Configuring sFlow
sFlow is the standard for monitoring high-speed switched and routed networks. sFlow technology is
built into network equipment and gives complete visibility into network activity, enabling effective
management and control of network resources.
The sFlow monitoring system consists of an sFlow Agent (embedded in a switch or router or in a
standalone probe) and a central sFlow Collector. The sFlow Agent uses sampling technology to capture
traffic statistics from the device it is monitoring. sFlow datagrams are used to immediately forward the
sampled traffic statistics to an sFlow Collector for analysis.
The sFlow Agent uses two forms of sampling: statistical packet-based sampling of switched or routed
Packet Flows, and time-based sampling of counters.
sFlow Agent Summary
Packet Flow Sampling and Counter Sampling are performed by sFlow Instances associated with
individual Data Sources within the sFlow Agent. Packet Flow Sampling and Counter Sampling are
designed as part of an integrated system. Both types of samples are combined in sFlow datagrams.
Packet Flow Sampling will cause a steady, but random, stream of sFlow datagrams to be sent to the
sFlow Collector. Counter samples may be taken opportunistically in order to fill these datagrams.
In order to perform Packet Flow Sampling, an sFlow Sampler Instance is configured with a Sampling
Rate. The Packet Flow sampling process results in the generation of Packet Flow Records. In order to
perform Counter Sampling, the sFlow Poller Instance is configured with a Polling Interval, The Counter
Sampling process results in the generation of Counter Records. The sFlow Agent collects Counter
Records and Packet Flow Records and sends them in the form of sFlow datagrams to sFlow Collectors.
To access the sFlow Agent Summary page, click
System
>
Advanced Configuration
>
sFlow
>
Agent
in
the navigation menu.
Table 73: sFlow Agent Summary Fields
Field
Description
Version
Uniquely identifies the version and implementation of this MIB. The version string must have the
following structure: MIB Version; Organization; Software Revision where:
•
MIB Version: ‘1.3’, the version of this MIB.
•
Organization: Broadcom Corp.
•
Revision: 1.0
Agent Address
The IP address associated with this agent.
Use the
Refresh
button to refresh the page with the most current data from the switch.
sFlow Receiver Configuration
Use the sFlow Receiver Configuration page to configure the sFlow Receiver.
To access this page, click
System
>
Advanced Configuration
>
sFlow
>
Receiver
in the navigation
menu.
Configuring System Information
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