Checkmk is one of the most powerful IT infrastructure monitoring tools that offers the ability to visualize network topology and accurately monitor all layers of infrastructure, including the network layer. As computer networks become more complex, monitoring networks and creating visualizations of them is crucial to maintaining the security and performance of IT systems. In this article, we will show how to use Checkmk to build a detailed visualization of your network layer to gain full insight into its structure and performance. Build a network layer visualization with Checkmk.
Table of Contents:
- What is the network layer?
- Why is network layer visualization important?
- Introduction to Checkmk
- Preparing infrastructure for network visualization
- Building a network layer visualization with Checkmk
- Best practices when visualizing networks in Checkmk
- Troubleshooting network visualization in Checkmk
- Frequently asked questions
What is the network layer?
The network layer is the third layer in the OSI model, which is responsible for transferring data between devices on different networks. In this layer, data is routed based on IP addresses, and network devices such as routers and firewalls are responsible for sending data to the correct routes.
In the network layer, tasks such as:
- Routing packets between different networks.
- Converting logical addresses to physical addresses.
- Transmission error handling.
Visualization of the network layer is key because it allows you to understand how data flows through the network and where potential problems may occur.
Why is network layer visualization important?
As technology evolves and the number of devices connected to the network increases, network monitoring has become one of the most important tasks for IT teams. Visualizing the network layer in tools such as Checkmk allows administrators to not only monitor the health of the network, but also understand how individual devices are connected to each other, what data routes are being used and where congestion or failures may occur.
Benefits of network layer visualization:
- Quick identification of problems – Visualization allows you to quickly locate a network failure or congestion in a given section.
- Better understanding of topology – The IT team gains a complete picture of the network structure and connections between devices.
- Increase efficiency – By monitoring connections between devices, you can optimize data flow and avoid delays.
- Security – Tracking network traffic and detecting unauthorized devices or connections increases security.
Introduction to Checkmk
Checkmk’s network monitoring features
Checkmk is a monitoring platform that offers comprehensive tools for monitoring IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications and databases. With extensive support for various protocols, such as SNMP, WMI, and ICMP, Checkmk is able to collect data from a variety of network devices and servers, and then present this data in a visual form.
Checkmk’s key network monitoring features:
- Status monitoring of network devices (routers, switches, firewalls).
- Real-time visualization of network topology.
- Link bandwidth monitoring.
- Detecting failures and overloads at the network layer level.
- Support for protocols such as SNMP and NetFlow.
Checkmk’s key advantages in network visualization
Checkmk offers several unique features that set it apart from other network monitoring solutions:
- Automatic device detection – Checkmk automatically detects network devices and their connections, greatly simplifying the monitoring setup process.
- Flexible configuration – Customizable monitoring to meet individual company needs, with support for many different types of devices.
- Integration with external systems – Checkmk can work with other monitoring tools and network configuration management tools.
- Quick response to problems – Checkmk offers advanced alerts and notifications that notify you of network problems in real time.
Preparing infrastructure for network visualization
Configuration of monitored devices
Before you can start the process of building network layer visualization with Checkmk, it is necessary to configure the devices that will be monitored. Routers, switches, firewalls and other network devices must be accessible to Checkmk so that it can collect data. The most commonly used protocol for monitoring network devices is SNMP.
To set up monitoring devices, make sure:
- SNMP is enabled and correctly configured on each device.
- SNMP access settings are appropriate so that Checkmk can communicate with them without interference.
- Data such as the IP address of the device, the community string (for SNMP v2) and the corresponding private keys (for SNMP v3) are available.
SNMP data collection
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is one of the most widely used protocols for collecting status data on network devices. Checkmk, with its SNMP support, can monitor and collect information about link bandwidth, the status of network interfaces and the number of errors on connections.
In order for SNMP data to be collected efficiently, Checkmk uses corresponding OIDs (Object Identifiers), which are unique identifiers for each monitored item on a network device.
Building a network layer visualization with Checkmk
Step 1: Detect devices and connections
After configuring the devices and enabling SNMP monitoring in Checkmk. The first step to create a network layer visualization is to detect the devices and their connections. Checkmk automatically scans the network and identifies all active devices.
To run a scan in Checkmk:
- Go to the Setup section.
- Select Network Topology.
- Select Discover New Devices.
Once the scan is complete, Checkmk will display a list of network devices and the detected connections between them.
Step 2: Create a network topology map
The next step after detecting the devices is to create a map of the network topology. In fact, this map will show all the connections between network devices, including routers, switches and servers.
Checkmk automatically generates a visualization when devices are detected, allowing for a quick overview of the entire network infrastructure.
Step 3: Configure the network layer
For a more accurate visualization of the network layer, the configuration of the topology map can be customized. Additional information about individual nodes can be added, such as the status of network interfaces, link bandwidth or the number of active connections.
Step 4: Visualize the connections between nodes
Checkmk offers the ability to visualize not only devices, but also data flows between them. This allows you to monitor link throughput, congestion and detect potential network traffic problems.
Best practices when visualizing networks in Checkmk
Automation of the monitoring process
Automatic device detection and regular network scanning to update the topology map is key to maintaining accurate visualization.
Visualize the network hierarchy
For a better understanding of the network structure, it is useful to organize devices into hierarchies. Checkmk offers the ability to group devices by type, function or location for easy monitoring.
Troubleshooting network visualization in Checkmk
Problems with device detection
If Checkmk is unable to detect all devices, make sure all devices have SNMP enabled and the appropriate monitoring permissions.
Incorrect connections in the network map
Sometimes the network map may show erroneous or incomplete connections. In this case, it is a good idea to manually verify the connections on the devices and check the monitoring configuration.
Frequently asked questions
1 What are the key advantages of network visualization with Checkmk?
Checkmk allows you to accurately monitor your network in real time, automatically detect devices and visualize data flows between them, which helps you solve problems faster.
2 Is Checkmk suitable for small networks?
Yes, Checkmk is a scalable tool and can be used in both small and large networks.
3 What protocols are supported by Checkmk?
Checkmk supports SNMP, WMI, NetFlow, and other standard network monitoring protocols, among others.
4. Is Checkmk’s network visualization automatic?
Yes, Checkmk automatically detects devices and creates topology maps, which greatly facilitates network management.
