Single Installation Monitoring of Distributed Networks by Paessler

Spatially distributed networks can be monitored by a single installation using the PRTG Network Monitor from Paessler. For achieving this, a number of remote probes are included in every PRTG license. The Monitor is helpful for IT staff who have to counter the challenges faced while they are monitoring multiple networks in different locations for ensuring the availability of adequate bandwidth, devices, and applications. On the other hand, existing licensing models are complex and involve significant extra expenses when network monitoring software is used for monitoring decentralized, multiple networks.

The monitor is ideally suited for companies having multiple branch offices as well as for IT service vendors who like to remotely track distributed edition client networks without incurring additional expenses and thereby ensure higher levels of service. These vendors can track multiple client networks centrally, as well as the complete network of the company, thereby saving administrative time and expenses.

The remote probe functionality has been implemented by Paessler in the Monitor rendering it feasible to use just a single license to monitor multiple networks. A dedicated architecture was created for this version. The architecture is cost and expenditure optimized. The relevant data is gathered by the individual probes and transmitted to the PRTG server for analysis and evaluation. The PRTG server is used for report generation, alerts, and data storage. It is also responsible for the web server.

During the installation process the initial local probe is created by PRTG automatically. The probe monitors all the sensors in the system and functions on the PRTG Server’s computer. An entire LAN can be monitored in this manner. The probes can be incorporated in spatially distinct networks or in the core server’s network. These probes use the Internet for communicating with the PRTG server. In this manner multiple installations that are expensive to maintain can be rendered unnecessary. There is no requirement to buy expensive distributed editions or many individual licenses.

When networks are to be monitored through more than one location and service availability has to be ensured, then it becomes imperative to use multiple or external probes. Another situation that can be conceived is a network having many LANs with firewalls and when the local probe is unable to track dedicated services across such barriers. This concept is useful for systems in VPNs that require monitoring over insecure data or public data connections.

The probe is automatically connected to the PRTG server as soon as it is launched. It then downloads its specified sensor configuration and commences the monitoring process. These autonomously functioning probes transmit results pertaining to every individual operation to a centralized installation. A connection loss say caused, for example, by a computer rebooting does not result in any problem. The probe carries out its task continually, storing the results and transmitting them once communication is restored. The use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) ensures maximum operational security. The resulting data volumes are disregarded since only numerical readings are sent by the probe.

The computer in use can experience performance restrictions due to the presence of CPU intensive sensors, such as NetFlow sensors or packet sniffers. The load can be distributed over more than one PC by using many probes. QoS measurements can be laid down for different probes. It is possible to monitor VoIP’s quality and other streaming data as well.

Source: http://www.paessler.com