Purpose: The purpose of this manual is to assist users in configuring PRTG Network Monitor to track SNMP device interface bandwidth utilization. By monitoring bandwidth utilization, users can identify trends, anticipate capacity requirements, and optimize network performance to ensure a smooth and reliable user experience.

Prerequisites:

1. Access to a PRTG Network Monitor instance.
2. Basic understanding of SNMP and network interfaces.
3. SNMP-enabled devices with accessible interfaces to monitor.

Steps:

1. Access PRTG Web Interface:

   • Log in to your PRTG Network Monitor instance using a web browser.

2. Navigate to Device Tree:

   • In the PRTG web interface, navigate to the "Devices" tab or the device tree where your SNMP-enabled devices are organized.

3. Add SNMP Traffic Sensor:

   • Right-click on the desired device or group where you want to add the SNMP traffic sensor.
   • Select "Add Sensor" and choose "SNMP Traffic".
   • Click on the sensor to add it to the selected device or group.

4. Configure Sensor Settings:

   • Enter a name for the sensor to identify it easily (e.g., "Interface Bandwidth Utilization").
   • Specify the SNMP version (SNMP v1, v2c, or v3) and authentication credentials (community string or SNMPv3 credentials).
   • Select the network interface(s) you want to monitor for bandwidth utilization.
   • Optionally, configure advanced sensor settings such as scanning interval and traffic calculation method.

5. Set Thresholds and Notifications:

   • Define warning and error thresholds for interface bandwidth utilization.
   • Configure notification settings to receive alerts when thresholds are breached.
   • Ensure notifications reach the appropriate stakeholders for timely action.

6. Review and Save Settings:

   • Double-check all configured settings to ensure accuracy.
   • Save the sensor configuration to start monitoring interface bandwidth utilization immediately.

7. Monitor Results:

   • Monitor the SNMP traffic sensor results in the PRTG web interface.
   • Review interface bandwidth utilization metrics such as inbound and outbound traffic, throughput, and packet rates.
   • Identify trends and anomalies in network traffic patterns to optimize bandwidth usage and improve network performance.

Best Practices:

• Regularly monitor interface bandwidth utilization to identify potential bottlenecks and optimize network performance.
• Set appropriate thresholds for bandwidth utilization to detect congestion and prevent network slowdowns.
• Use historical data and trend analysis to forecast future bandwidth requirements and plan network capacity upgrades accordingly.
• Monitor critical interfaces and prioritize alerts based on their importance to the network infrastructure.

By following these steps, you can effectively track SNMP device interface bandwidth utilization using PRTG Network Monitor. Monitoring bandwidth utilization allows for proactive network management, optimization of network performance, and timely resolution of congestion issues. Leveraging PRTG's SNMP traffic sensor capabilities enhances visibility into network traffic patterns and facilitates informed decision-making for network administrators.