NetFlow and SNMP Differences and Best Tools to Use

1. What is the difference between NetFlow and SNMP?
2. What is the difference between NetFlow and sFlow?
3. What is NetFlow used for?
4. What protocol does NetFlow use?
5. What is SNMP protocol used for?
6. How does Cisco SNMP work?
7. Is NetFlow UDP or TCP?
8. Is NetFlow free?
9. What is Ipfix vs NetFlow?
10. How does NetFlow work?
11. Is NetFlow secure?
12. How do you collect NetFlow?

What is the difference between NetFlow and SNMP?

SNMP datagrams are continuously sent across the network in real-time (i.e. every second) as responses to SNMP queries, while the exporting of NetFlow records depends on active/inactive timers. ... sFlow does not cache data, instead sFlow datagrams are sent in real-time to a collector where they are analyzed.

What is the difference between NetFlow and sFlow?

The main difference between NetFlow and sFlow is that NetFlow is restricted to IP only, whereas sFlow has the ability sample everything (network layer independent). Cisco devices try to aggregate flows (you can think of them as conversations) and then export information about them to a collector.

What is NetFlow used for?

NetFlow solutions are a commonly used standard for monitoring network flow data. Released as a feature on Cisco routers, NetFlow allows you to monitor IP network traffic information as data packets enter or exit an interface.

What protocol does NetFlow use?

NetFlow records are traditionally exported using User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and collected using a NetFlow collector. The IP address of the NetFlow collector and the destination UDP port must be configured on the sending router. A common value is UDP port 2055, but other values like 9555 or 9995, 9025, 9026 etc.

What is SNMP protocol used for?

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a networking protocol used for the management and monitoring of network-connected devices in Internet Protocol networks.

How does Cisco SNMP work?

SNMP works by sending messages, called protocol data units (PDUs), to devices within your network that “speak” SNMP. These messages are called SNMP Get-Requests. Using these requests, network administrators can track virtually any data values they specify.

Is NetFlow UDP or TCP?

The NetFlow standard (RFC 3954) does not specify a specific NetFlow listening port. The standard or most common UDP port used by NetFlow is UDP port 2055, but other ports, such as 9555, 9995, 9025, and 9026, can also be used. UDP port 4739 is the default port used by IPFIX.

Is NetFlow free?

The Free Real-Time NetFlow Analyzer from SolarWinds is one of the more popular tools available to download free. This tool allows you to sort, graph, and display data in various ways that allow you to visualize and analyze your network traffic.

What is Ipfix vs NetFlow?

One of the most significant differences between IPFIX versus NetFlow is IPFIX's flexibility. ... Users are also able to use variable-length fields, which allows IPFIX to collect data like URLs and messages. NetFlow, on the other hand, uses standard-length fields, which narrows the scope of information it can collect.

How does NetFlow work?

NetFlow is a network protocol system created by Cisco that collects active IP network traffic as it flows in or out of an interface. The NetFlow data is then analyzed to create a picture of network traffic flow and volume — hence the name: NetFlow.

Is NetFlow secure?

NetFlow can be stored securely and privately.

We also utilize many security safeguards such as regular vulnerability assessments, two-factor authentication, and automated source code security analyses.

How do you collect NetFlow?

How to Collect NetFlow Data

1. Flow exporter: a network device (a router or firewall) in charge of obtaining flow data and exports it to a flow collector.
2. Flow collector: a device that collects the exported flow data.
3. Flow analyzer: an application that examines and analyses the flow data collected by the flow collector.