NetFlow is a network protocol developed by Cisco Systems that collects IP traffic information as it enters or exits a network interface. This information can be used for network traffic analysis, capacity planning, and security monitoring.
One useful application of NetFlow is to identify the Top 10 Talkers on a network. This refers to the top 10 hosts or devices that are generating the most traffic. By identifying these top talkers, network administrators can take measures to optimize network performance, allocate bandwidth more effectively, and troubleshoot issues that may be causing excessive traffic.
In addition to identifying Top 10 Talkers, NetFlow can also be used to identify the Top 10 Protocols being used on a network. This refers to the top 10 types of network traffic based on the protocol used, such as TCP, UDP, or ICMP. Knowing which protocols are using the most bandwidth can help network administrators optimize network performance and troubleshoot issues related to specific protocols.
Finally, NetFlow can be used to identify the Top 10 Conversations on a network. This refers to the top 10 pairs of hosts or devices that are communicating with each other the most, based on the volume of traffic exchanged. Identifying these top conversations can help network administrators optimize network performance, troubleshoot issues related to specific conversations, and detect potential security threats.