Scrutinizer NetFlow & sFlow Analyzer Editor's Review

This application is a professional tool for monitoring network traffic and gathering miscellaneous information about the computers connected to a network. The program uses a technique called "Cisco IOS NetFlow" for recording network performance data. Overall, the program is quite advanced, so I think that beginners could have some trouble getting it to work.

"Scrutinizer" uses a MySQL server and a web server to display several pages that enable you to view detailed statistics about every supported network device. These web pages are password protected, so you have to log in first. After you log in you can add a new network device. You have to enter its address and the program automatically starts monitoring. Please be aware that only several types of routers are supported, so you should read the documentation which is available on the help page.

Various reports about the network traffic are available. You can even define what data to include in a report. The free version of this software only allows you to monitor 99 routers. However, in the commercial version the number of routers which can be monitored is unlimited. The commercial version also supports defining alarms whenever certain criteria are met. For example, you could set an alarm whenever a router becomes unavailable.

Pluses: You can enter the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of each router which is being monitored by this application. The program is integrated with Google Maps, meaning that you can view the router's location from a satellite.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: This software package is designed for professionals.

version reviewed: 5.0.0