MSM7xx Controllers Configuration Guide v6.4.0

24 sFlow
Overview
sFlow is a technology for monitoring traffic in high speed switched or routed networks.
The standard sFlow monitoring system is comprised of the following:
• An sFlow Agent that runs on a network device such as an AP, switch, or router. The agent
uses sampling techniques to capture information about the data traffic flowing through the
device and forwards this information to an sFlow collector.
• An sFlow Collector that receives monitoring information from sFlow agents. The collector stores
this information so that a network administrator can analyze it.
sFlow Proxy
(Controller)
sFlow Collector
(e.g. ProCurve Manager)
sFlow
Agents
sFlow
Datagrams
sFlow
Datagrams
sFlow
Agents
sFlow proxy
In the case of the controller and its controlled APs, the sFlow monitoring system operates slightly
differently. Instead of each AP sending information directly to a collector, the APs send their
information to the controller, which acts as an sFlow proxy. The controller then forwards the
information to one or more collectors.
The collectors are not aware of the APs, as all sFlow information is repackaged by the controller
to indicate that it is the source device. Essentially, the interfaces on the APs appear as interfaces
on the controller. When the controller detects that an AP is missing, it will answer SNMP SET and
GET queries from collectors with an SNMP error message.
sFlow agent support
Monitoring of sFlow traffic is supported as follows:
• Controllers: The controller does not generate any sFlow information of its own. The sFlow
information is only generated by APs.
• APs: Supported only on wireless interfaces.
• HP 517 or MSM317: Supported on wireless interfaces and switch ports.
Overview 527