NetFlow NetFlow is a feature that was introduced on Cisco routers around 1996 that provides the ability to collect IP network traffic as it enters or exits an interface. By analyzing the data provided by …

NetFlow provides valuable information about network users and applications, peak usage times, and traffic routing. Cisco invented NetFlow and is the leader in IP traffic flow technology.

Cisco provides a set of NetFlow applications to collect NetFlow export data, perform data volume reduction, post-processing, and provide to end-user applications easy access to NetFlow data.

NetFlow is a network protocol widely used to collect metadata about the IP traffic flowing across network devices such as routers, switches and hosts.

Mar 3, 2026 · Learn what NetFlow is, how it works, and why it’s essential for monitoring network traffic, bandwidth usage, and security across modern enterprise networks.

Do you know how NetFlow works or how to analyze NetFlow? Learn more about NetFlow and download a free 30-day trial of SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer.

Jun 17, 2026 · The Netflow protocol is a network protocol developed by Cisco that allows network devices, such as routers and switches, to collect and export information about network traffic flows.

Oct 18, 2024 · NetFlow is a network monitoring protocol, developed by Cisco, designed to capture measurements about the volume and types of traffic traversing a network device.

NetFlow collects and exports IP flow metadata (not packet payloads) from network devices. Learn how it works, NetFlow v5/v9 vs IPFIX/sFlow, and use cases.

NetFlow is a great protocol to get an insight in your network traffic. It’s the equivalent of a “phone bill” that specifies all calls that were made, where these calls took place, the duration, etc.