Network monitoring conventionally consists of observing a network’s data traffic to help identify choke points or to troubleshoot hardware or software issues. Nagios and MRTG are powerful, free monitoring tools that run with Linux and can be used to monitor mixed-vendor environments where UNIX family systems and Windows both operate. Progent's IT integration experts can show you how to deploy both these utilities to optimize and troubleshoot your infrastructure.

Nagios Network Monitoring System
Nagios screenThe Nagios network monitoring application is a host and service monitor that runs under Linux or a UNIX variant. The monitoring daemon executes periodic checks on servers and services you request using external add-ons which return status information to Nagios. When issues are detected, the Nagios can generate notifications to administrative contacts in a variety of ways such as email, instant messaging, or SMS. Up to date status information, archival records, and analysis reports can be examined via the web.

Key features of the Nagios monitor include:

  • Monitoring of network services such as SMTP, HTTP, FTP, and NNTP
  • Monitoring of host machines: CPU load, memory/disk utilization, log files, etc.
  • Capability to define network host hierarchy, allowing differentiation between hosts that are not running vs. hosts that are not accessible
  • Support personnel alerts by email, beeper, or other pre-defined means in case service or host issues are detected or get fixed
  • Option to define scripts to be executed during service or host events for proactive problem remediation
  • Accommodation for deploying redundant and distributed network monitoring computers
  • External command option that enables ad hoc modifications to be made to the tracking and alerting activity via the use of event handlers, the web interface, and independent software
  • Preservation of machine and service state across application restarts
  • Planned downtime for eliminating machine and service alerts when there are intentional service breaks
  • Browser applet for examining existing network status, alert and problem history, log file, etc.
  • Authorization scheme that allows you to restrict what users can view and modify via the web interface

MRTG
MRTG consulting helpMulti Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is a free utility to monitor the traffic load on your network. Running under Windows or Linux, MRTG captures data from the traffic counters of routers and generates web-accessible graphs which offer a live intuitive depiction of this data.

Multi Router Traffic Grapher lets you graph the traffic through any SNMP network device. This can represent servers, routers, and switches. Administrators can utilize the resulting information to determine network trouble spots.

Type of information you can graph using MRTG include:

  • Throughput in bits or bytes per second
  • Connection rate in connections per second
  • Bandwidth through a specific Virtual server or node server
  • Number of simultaneous sessions

Contact Progent for Network Monitoring Consulting
Progent’s network monitoring consultants are skilled in operating a variety of utilities that can assist you to repair or optimize your connectivity infrastructure. For network monitoring expertise, phone Progent at 800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.

Progent's Microsoft, Cisco, and Applications Consulting Expertise
Progent's Microsoft and Cisco certified professionals offer clients in the , San Jose, and in cities nationwide a broad range of expertise covering the basic information technology needs common to most small business networks. Progent's primary services include network support, Microsoft Exchange consulting, system security support and HelpDesk consulting and support. Progent's Experts Group offers in-depth knowledge of specific application areas. By offering a single source for IT generalists and experts, Progent can deliver quick, affordable and complete IT solutions that align with the unique requirements of your company.

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