Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a flow-based,
traffic-classification-aware data collection and reporting system that
combine flow-based data collection technologies with enhanced traffic
classification functionality to allow for analysis and reporting into
aspects of network operations that prior art systems cannot provide.
Embodiments provide enhanced views into the operation of computer network
infrastructures to facilitate monitoring, administration, compliance and
other tasks associated with networks. When a traffic flow terminates, a
traffic monitoring device emits a flow data record (FDR) containing
measurements variables and other attributes for an individual flow. A
data collector gathers the flow data records and enters them into a
database. A network management application can then query the database
with selected commands to derive reports characterizing operation of the
network suitable to diagnose problems or view conditions associated with
the network.