

Example: "[%sitename]" "%device %name %status %down (%message)"

• Save and test

Screenshot of PRTG's Notification Settings

This methodology is particularly useful if you wish to ensure the possibility of relaying crucial SMS messages even at times that the main leased line is down and, as such, PRTG Network Monitor is unable to access normal messaging methodology, such as SMTP servers or SMS gateway.