Network Monitoring Tools & Resources

Network Monitoring Tools & Resources

MRTG for DummiesEasy step by step MRTG tutorial for Windows users
Multiple Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is used for monitoring network traffic on Routers, Switches, and Servers. It can also be used in many other ways as MRTG is very powerful. MRTG will run on a variety of operating systems, including most Microsoft Windows versions, UNIX/Linux and Mac OS X. In this tutorial however we concentrate on installing and using MRTG on a Windows machine.
To learn more about MRTG, visit the website at http://www.mrtg.org. There are loads of documentation and examples available for you to use. However, it can still be confusing to set up MRTG for the very first time.
This document is intended for the Novice and more specifically, a novice using a Windows Operating System. It is a great way to get started and build up your confidence using MRTG. By following right along, you can have MRTG fully functional in 15 minutes or less – no experience required!
After you have configured MRTG once, you can do the second device configuration in less than 5 minutes. (This is guaranteed to impress your significant other!) You do not have to read this through before you begin. Just follow the steps exactly and you will be successful. (FYI: there is not any restart required so you can install or configure at anytime.)

Assumptions: It is assumed you are running a version of Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP and that SNMP is installed and running on what you are trying to monitor. Also assumed is you have the rights or authority to monitor the traffic on that device.
I also assume you have a reasonable fast connection to the Internet. This tutorial is based upon many high quality PNG graphic files which may load slow over dial up connection. However, all pages should load in about 1 minute on a 56K connection. Be patient, it is worth it!
You need 2 items of software before you begin.
First, you need MRTG. It is available at http://www.mrtg.org. Download the latest version available. (mrtg-2.9.17.zip was used in the following example.)
Second, you need a copy of PERL from ActiveState Tool Corp. at http://www.activestate.com/. Again, download the latest version available. (Active PERL 5.6.1.626 was used in the following example.)
These programs are under constant development so don't be alarmed that your version is newer. The process is still the same.
(You will also need a copy of WinZip (http://www.winzip.com) installed, if you do not already have it.)
You are now ready to proceed.
There are 5 distinct steps to getting MRTG running for the first time. Follow the link to each step below to begin.
INSTALLING PERL
INSTALLING MRTG
RUNNING CFGMAKER
RUNNING MRTG
RUNNING MRTG AS DAEMON
That's it! Five easy steps to success.