Monitor IPFIX with
the PRTG IPFIX Analyzer
IPFIX monitoring
Built-in alarm
Custom IPFIX reports
A comprehensive
Network Monitoring Tool
Two PRTG sensors for analyzing IPFIX
How PRTG defines sensors
In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, e.g. the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, the free space of a disk drive. On average you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.
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IPFIX Sensor: The IPFIX Sensor captures IPFIX flow information, sorts this information by traffic type, and displays the bandwidth usage of each respective flow. The latter include chats, Citrix applications, FTP/P2P, email traffic, web traffic, and more. Data generated by other protocols (via UDP and TCP) is also displayed.
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IPFIX (Custom) Sensor: The IPFIX (Custom) Sensor works in much the same way as the IPFIX Sensor. But with this sensor, you can also specify the types of traffic you would like to see in the sensor channels.
Learn more about the IPFIX (Custom) Sensor.
The advantages of using PRTG as your IPFIX collector and analyzer
Quick analyses
If the network is overloaded (e.g. due to backups, load peaks, and the excessively high bandwidth consumption of clients and applications), you must be able to immediately see the cause, and take all the necessary steps to fix the problem. PRTG gives you a prompt overview so you can get to work at once.
High-performance tool
PRTG is a comprehensive network monitoring tool used by more than 500,000 administrators worldwide. PRTG monitors all the systems, devices, and applications in your network, using a variety of technologies such as SNMP, WMI, packet sniffing, NetFlow, and IPFIX.
Built-in alarm
A PRTG license gives you direct access to all the software’s features, including the alarm system, reports, and technical support, as well as the full range of sensors. With PRTG, you get absolute transparency, and no hidden costs.
Quick setup
PRTG is configured in a matter of minutes. Its Auto Discovery function automatically creates the sensors you will need the most. And that means you can begin to take advantage of basic system monitoring from the very first time you launch the software.
An introduction to IPFIX monitoring with PRTG
The entire NetFlow traffic at a glance
Data collection via IPFIX
Sensor IPFIX
IPFIX tutorial: Getting started with IPFIX monitoring
An IP address (internet protocol address) is a numerical representation that uniquely identifies a specific interface on the network. IP addresses are binary numbers but are typically expressed in decimal form (IPv4) or hexadecimal form (IPv6) to make reading and using them easier for humans.
Read more
Step 1
Install PRTG. In the free trial version, you can use every type of sensor, including IPFIX and NetFlow sensors. The installation only takes a few minutes.
Step 2
Open the menus of your IPFIX-compatible routers and switches. Configure the devices such that IPFIX data is sent to a computer running a PRTG probe.
Step 3
Create the IPFIX sensors (corresponding to the target address) on the respective probe, then go into the sensor settings and specify the port and an IP address where you want the IPFIX flows to be captured. Choose the data traffic categories to be displayed by the sensor in the various channels. Optional filters make it possible to only include certain data traffic in the IPFIX analysis, or exclude it from the monitoring entirely.
“The greatest advantage of PRTG? You get to rest easy.“
Steffen Ille, Bauhaus-University of Weimar, Germany
Trusted by 500,000 users and recognized
by industry analysts as a leader
“Fantastic network and infrastructure monitoring solution that is easy to deploy and easier still to use. Simply the best available.”
“Software is absolutely perfect, Support is superior. Meets all needs and requirements, this is a must have solution if you are needing any form of monitoring.”
“The tool excels at its primary focus of being a unified infrastructure management and network monitoring service.”
FAQ: IPFIX
What is IPFIX?
IP Flow Information Export (IPFIX) is a protocol that was created by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) as a standard for flow information. It was developed using the NetFlow system. The IPFIX standard determines how IP flow information is formatted and sent to an IPFIX collector or analyzer.
What kind of information does IPFIX send?
IPFIX is a push protocol that constantly sends monitoring data to a monitoring tool (like PRTG). This data includes information on traffic types such as chats, file transfers, email traffic, web traffic, and other UDP and TCP traffic.
Which manufacturers support IPFIX?
Many router and switch manufacturers now support this technology, including Cisco, Citrix, Juniper Networks, VMware, Nortel, SonicWall, and more.
How does IPFIX work?
IPFIX data is sent from your routers and switches to an IPFIX collector. As a network monitoring tool, PRTG is also automatically an IPFIX tool which processes and visualizes this data, thereby allowing you to monitor the traffic in your network.
What is the difference between IPFIX and NetFlow?
NetFlow was developed by Cisco, which means it is particularly suitable for Cisco devices. Technically speaking, the IPFIX protocol is an upgrade of NetFlow v9, and is sometimes even referred to as NetFlow v10. The IPFIX standard was designed to be manufacturer-independent. It is a universal protocol that can be implemented by any network device manufacturer.
What is the difference between IPFIX, jFlow, sFlow, and NetStream?
NetStream is the protocol used by Huawei devices, while jFlow was developed for Juniper. These technologies are also extensions of NetFlow. With sFlow, which is used by scores of manufacturers, only every nth data packet is transmitted (“sampled flow”). As a result, less strain is put on your system. In general, monitoring software should support a variety of (flow) protocols to allow you to set up comprehensive monitoring for all the devices in your network. That is exactly why PRTG is so popular.
What is an IPFIX collector?
An IPFIX collector is monitoring software that can capture, process, and display IPFIX data. PRTG comes with two pre-configured IPFIX sensors. The IPFIX (Custom) Sensor lets you specify the information you would like to monitor. Read more about NetFlow collectors here.
What is the IPFIX port number?
The standard IPFIX port number is 4739. During setup, this port should therefore be left open. Tip: you can also use PRTG as a port monitoring tool to monitor or check bandwidth, traffic, and connections, or to see if certain TCP ports are open or closed.
What should I do if my devices do not support IPFIX?
Since IPFIX is a relatively new standard, it is only supported by a small number of devices. Find out which protocols are supported by your hardware. With PRTG, you can use NetFlow (v5 and v9) and flow technologies. Packet sniffing is another alternative for monitoring traffic.
Where can I find the IPFIX specifications?
IPFIX Collector vs. IPFIX Viewer vs. IPFIX Analyzer
Sysadmins often perform searches for IPFIX collectors, IPFIX viewers, and IPFIX analyzers, without really knowing which tools do what. An IPFIX collector is relatively straightforward: it collects IPFIX data. The same goes for an IPFIX viewer. An IPFIX analyzer, on the other hand, can be understood as a tool that goes into greater depth. Thanks to its easy-to-read monitoring display which lets you analyze your data traffic in detail, PRTG is much more than just a tool for collecting data.
Due to our technology competence, our leading market position, and our product's compatibility with VMware products we are member of the VMware Technology Alliance Program.
The VMware Ready logo designates PRTG Network Monitor has achieved VMware's highest level of endorsement. This signifies that our software has passed VMware's testing and review process and works effectively with VMware infrastructure.
Create innovative solutions with Paessler’s IT partners
Partnering with innovative IT vendors, Paessler unleashes synergies to create
new and additional benefits for joined customers.
ScriptRunner
With ScriptRunner, Paessler integrates a powerful event automation platform into PRTG Network Monitor.
UVnetworks
UVexplorer integrates tightly with PRTG to bring fast and accurate network discovery, detailed device inventory, and automatic network mapping to the PRTG platform.
PRTG makes your job easier
Our monitoring software frees you to focus on other tasks by promptly notifying you of potential issues.
Save effort
PRTG gives you one central monitoring tool for your servers and entire network. Enjoy a quick overview of your whole infrastructure via our dashboard and app.
Save time
Getting started with PRTG is a breeze. Setting up or switching from another network monitoring tool is easy thanks to the auto-discovery and pre-configured device templates.
Save money
80% of our customers report substantial cost savings with network monitoring. Your costs of licenses will likely pay for themselves within weeks.
We asked: would you recommend PRTG?
Over 95% of our customers say yes!
Paessler AG conducted trials in over 600 IT departments worldwide to tune its network monitoring software closer to the needs of sysadmins.
The result of the survey: over 95% of the participants would recommend PRTG – or already have.
Other topics
NetFlow monitoring: Which NetFlow sensors are used by PRTG? In which situations can I use PRTG to perform a NetFlow analysis? Find the answers to these and other questions on our NetFlow monitoring page.
Packet Sniffing: Packet sniffing can be used if your hardware does not support IPFIX or NetFlow technologies. With packet sniffing, you can monitor traffic and data packets, and filter according to IP addresses, protocols, and data types. More on packet sniffing
SNMP monitoring: NetFlow, IP Flow Information Export (IPFIX), and packet sniffing provide for in-depth analysis. SNMP, on the other hand, provides for a general overview. SNMP monitoring via PRTG lets you keep a constant eye on network bandwidth and utilization. These SMNP sensors are offered by PRTG.
Printer Monitoring: With PRTG you know the status of every printer - even in wireless networks. See detailed printer error messages at a glance and get informed if printer replacement is necessary.
“Easy to implement and configure with good technical support.”
R. v. S., ICT Manager at Heinen & Hopman Eng BV
PRTG: The multi-tool for sysadmins
Adapt PRTG individually and dynamically to your needs and rely on a strong API:- HTTP API: Access monitoring data and manipulate monitoring objects via HTTP requests
- Custom sensors: Create your own PRTG sensors for customized monitoring
- Custom notifications: Create your own notifications and send action triggers to external systems
- REST Custom sensor: Monitor almost everything that provides data in XML or JSON format
Still not convinced?
More than 500,000 sysadmins love PRTG
Paessler PRTG is used by companies of all sizes. Sysadmins love PRTG because it makes their job a whole lot easier.
Still not convinced?
Monitor your entire IT infrastructure
Bandwidth, servers, virtual environments, websites, VoIP services – PRTG keeps an eye on your entire network.
Try Paessler PRTG for free
Everyone has different monitoring needs. That’s why we let you try PRTG for free. Start now with your trial.
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PRTG |
Network Monitoring Software - Version 23.2.84.1566 (May 24th, 2023) |
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Hosting |
Download for Windows and cloud-based version PRTG Hosted Monitor available |
Languages |
English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese |
Pricing |
Up to 100 sensors for free (Price List) |
Unified Monitoring |
Network devices, bandwidth, servers, applications, virtual environments, remote systems, IoT, and more |
Supported Vendors & Applications |
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