Since flexible NetFlow allows compatible routers to collect IP traffic statistics on NetFlow-enabled interfaces, it stands to reason that some management can be done at the router end. For example, certain ports need to be open in order to allow proper access to network traffic. So what is the preferred listening port for NetFlow?

According to a recent blog post, 2055, 9995 or 9996 are among the most popular. This is especially important information when considering that NetFlow RFC 3954 doesn't specify a specific listening port. However, Plixer's popular Scrutinizer solution will by default listen for any NetFlow or sFlow traffic sent to it on a specific set of UDP (News - Alert) ports — 2055, 2056, 4432, 4739, 9995, 9996, and 6343 — making it easy to setup. Ports 6343 and 4739 are of the most vital as they are the default listening ports for sFlow and IPFIX, respectively.

That said, these ports can still be changed if needed. The process to do this on a Cisco (News - Alert) router running NetFlow v5 or v9 is as simple as typing in a command. For those using a robust NetFlow configuration, a second step is necessary. For these commands and a more thorough explanation of this process, visit the Systrax blog.

Systrax is an online community created by Plixer International that provides helpful tips and advice regarding flow analytics. Plixer, meanwhile, is one of the fastest growing network performance measuring companies in the world due to the fact that its Scrutinizer analyzer offers monitoring and reporting services as well as the ability to detect security threats through flow analysis.

Flow analytics offer real-time updates on the traffic passing through a network. Scrutinizer's advanced reports provider specific details into network connections, while also consolidating application alerts and errors and assisting in keeping a consistent device naming process between applications.

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