The Best IPFix Collectors for Network Traffic Monitoring and Analyzing

IPFix Collectors are becoming more popular with hardware vendors due to the integration of the network analyzing protocol being open to multiple vendors and the standardization it offers as well.

NetFlow is fairly limited to Cisco products and a select few other vendors, but the introduction of IPFix has given the industry a better way to monitor network flows and an array of additional information in ways Netflow isn't capable of doing.

IPFix is the technology that allows for the capture and analyzing of flow information from layer-3 switches, routers, and firewalls to a central IPFix Collector Software on your network.

Here is our list of the top OPFix collectors:

1. SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack – FREE TRIAL This package of two network monitoring and management systems gives you constant network device monitoring, plus traffic pattern tracking using IPFIX, sFlow, NetStream, J-Flow, and NetFlow. Runs on Windows Server.
2. ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer – FREE TRIAL This package will monitor a single-site network or, in a higher plan, a WAN. The tool includes a capacity planning analyzer. Available for Windows Server and Linux.
3. Site24x7 – FREE TRIAL A robust choice for IPFix Collectors in Network Traffic Monitoring, offering detailed traffic analysis and support for multiple flow formats. Start a 30-day free trial.
4. Noction Flow Analyzer This package of network monitoring and management systems watches over live network performance as well as offering network traffic analysis. Runs on Linux.
5. nProbe Use this package capture tool with the Ntop server and front ends to get network monitoring and traffic analysis facilities. Installs on Linux and Windows.
6. IsarFlow This monitoring package uses IPFIX, NetFlow, and SNMP to gather traffic performance statistics and manage QoS. Implemented as an appliance
7. NetFlow Auditor This package offers a range of network services, including NetFlow, IPFIX, sFlow, J-Flow, AppFlow, and NetStream data extraction. The bundle also offers security monitoring. Available for Windows and Linux.
8. Plixer Scrutinizer This monitoring package is offered in seven plans that include a free tier and performs network traffic analysis with IPFIX, NetFlow, NetStream, sFlow, and J-Flow. Offered as a network appliance or as a virtual appliance over a hypervisor.

IPFix differs from NetFlow in such a way that it allows for different types of information to be captured from the device, including proprietary information that a Vendor ID can integrate into the device and also has the ability to receive information about Syslog and SNMP that would otherwise be sent to those respective services/collectors.

This will further cut down on network overhead and allow you to collect, organize, filter and analyze all the information from one software package rather than from multiple software packages.

We've highlighted some of the Best IPfix Collector software packages below along with a quick overview of what each software does.

Some of these are Freeware and others have Free Trials that are worth checking out, and some are Open Source.

We've had good success downloading a trial version and testing it out and getting a good feel for it.

The Best Free and paid IPFix Collectors & Analyzers

Below you'll find some IPFix Collectors that also double as IPFix Analyzers – some of these are free and others are paid and they will all give you a great understanding of how flexible the protocol can be when setting it up correctly.

We Suggest that you download one of them and test it out on your network to get a better understanding of how it works and how flexible the software really is.

Collecting and analyzing data using IPFix will give you a great understanding of what is really going on within your LAN/WAN and see what services, websites, machines and other devices are using the most bandwidth on your network.

These software packages also work great when you need to Monitor your Bandwidth on your Network and Web Browsing.

1. SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack – FREE TRIAL

The SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer software package includes all the features you need to collector IPFix Flow information and packets as well as any other protocols that your network may be putting out. It includes automatic discovery of devices as well as network performance, fault and availability monitoring bundled into it.

Key Features:

• IPFix Flow Collection: Collects detailed IPFix flow information and packets.
• Device Discovery: Automatically identifies and monitors network devices.
• Network Performance Monitoring: Tracks performance, faults, and availability.
• Bandwidth Overview: Provides comprehensive insights into bandwidth consumption and usage.
• NetFlow Traffic Analyzer: Supports various flow protocols like IPFIX, Cisco Netflow, Juniper J-Flow, sFlow, and Huawei Netstream.

Why do we recommend it?

The SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack stands out for its robust feature set tailored to network professionals, offering comprehensive flow collection and device monitoring capabilities.

The bundle also includes the Network Performance Monitor with gives you a great overview of network devices and their bandwidth consumption and usage, as well as a easy-to-use dashboard that can be setup with Alerts and reports.

The NetFlow/IPFix Collector/Analyzer portion of the bundled software is called Netflow Traffic Analyzer and it supports IPFIX, as well as Cisco Netflow, Juniper J-Flow, sFlow, Huawei Netstream and other flow protocols and data.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is recommended for IT administrators and network professionals who need detailed network insights and efficient traffic management in large-scale environments.

Download a 30-day free trial and Test the Collector/Analyzer on your Network Free.

2. ManageEngine Netflow Analyzer – FREE TRIAL

ManageEngine Netflow analyzer has IPFix Monitoring capabilities that makes it a good option for those looking for a nicely laid out program to manage & analyze IPFIX traffic.

Key Features:

• IPFix Monitoring: Efficiently manages and analyzes IPFix traffic.
• Protocol Support: Compatible with NetFlow, j-Flow, sFlow, NetStream, and more.
• Traffic Analysis: Offers detailed analysis of traffic patterns and bandwidth usage.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the process of identifying bandwidth hogs and traffic outliers.
• Granular Traffic View: Allows per-hop traffic analysis for in-depth network insights.

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer is highly recommended for its comprehensive protocol support and user-friendly interface, which simplifies traffic analysis and bandwidth monitoring.

This tool has capabilities of not only Monitoring IPFix, but also:

• Netflow
• j-Flow
• sFlow
• Netstream
• and other protocols!

We suggest you give this tool a try and see how well it performs in your network! You'll be pleasantly surprised with the ease of use and its capabilities!

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is perfect for network administrators in large enterprises who need detailed traffic insights and efficient protocol monitoring capabilities.

Download: https://www.manageengine.com/products/netflow/index-new.html

ManageEngine Netflow Analyzer Start a 30-day FREE Trial

3. Site24x7 – FREE TRIAL

For Network Traffic Monitoring and Analyzing, particularly in the context of IPFix Collectors, Site24x7 stands out as a robust and efficient solution. This platform is well-equipped to handle the complexities of network traffic analysis, offering deep insights into network performance and security.

Key Features:

• IPFix Data Collection: Comprehensive collection and analysis of IPFix data.
• Multi-Format Support: Compatible with flow formats like NetFlow, sFlow, and J-Flow.
• Bandwidth Monitoring: Detailed monitoring of bandwidth usage and anomaly detection.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies data interpretation with an intuitive design.
• Customizable Alerts: Provides proactive network management with tailored alerts and reports.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Site24x7 for its comprehensive approach to network traffic monitoring and its ability to analyze IPFix data effectively. It's particularly commendable for its user-friendly interface and detailed insights, which are crucial for effective network management.

Site24x7's IPFix collector functionality allows for the gathering and analysis of flow data, enabling network administrators to monitor bandwidth usage, detect anomalies, and understand traffic patterns in detail. The tool's versatility in supporting multiple flow formats, including NetFlow, sFlow, and J-Flow, alongside IPFix, makes it a versatile choice for diverse network environments.

Who is it recommended for?

Site24x7 is ideal for network administrators, IT managers, and security professionals who require an in-depth understanding of network traffic patterns and anomalies. Its detailed analytics make it suitable for complex networks needing rigorous monitoring and analysis.

Site24x7 Start a 30-day FREE Trial

4. Noction Flow Analyzer

Noction Flow Analyzer is a good choice for networks that operate a multi-vendor environment because it is able to communicate with switches and routers exporting Netflow, J-Flow, sFlow, IPFIX, and NetStream including:

• Netgear
• Juniper Networks
• Cisco Systems
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• Brocade
• Extreme Networks
• Dell
• Arista
• Huawei, and other

As well as gathering live traffic statistics, the Flow Analyzer offers capacity planning analysis and live network performance monitoring.

Key Features:

• Multi-Vendor Support: Communicates with switches and routers from vendors like Netgear, Juniper, Cisco, HPE, Brocade, and more.
• Protocol Compatibility: Supports NetFlow, J-Flow, sFlow, IPFIX, and NetStream.
• Live Traffic Statistics: Gathers and analyzes live traffic data.
• Capacity Planning: Offers tools for capacity planning and analysis.
• Network Performance Monitoring: Provides real-time network performance insights.

Why do we recommend it?

Noction Flow Analyzer is recommended for its robust support of multi-vendor environments and its ability to deliver detailed network insights and performance monitoring, making it an excellent choice for complex networks.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideal for network administrators managing multi-vendor environments and those using Linux-based systems who need comprehensive traffic analysis and performance monitoring.

This system installs on Linux, specifically Ubuntu, CentOS, or RHEL. The package forms a Web server and the dashboard is delivered as an intranet website that users access through any standard Web browser. You can get a free trial of Noction Flow Analyzer.

Download: https://nfa.noction.com/register.php

5. nProbe

nProbe is a great IPFix probe that not only acts as a great Analyzer, but also as a Collector that can collect IPFix flows into a Database (MySql, Fastbit and sqlite). nProbe coupled with nTop works great for processing tons of flow information on larger networks, acting as a pre-processor by capturing packets from network interfaces, computing the flows based on the packets being sent and then sending them off to ntop for further collection, organization and analysis.

Key Features:

• IPFix Probe and Collector: Acts as both an analyzer and a collector for IPFix flows.
• Database Integration: Collects IPFix flows into databases like MySQL, Fastbit, and SQLite.
• Flow Processing: Works with nTop for processing and analyzing large amounts of flow data.
• Multi-Protocol Support: Supports NetFlow v4/v5/v9 and IPFix.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Windows, BSD, Linux, and MacOS.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend nProbe for its robust capabilities as both an IPFix probe and collector, combined with its extensive protocol support and database integration, making it ideal for detailed flow analysis.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is recommended for network administrators and IT professionals in Unix and MacOS environments who need customizable and comprehensive traffic analysis and flow data collection.

nProbe is available for most operating systems including Windows, BSD, Linux and even Mac OSX. nProbe also supports Netflow v4/v5/v9 on top of IPFix .

6. IsarFlow

IsarFlow is great little tool that provides network monitoring using IPFix as well as Netflow and SNMP data to collect and analyze network information and usage.

Key Features:

• IPFix and SNMP Monitoring: Uses IPFix and SNMP data for comprehensive network monitoring.
• Usage and Billing Analysis: Provides valuable insights into network usage and billing patterns.
• Performance Stats: Gathers performance statistics and QoS data.
• Customizable Reports: Allows network engineers to generate personalized reports.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend IsarFlow for its ease of deployment and comprehensive monitoring capabilities using IPFix and SNMP, making it ideal for detailed network usage and billing analysis.

It provides information on about your network that can prove to be valuable in analyzing usage and billing patterns that can be addressed and billed properly.

Who is it recommended for?

IsarFlow is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need efficient network monitoring and detailed performance and billing analysis.

Things like Network load, compliance with SLA's, QOS and traffic flow analysis can all be monitored using this tool.

Data can be customized by the network engineer/admin to generate customized reports that are personalized to different criteria and requirements.

7. NetFlow Auditor

Netflow Auditor, as its name says, is not only a netFlow specific collector and analyzer, but also has the ability to Collect flows from IPFix, sFlow, jFlow, AppFlow and Netstream as well. It fully supports IPv6 along with Real-time analysis of packets and usage.

Key Features:

• Multi-Protocol Collection: Collects flows from IPFix, sFlow, jFlow, AppFlow, and NetStream.
• IPv6 Support: Fully supports IPv6 for comprehensive network analysis.
• Real-Time Analysis: Provides real-time analysis of packets and network usage.
• Intrusion Detection (IDS): Includes robust intrusion detection features.
• SIEM Integration: Offers Security Information and Event Management capabilities.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend NetFlow Auditor for its extensive protocol support and comprehensive networking services, making it a robust tool for real-time analysis and security monitoring.

This software packages allows admins and engineers a comprehensive look into their network, along with robust features including Intrusion detection (IDS) and Security and information Event Management (SIEM).

This full featured tools allows for count analysis, which helps with analyzing P2P activity, DoS Attacks and Port scanning activities against your network.

It also includes features such has Percentile, Packet Size, Deviation, Bi-directional and many of types of Analysis for a very in-depth look at the network flow information that is coming and going within your network.

Who is it recommended for?

NetFlow Auditor is ideal for network administrators and security professionals who need detailed real-time analysis and a comprehensive suite of network monitoring and intrusion detection features.

This software runs on Windows and Linux (including Redhat/Centos) according to their website and supports Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer supporting SVG/HTML5.

8. Plixer Scrutinizer

Plixer Scrutinizer (which has a Freeware version available) is flow analyzer software that has the ability to not only be installed on a system of your choice, but Plixer has also given companies the open to buy a Hardware appliance or a Virtual (VMware) Appliance that are both highly scalable in terms of Flows Per Second and number of devices.

Key Features:

• Flexible Deployment: Available as a hardware appliance, virtual appliance, or software installation.
• High Flow Capacity: Hardware appliance handles over 150,000 flows per second from 1000+ devices; virtual appliance supports up to 40,000 flows per second.
• Scalability: Supports a distributed architecture for scaling across multiple network locations.
• Multi-Protocol Support: Supports IPFix, NetFlow, sFlow, j-Flow, and NetStream.
• Security Analysis: Includes features for security-related traffic analysis.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Plixer Scrutinizer for its versatility in deployment and robust scalability, making it ideal for large enterprise networks that require comprehensive traffic and security analysis.

The Hardware appliance can collect over 150,000 flows per second from over 1000 devices and the Virtual appliance can scale up to 1000 devices and collect up to 40,000 flows per second – These are both vastly greater than the 10,000 Flows per second and 100's of devices that the Windows installers allows for.

One of the major benefits of Plixer Scrutinizer is its ability to scale to both hardware and virtual appliances giving it a distributed architecture and allowing for more collectors to be implemented at different locations of your network infrastructure.

Who is it recommended for?

Plixer Scrutinizer is ideal for large enterprises and IT professionals who need scalable flow analysis solutions with robust security features across extensive network infrastructures.

Scrutinizer not only supports IPFix, but netflow, sFlow, j-Flow and Netstream, making it very robust as many of the other software packages as well.

Grab a Free Download and give it a Test Drive

Make sure to download one of the above IPFix Collectors and Analyzers to get a better feel for what each of them does.

Most of the software mentioned above will have a Free Trial version that can be downloaded and installed on your machine to test out their respective capabilities and features.

Best IPFix Collectors FAQs