Setting up PRTG NetFlow Collector on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 19/06/2025

Network monitoring is crucial, and PRTG's NetFlow capabilities offer invaluable insights. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough for setting up a PRTG NetFlow collector on your Windows 10 machine. We'll cover installation, configuration, and essential settings to ensure you're effectively monitoring your network traffic. Let's get started and unlock the power of NetFlow with PRTG!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Install PRTG

    • Install PRTG Network Monitor software on your Windows 10 PC.
    Install PRTG Network Monitor software on your Windows 10 PC.
    Install PRTG

  2. Access PRTG and Add NetFlow Sensor

    • Open PRTG software and login using default credentials (usually admin/admin).
    • Go to Sensors and click on the 'Add Sensor' button.
    • Select 'Probe' -> 'Device' -> 'Continue'.
    • Choose 'NetFlow version 5' for simplicity. (Avoid 'Custom NetFlow Profile' unless expert).
    Choose 'NetFlow version 5' for simplicity. (Avoid 'Custom NetFlow Profile' unless expert). Choose 'NetFlow version 5' for simplicity. (Avoid 'Custom NetFlow Profile' unless expert). Choose 'NetFlow version 5' for simplicity. (Avoid 'Custom NetFlow Profile' unless expert). Choose 'NetFlow version 5' for simplicity. (Avoid 'Custom NetFlow Profile' unless expert).
    Access PRTG and Add NetFlow Sensor
    • Name the sensor (e.g., 'lab'), specify UDP port 999, sender IP (router's IP), and the collector's IP address (your Windows 10 PC's IP). Set timeout to 1 minute.
    • Create the sensor.
    Create the sensor. Create the sensor.
    Access PRTG and Add NetFlow Sensor

  3. Configure Windows Firewall

    • Open port 999 in Windows Firewall inbound rules (create a new rule if necessary).
    Open port 999 in Windows Firewall inbound rules (create a new rule if necessary).
    Configure Windows Firewall

  4. Configure Router for NetFlow Export

    • Configure your Cisco router to export NetFlow data (version 5) to your Windows 10 PC's IP address on port 999, using both ingress and egress traffic.
    Configure your Cisco router to export NetFlow data (version 5) to your Windows 10 PC's IP address on port 999, using both ingress and egress traffic.
    Configure Router for NetFlow Export

  5. Test and Verify NetFlow Data

    • Generate network traffic on your network to test the setup.
    • Verify on the router that NetFlow data is being exported using the command 'show ip flow export'.
    • Check PRTG for the received NetFlow data; it may take some time for data to appear.
    Check PRTG for the received NetFlow data; it may take some time for data to appear. Check PRTG for the received NetFlow data; it may take some time for data to appear. Check PRTG for the received NetFlow data; it may take some time for data to appear.
    Test and Verify NetFlow Data
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Tips

  • While port 999 is used in this example, you can choose any available port. Remember to configure both your firewall and router accordingly.
  • Be patient; it may take some time for NetFlow data to appear in PRTG after configuring the router and generating traffic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect NetFlow Export Configuration on Devices

Reason: The network devices (routers, switches) aren't configured to export NetFlow data to the PRTG server's IP address and port, or the NetFlow version is incompatible.
Solution: Verify the NetFlow exporter settings on your network devices, ensuring they match the PRTG server's IP address, port, and compatible NetFlow version (e.g., v5, v9).

2. Firewall Blocking NetFlow Traffic

Reason: Firewalls on either the network devices or the PRTG server are blocking UDP traffic on the NetFlow port (typically port 2055 or 9996).
Solution: Temporarily disable firewalls to test connectivity, then configure appropriate firewall rules to allow UDP traffic on the designated NetFlow port.

3. Wrong PRTG Sensor Configuration

Reason: The PRTG NetFlow sensor is incorrectly configured, such as using the wrong IP address for the source of NetFlow data or specifying an incorrect community string.
Solution: Double-check the PRTG sensor settings, ensuring the IP address of the NetFlow exporter, port, and any other required parameters are accurately entered.

FAQs

My PRTG NetFlow collector isn't receiving any data. What should I check?
First, verify that NetFlow is enabled on your network devices and that the PRTG sensor is configured with the correct IP address, port, and device type. Double-check your network configuration for firewalls or routing issues that might be blocking NetFlow traffic. Also, ensure the correct NetFlow version (v5, v9, IPFIX) is selected in both your network device and PRTG sensor settings.
What are the system requirements for running a PRTG NetFlow collector on Windows 10?
The minimum system requirements depend on the volume of network traffic you're monitoring. Generally, a reasonably modern Windows 10 system with sufficient RAM and disk space will suffice. PRTG itself provides recommendations based on the expected number of sensors and data volume. For very large networks, a more powerful server might be necessary.