PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive network monitoring solution developed by Paessler AG. It helps administrators monitor the availability, bandwidth, and overall performance of network devices and services, such as servers, routers, switches, and applications, through a user-friendly interface. PRTG uses a range of sensors and protocols, including SNMP, WMI, and NetFlow, to provide real-time data and alerts, ensuring optimal network performance and quick response to potential issues.

PRTG Installation

Download the PRTG Windows Installation File and execute it

We can optionally speicify the SNMP string now for the auto discovery

After it finishes, the Web Admin should be accessible with default user prtgadmin/prtgadmin

SNMP on Network Device

First lets configure the SNMP on the network device

Then on PRTG, add the device

Then select the sensor and the data that we want to grab, in this case it is a traffic sensor monitoring the uplink of Gig1

Now we can see the device is added with the snmp sensor showing the traffic data of Gig1 interface

SNMP on Windows Machine

Configure the SNMP on the Windows side

Then add the device on PRTG

Now we can see all the data selected for monitoring

SNMP Traps

SNMP traps are unsolicited messages sent from a managed device to an SNMP manager, alerting it to significant events or status changes without requiring a specific request. Unlike standard SNMP polling, where the manager regularly queries devices for information, traps allow devices to push notifications immediately when an event occurs, reducing the need for continuous polling and helping to promptly detect issues.

First lets configure the SNMP traps on the network device, in this case we want to monitor the up/down status of the links

Then add the SNMP Traps sensor on the device on PRTG

Here we can see everytime there’s changes on the link status, we get an SNMP trap informing exactly that

Syslog

Other than SNMP, PRTG can also consume other type of data, for example a syslog. Lets try sending syslogs from network device to PRTG

Then add the syslog sensor on the device

And now we are receiving syslog messages as well