Networks

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Network Traffic Management and Accounting

0 helpful
8 replies

by dumphrey

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

Yeah I know... a real eye catching title. But anyway. In a recent email with another TR member, the need for traffic monitoring came up. In my situation I use a combination of squid in transparent mode, squid in mandatory proxy, and Wireshark on the servers when I need to see packet data (and on the proxies of course).
Wireshark is easy to set up and use, but I will be learning to interpret data for ever...
Squid is easy to use once its set up, but learning to set it up and install it properly took me a lot of time I do not have anymore, and many people never have.
So what do other people do to track bandwidth usage and traffic types? Any thoughts on commercial products vs open source products? Software vs gateway devices?

8 replies

by dawgit

the main ones. I would suggest you look at Nagios as well, it's a good program (ok, MO, but not only mine) Open Source, well documented, easy, and widely availible Worldwide. (see: http://www.nagios.org )
-d

by dumphrey

Steep or gradual? I am looking for something I can get up and out in a day or so, and latter learn the more detailed aspects, specifically focusing on tracking and logging amount of traffic over type of traffic.

EDIT: Oh, hehe and thanks for the reply btw.

by jdclyde

It simply amazes me that there isn't more out there that can give a simple chart to show the amount of traffic going over a line.

That is the first step of networking, making sure you have enough bandwidth for your applications.

As you add applications, what is the impact to your network?

How much bandwidth is each application using?

What are the protocols being used, so you can tune the QOS?

Very frustrating.

by dawgit

But I would give it a day, play with it, put it through it paces. Shouldn't take longer than 1 Day to put in action, at the most. (and that's with time for coffee, and lunch) -d

by dumphrey

has their netflow protocol, but I am no PIX master, and I would need to then configure a compatible software to capture the data, and CRISCO will only support their (paid for) version. Overall, the transparent squid proxy is about the best solution I have found. Its just not always convenient to have to build a dedicated box, put it place and then "tune it to work right" while everyone wants email and interpron, i mean internet access.
You would think such a basic task would be easy to find a solution for, but alas, such is not the case..

by dumphrey

I have my trusty Test Box (800mhx p3/512 ram)warming up and getting a fresh Debian install. Its no screamer but it will do the job for POC, or until I can find a permanent home.

by dawgit

Let us know what your expirences are with it. It seems rather popular over here. But here the public sentement is quite different in reguards to things like that. Here it's just common. Good luck and have fun. -d

by dumphrey

I am putting a clean Debian on my l'il test box atm. After that I will install Nagios and see where it goes.

This discussion is closed to new replies.