SD-WAN Orchestrator Monitoring Flows Report 1: The Filters

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of using the SD-WAN Orchestrator's Flows Report, focusing specifically on how to utilize filters effectively. Understanding how to filter flows is crucial for monitoring network performance and troubleshooting issues. This guide will help you interpret the results and provide insights into network flow details.

Step 1: Access the Flows Report

• Navigate to the SD-WAN Orchestrator dashboard.
• Locate the "Reports" section in the main menu.
• Click on "Flows Report" to open the report interface.

Step 2: Understand Filter Options

• At the top of the Flows Report, you'll find various filter options. These filters allow you to customize the data displayed in your report.
• Key filters include:
  • Time Range: Select a specific time frame to analyze flow data.
  • Source and Destination: Filter by IP addresses or hostnames to focus on specific network traffic.
  • Application Type: Choose specific applications to narrow down the flows related to those services.

Step 3: Apply Filters

• After selecting your desired filters, apply them by clicking the "Apply Filters" button.
• Observe the changes in the report as it refreshes to reflect the filtered data.

Step 4: Interpret Filtered Results

• Review the results displayed in the report. Key columns to note include:
  • Total Bytes: Indicates the volume of data transferred.
  • Duration: Shows the length of time the flow was active.
  • Application: Lists the applications associated with the flows.

Step 5: Dig Deeper into Flow Details

• For a more detailed view, select a specific flow from the results table.
• A popup will appear, providing comprehensive information about the selected flow, including:
  • Source and destination details.
  • Protocols used.
  • Any anomalies detected during the flow.

Practical Tips

• Always set a relevant time range to avoid overwhelming data.
• Use multiple filters in conjunction to narrow down your search effectively.
• Regularly review flow details to identify patterns or issues in your network.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid using overly broad filters which can lead to a large volume of irrelevant data.
• Be cautious when interpreting results; cross-reference with other data points for accuracy.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively utilize the SD-WAN Orchestrator's Flows Report to monitor and analyze network performance. Start by applying filters to pinpoint specific flows and interpret the results to gain valuable insights into your network. For further exploration, check parts 2 through 5 of this series to enhance your understanding of the Flows Report.