Keep your router traffic records in a database you can query
Your router sees every flow that crosses it, but that data vanishes unless something catches it. NetFlow2SQL Collector receives NetFlow packets from Cisco and other routing devices and writes their contents into Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL databases, so you can retrieve and analyze them later.
Quick facts
- Version: 2.0.1045
- Platform: Windows (runs as a Windows service)
- Price: $79.00
- Databases: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and above, MySQL server 5.x and above
Key features
Continuous background collection as a Windows service
The Collector runs in the background as a Windows service, listens for traffic data and records it continuously. You don't need to keep a window open.
Store flows in up to ten local or remote SQL servers
The Collector decodes NetFlow v5 packets and can access up to ten local and remote SQL servers. It can create new SQL tables and drop old ones.
One interface for routers, service control and monitoring
You configure your router list, control the Windows service and monitor the overall process from a single interface. Settings cover the NetFlow UDP port, router IP address, SQL server host, TCP port, database name, user name and password.
A new table each month with clear fields
A new table is created each month in the database you choose. Fields include source and destination address and port, next hop address, protocol, packet count, byte count and the SNMP input and output interface indexes.
NetFlow2SQL Explorer for searching and exporting
NetFlow2SQL Explorer is part of the software. It lists SQL servers, databases and tables. You can filter by date, time, source, destination and next-hop addresses or masks, ports and IP protocol number. You can also run custom queries with WHERE clause conditions. Results appear in a data sheet and export to csv and xls files.
Who it's for
It suits network administrators who already run Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL and want raw flow records kept in tables they can query with SQL.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Data goes into ordinary SQL tables, so you can query it however you like.
- Pro: It runs as a service and records without supervision.
- Pro: Explorer exports to csv and xls.
- Con: It decodes NetFlow v5 only.
- Con: It is a Windows-only tool, and you need your own SQL server.
FAQs
Which databases does it support?
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and above, and MySQL server 5.x and above.
Which NetFlow versions can it read?
It decodes NetFlow v5 packets.
Can I send data to more than one server?
Yes. It can access up to ten local and remote SQL servers.
Can I export what I find?
Yes. Explorer exports fetched rows to csv and xls files.
System requirements
A Windows system with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or later, or MySQL server 5.x or later, reachable from the machine that runs the Collector.