PRTG Linux server monitoring:
Stable, secure, effective
PRTG monitors Linux-based networks both securely and thoroughly
PRTG automatically notifies you when threshold values are exceeded
PRTG lets you keep a constant eye on network structure, traffic, and connections
Flawless Linux network monitoring with PRTG
As a company, you need a central network management. Most important work processes run via the in-house network, which can run via a Windows or Linux server. The job of administrators is to ensure smooth operation and cost-effective utilization. Professional monitoring software such as PRTG can help.
How do I monitor my network traffic on Linux?
PRTG is not only compatible with Windows systems, but also with networks running via Linux servers. With Linux monitoring, you get an overview of the system and device status, as well as updates on traffic strength and potential bottlenecks. You also get important information on users, connections, and your network structure.
Thanks to the built-in Linux server monitoring of PRTG, well-founded decisions can be made on the future development and optimization of your service management. Linux monitoring also lets you monitor the amount of free disk space, allowing you to quickly fix memory errors. Moreover, PRTG features time synchronization monitoring (via NTP).
With PRTG, admins obtain an overview of their Linux networks, employees enjoy a stable working environment, and managers are given figures they can trust. Improve the performance of your network and solve problems before they arise.
Thanks to PRTG, everyone will work with peace of mind.
This is how Linux monitoring with PRTG works
PRTG uses customized Linux and Unix sensors to monitor Linux systems, without the need to install or modify anything on the target device. Linux operating systems are monitored by way of SNMP and SSH protocols, while Linux servers are monitored using WBEM and SSH protocols. With SSH, data is sent via a secure connection to prevent sensitive information from being compromised during the sending of monitoring data.
Customize your own threshold and alarm values. These values are used to inform you if memory surges on one or more servers. Such information is especially important for application and terminal servers which are used by a great many users. Even standard applications such as word processors or spreadsheets can take up so much system memory that overall system performance is impaired. PRTG notifies you before memory bottlenecks occur, enabling your network to perform optimally in the long run.
The PRTG Linux monitoring also lets you monitor the available hard disk space of Linux systems and time synchronization via NTP (Network Time Protocol). PRTG for Linux servers gathers information on system load, RAM, and hard drives directly from the respective systems.
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.
7 good reasons to choose PRTG as your Linux monitoring tool
Syslog stands for System Logging Protocol and is a standard protocol used to send system log or event messages to a specific server, called a syslog server. It is primarily used to collect various device logs from several different machines in a central location for monitoring and review. The protocol is enabled on most network equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, and even some printers and scanners. In addition, syslog is available on Unix and Linux based systems and many web servers including Apache.
Read more
Gain an overview
The PRTG dashboard provides for a convenient overview of the status and performance of your Linux network, over- and undercapacities, NTP, hard drives, and memory.
Be notified
If a bandwidth overload is looming or another threshold value exceeded, you’ll be notified at once, wherever you happen to be.
Reduce workloads
You won’t need to retrieve the various system messages yourself, but can rely on the PRTG Syslog Sensor and notification system.
Stabilize your network
With constant monitoring, you will ensure that critical weak points and imbalances in your Linux network are repaired as quickly as possible.
Secure your business
Linux network monitoring lets you follow up on unusual incidents, analyze suspicious traffic, prevent critical errors, and promptly set up new capacities.
Make your IT more effective
Monitoring and quick solutions provide your co-workers with a stable and effective IT environment, and lay the groundwork for achieving company goals.
Measure your network structure
With PRTG, you get a detailed view of how data traffic is structured in your Linux network, and can take corresponding steps to advance the needs of your business.
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.
Your Linux servers and devices at a glance – even on the go
PRTG is set up in a matter of minutes and can be used on a wide variety of mobile devices.
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.”
Linux server monitoring sensors
The following sensors can be used for Linux server monitoring with PRTG:
SNMP Linux
Various sensors that monitor different parameters of a Linux/Unix system using SNMP like:
- Free disk space
- Average system load
- Memory usage
- Input/output on disks
SSH
Several SSH sensors show data like free disk space, load average, memory usage of a Linux/Unix system, status and details of SANs or monitors scripts using SSH.
Python Script Advanced
The Python Script Advanced sensor executes a Python script on the computer and is provided as part of the PRTG API. It can show values returned by the Python script in multiple channels (must be valid JSON or XML).
More data collecting sensors
SNMP Linux Load Average
The SNMP Linux Load Average sensor monitors the "load average” of a Linux/Unix system by way of Secure Shell (SSH) or the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
SNMP Linux Meminfo
The SNMP Linux Meminfo sensor monitors the memory usage of a Linux/Unix system using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
Linux Disk Free
The SNMP Linux Disk Free sensor monitors free space on disks of a Linux/Unix system using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
The sensor can show the following:
- Free total disk space in bytes
- Free space in bytes for every mounted partition
- Free space in percent for every mounted partition
- Free inodes in percent for every mounted partition
SNMP Traffic
The SNMP Traffic sensor monitors traffic on a device using SNMP. PRTG creates one traffic sensor for each individual port
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.
With ScriptRunner, Paessler integrates a powerful event automation platform into PRTG Network Monitor.
ScriptRunner
UVnetworks
UVexplorer integrates tightly with PRTG to bring fast and accurate network discovery, detailed device inventory, and automatic network mapping to the PRTG platform.
“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

Also interesting:
Packet Capture: PRTG analyzes data packets and displays the data packet loss rate. In the event a critical value is exceeded, you’ll automatically receive an alert.
Sharepoint Monitoring: A SharePoint Server malfunction can have serious consequences. PRTG monitoring helps you solve problems faster and keep SharePoint stable.
Backup Monitoring: PRTG secures cloud and online backups, operating system backups and virtual machines. In case of incorrect backups, you get automatically notified.
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.
PRTG |
Network Monitoring Software - Version 23.2.84.1566 (May 24th, 2023) |
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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Combining the broad monitoring feature set of PRTG with IP Fabric’s automated network assurance creates a new level of network visibility and reliability.