30

sFlow

This chapter shows you how to configure sFlow to have the Switch monitor traffic in a network and send information to an sFlow collector for analysis.

30.1 sFlow Overview

sFlow (RFC 3176) is a standard technology for monitoring switched networks. An sFlow agent embedded on a switch or router gets sample data and packet statistics from traffic forwarded through its ports. The sFlow agent then creates sFlow data and sends it to an sFlow collector. The sFlow collector is a server that collects and analyzes sFlow datagram. An sFlow datagram includes packet header, input and output interface, sampling process parameters and forwarding information.

sFlow minimizes impact on CPU load of the Switch as it analyzes sample data only. sFlow can continuously monitor network traffic and create reports for network performance analysis and troubleshooting. For example, you can use it to know which IP address or which type of traffic caused network congestion.

Figure 140 sFlow Application

sFlow AgentsFlow Collector

 

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ES3500 Series User’s Guide