Purpose: The purpose of this manual is to assist users in configuring PRTG Network Monitor to track SNMP device interface packet loss. By monitoring packet loss, users can identify network issues, troubleshoot connectivity problems, and ensure the reliability and performance of their network infrastructure.

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 Packet Loss").
   • 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 packet loss.
   • Optionally, configure advanced sensor settings such as scanning interval and error thresholds.

5. Set Thresholds and Notifications:

   • Define warning and error thresholds for packet loss percentage.
   • Configure notification settings to receive alerts when packet loss 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 packet loss immediately.

7. Monitor Results:

   • Monitor the SNMP traffic sensor results in the PRTG web interface.
   • Review packet loss metrics for each monitored interface.
   • Investigate any warnings or errors to identify potential connectivity issues or network congestion.

Best Practices:

• Regularly monitor interface packet loss to identify network issues and optimize performance.
• Set appropriate thresholds for packet loss percentage to detect anomalies and prevent service disruptions.
• Use historical data and trend analysis to identify patterns and proactively address potential issues.
• 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 packet loss using PRTG Network Monitor. Monitoring packet loss enables proactive network management, identification of connectivity issues, and optimization of network performance. Leveraging PRTG's SNMP traffic sensor capabilities enhances visibility into packet loss metrics and facilitates informed decision-making for network administrators.