Objective
About This Guide
The Cisco CNS NetFlow Collection Engine Installation and User Guide describes the CNS NetFlow
Collection Engine application, which is used with the NetFlow services data export feature on Cisco
routers and Catalyst 5000 and 6000 series switches. This document also describes the system
requirements that must be met in order to install the CNS NetFlow Collection Engine product, as well
as, how to install, start, and configure CNS NetFlow Collection Engine.
NetFlow services consist of high-performance IP switching features that capture a rich set of traffic
statistics exported from routers and switches while they perform their switching function. CNS NetFlo w
Collection Engine provides fast, scalable, and economical data collection from multiple export devices
exporting NetFlow data records.
Prior to reading this manual, you should read the Release Notes for Cisco CNS NetFlow Collection
Engine Release 4.0 document. The Release Notes document provides info rmation about kno wn software
and documentation problems and any last minute info rmation about the CNS NetFlow Collectio n Engine
software not available when this guide was produced.
In previous releases, this product was referred to as Cisco NetFlow FlowCollector (NFC).
Who Should Use This Book
This guide is intended primarily for individuals with network and system administration skills. You
should have a basic understanding of network design, operation, and terminology, as well as familiarity
with your own network configurations. You also must have a basic familiarity with Web browsers,
Hewlett Packard’s HP-UX, Sun Microsystem’s Solaris Operating System, or Linux.
How This Book Is Organized
This manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, “Overview,” describes the CNS NetFlow Collection Engine application.
Chapter 2, “Installing and Configuring CNS NetFlow Collection Engine,” describes how to install CN A
NetFlow Collection Engine, configure it, and then validate that it is operating properly.
Chapter 3, “Using the CNS NetFlow Collection Engine User Interface,” describes how to use the CNS
NetFlow Collection Engine user interface (NFUI) to review application statistics and resource
definitions.
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Chapter 4, “Understanding the CNS NetFlow Collection Engine Data File Format,” describes how to
interpret the data collected and saved in CNS NetFlow Collection Engine data files.
Chapter 5, “Customizing the CNS NetFlow Collection Engine,” describes how to customize CNS
NetFlow Collection Engine operations.
Chapter 6, “Using Cafeteria-Style Aggregation Schemes,” describes using user-specified aggregation
schemes.
Appendix A, “Troubleshooting CNS NetFlow Collection Engine,” provides helpful information and
procedures in case you encounter problems while using CNS NetFlow Collection Engine.
Appendix B, “NetFlow Export D atagram F ormat s,” describes ho w NetFlow exports flow information in
UDP datagrams in one of four formats.
Appendix C, “CNS NetFlow Collecti on Engine Configurati on and Control Protocol,” describes the CNS
NetFlow Collection Engine configuration and control protocol.
Appendix D, “CNS NetFlow Collection Engine Binary Data File Format,” describes the format of the
CNS NetFlow Collection Engine binary data file.
Appendix E, “CNS NetFlow Collection Engine CNS/XML Interface,” describes the CNS NetFlow
Collection Engine CNS/Xtensible Markup Language (XML) interface.
An Index is also provided.
Obtaining Documentation
The following sections explain how to obtain documentation from Cisco Systems.
World Wide Web
You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com
Translated documentation is available at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml
Documentation CD-ROM
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM
package, which is shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-R OM is updated monthly and may
be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or
through an annual subscription.
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Ordering Documentation
Cisco documentation is available in the following ways:
• Registered Cisco Direct Customers can order Cisco product documentation from the Networking
Products MarketPlace:
http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/order/order_root.pl
• Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-R OM through the o nline Subscription
Store:
http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
• Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by
calling Cisco corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in North
America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).
Documentation Feedback
If you are reading Cisco product documentation on Cisco.com, you can submit technical comments
electronically. Click Leave Feedback at the bottom of the Cisco Documentation home page. After you
complete the form, print it out and fax it to Cisco at 408 527-0730.
You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.
Obtaining Technical Assistance
To submit your comments by mail, use the response card behind the front cover of your document, or
write to the following address:
Cisco Systems
Attn: Document Resource Connection
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883
We appreciate your comments.
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can
obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools by using the
Cisco Te chnical Assistance Center (TA C) Web Site. Cisco.com re gistered users hav e complete access to
the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site.
Cisco.com
Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open
access to Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from
anywhere in the world.
Cisco.com is a highly integrated Internet application and a powerful, easy-to-use tool that provides a
broad range of features and services to help you to
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• Streamline business processes and improve productivity
• Resolve technical issues with online support
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• Download and test software packages
• Order Cisco learning materials and merchandise
• Register for online skill assessment, training, and certification programs
You can self-register on Cisco.com to obtain customized information and service. To access Cisco.com,
go to the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com
Technical Assistance Center
The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product,
technology, or solution. Two types of support are available through the Cisco TAC: the Cisco TAC
Web Site and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center.
Inquiries to Cisco TAC are categorized according to the urgency of the issue:
• Priority level 4 (P4)—You need information or assistance concerning Cisco product capabilities,
product installation, or basic product configuration.
• Priority level 3 (P3)—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably
impaired, but most business operations continue.
About This Guide
• Priority level 2 (P2)—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects
• Priority level 1 (P1)—Your production network is down, and a critical impact to business operati ons
Which Cisco TAC resource you choose is based on the priority of the problem and the conditions of
service contracts, when applicable.
Cisco TAC Web Site
The Cisco T AC Web Site allo ws you to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. Th e
site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. To acc ess the
Cisco TAC Web Site, go to the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/tac
All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco services contract have complete access to
the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site. The Cisco TAC Web Site requires a
Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or
password, go to the following URL to register:
http://www.cisco.com/register/
If you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC Web Site, and you are a Cisco.com
registered user, you can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen
If you have Internet access, it is recommended that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC
We b S it e.
of business operations. No workaround is available.
will occur if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.
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Cisco TAC Escalation Center
The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses issues that are classified as priority level 1 or priority
level 2; these classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts
business operations. When you contact t he TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco T A C
engineer will automatically open a case.
To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to the following
URL:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml
Before calling, please check with your network op erations center to determine the level of Cisco support
services to which your company is entitled; for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network
Supported Accounts (NSA). In addition, please ha ve available your service agreemen t number and your
product serial number.
Obtaining Technical Assistance
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