What is sFlow?
sFlow (sampled flow) is a protocol for monitoring and analyzing network traffic using statistical sampling. It provides real-time snapshots of load, traffic types, and anomalies.
How sFlow Works
- Network devices periodically copy packets (sample)
- They send metadata to the sFlow collector
- Analysis is performed on the monitoring server
sFlow scales better than NetFlow as it reduces device load
sFlow Message Structure
- Port and VLAN information
- Source and destination MAC and IP addresses
- Layer 3–4 protocol
- Sample size and type
Where sFlow Is Used
- Traffic monitoring in provider and enterprise networks
- DDoS detection and traffic spikes
- Application and service inventory
Comparison: sFlow vs NetFlow
| Parameter | sFlow | NetFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Collection method | Statistical | Full |
| CPU load | Low | Medium/High |
| Analysis flexibility | Limited | Higher |
FAQ
Is it open source?
sFlow is an open standard, but implementations vary by vendor.
Is it suitable for data centers?
Yes. sFlow provides scalable monitoring for large-scale networks.
Conclusion
sFlow is an efficient way to gain real-time traffic analytics without overloading infrastructure.
