Monitoring Switch Traffic 36315Monitoring Switch TrafficThis chapter describes sFlow features, Remote Monitoring (RMON), andPort Mirroring features.The topics covered in this chapter include:• Traffic Monitoring Overview• Default Traffic Monitoring Values• Monitoring Switch Traffic (Web)• Monitoring Switch Traffic (CLI)• Traffic Monitoring Configuration ExamplesTraffic Monitoring OverviewThe switch maintains statistics about network traffic that it handles. It alsohas embedded technology that collects and sends information about traffic toother devices. PowerConnect 7000 Series switches include support for flow-based monitoring through sFlow and Remote Network Monitoring (RMON)agents.What is sFlow Technology?sFlow is an industry standard technology for monitoring high-speed switchedand routed networks. PowerConnect 7000 Series switch software has a built-in sFlow agent that can monitor network traffic on each port and generatesFlow data to an sFlow receiver (also known as a collector). sFlow helps toprovide visibility into network activity, which enables effective managementand control of network resources. sFlow is an alternative to the NetFlownetwork protocol, which was developed by Cisco Systems. The switchsupports sFlow version 5.As illustrated in Figure 15-1, the sFlow monitoring system consists of sFlowAgents (such as PowerConnect 7000 Series switches) and a central sFlowreceiver. sFlow Agents use sampling technology to capture traffic statistics
