Netflow Accumulates and Monitors Network Traffic

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Assignment

1. Introduction
NetFlow is one of the networks technologies that need to be keep up rapidly. NetFlow is a network protocol developed to accumulate IP traffic data and monitor network traffic. Analyzing flow data, a picture of network traffic flow and volume can be built. Having a flow collector and data analyzer such as NetFlow, allows user to see where network traffic is coming and going to and how much traffic is being generated.
The latest Cisco IOS innovation of NetFlow of version 9 is flexible and extensible method to record network performance data. A comprehensive solution for NetFlow-based, planning, monitoring and billing can provides to customers.
2. NetFlow Overview
2.1 Netflow Operation

Figure 1: Cisco IOS NetFlow
NetFlow includes three key components that perform flow accounting; data switching, data export and data aggregation. As for NetFlow Flow Collector it does data collection, data filtering, data aggregation, and data storage and file system management. Lastly, Network Data Analyzer gives data presentation and NFC Control and configuration partner applications.
Process will be explained in details below.
2.1.1 Flow Accounting
Flow caching analyses and collects IP data flows entering router or switch interfaces and prepares data for export. Enables the accumulation of data such as IP addresses, application and CoS. Flexible flow data is now available using latest NetFlow v.9 export data format. NetFlow supports key technologies, including IPv4, IPv6, Multicast and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).
2.1.2 Flow Collector
Flow Collector and data analysis captures exported data from multiple routers and filters the data according to customer policies, and then stores the aggregated data. Users...

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4. Conclusion
NetFlow behaves as:
 Application and network usage
 Network productivity and utilization of network resources
 Impact of changes to the network
 Network anomaly and security vulnerabilities
 Long term compliance issues
Hence, NetFlow Cisco IOS accomplishes those needs, creating an environment where administrators have the tools to understand the network flowing. The increased of awareness also helps to reduce vulnerabilities of the network as it allows efficient operation of the network. Improvements in the network operation lower costs and drives higher business revenues by better utilization of the network infrastructure.

The benefits of the NetFlow are:
 Understand the impact of network changes and services
 Improve network usage and application performance
 Reduce IP service and application costs
 Detect and classify security incidents

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