Using InterMapper Flows with sFlow

InterMapper Flows can handle sFlow data from HP, Extreme, Foundry, Force10 and other network equipment. sFlow provides information about the traffic through the network, including the sender and recipient of the traffic flows as well as the protocols involved.

To configure InterMapper Flows to receive the sFlow data, you must first enable sFlow export on the router or switch. Most modern gear uses SNMP to enable/disable sFlow export, as described in the sFlow specification.

InterMapper Flows has an option on its Exporters tab of the Server Settings that lets you specify the exporter(s) that should send data. To use it:

1. Open the Flows Settings window, and click the Exporters tab.

2. Set the sFlow port (default is 6343) at the bottom of the window.

3. Click the Add sFlow exporter button. You'll see the "Enter sFlow Information" window. Enter the IP address of the exporter, the SNMP read/write community string, select the proper IP address for the collector, and the sampling rate, then click OK.

4. InterMapper Flows configures (via SNMP) the selected exporter to send (to "export") sFlow records for subsequent display. You should see the exporter appear in the Exporters list very soon after enabling it.