NetFlow is a feature that was introduced on Cisco routers around 1996 that provides the ability to collect IP network traffic as it enters or exits an interface. By analyzing the data provided by NetFlow, a network administrator can determine things such as the source and destination traffic, class of service, and the causes of congestion.

Cisco IOS NetFlow efficiently provides a key set of services for IP applications, including network traffic accounting, usage-based network billing, network planning, security, Denial of Service monitoring capabilities, and network monitoring.

NetFlow is a network protocol developed by Cisco for collecting IP traffic information and monitoring network flow. By analyzing NetFlow data, you can get a picture of network traffic flow and volume. NetFlow is a one-way technology, so when the server responds to the initial client request, the process works in reverse and creates a new flow ...

2024年10月18日 · NetFlow is a powerful tool for monitoring any network. With its simplicity and ability to collect a wide array of detailed metrics with little overhead or cost, you can use NetFlow to inspect, assess, plan, troubleshoot, and secure the network.

2025年3月28日 · Learn about NetFlow protocol and its versions, IPFIX, key concepts, and get started with configuring NetFlow version 9 or 10 on your network to monitor traffic.

NetFlow provides valuable information about network users and applications, peak usage times, and traffic routing. Cisco invented NetFlow and is the leader in IP traffic flow technology. The basic output of NetFlow is a flow record.

NetFlow is more appropriate for complex, high-traffic networks that use IP traffic and for detecting anomalies. It provides more detailed information about applications and network traffic sources and is more scalable for performance analysis and network traffic management.

This article will cover the basics of Netflow, including its use cases, Netflow supported devices, Netflow history, and variants. We’ll also dive into the technical details of how the Netflow protocol works , including the Netflow ports , and the various Netflow versions .

NetFlow is a great protocol to get an insight in your network traffic. It’s the equivalent of a “phone bill” that specifies all calls that were made, where these calls took place, the duration, etc.

A NetFlow collector or NetFlow traffic analyzer is a reporting server that collects and analyzes traffic data for easier troubleshooting. It's either a hardware device or a software program. Why use NetFlow?