Probes in PRTG Network Monitor

Distributed monitoring across your entire network infrastructure

Monitor any environment with flexible options: multi-platform probe or classic remote probe
Load distribution across multiple systems for improved performance and scalability
Secure communication between all components using TLS encryption

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Our users give top ratings for monitoring with Paessler PRTG

Extend your monitoring reach with flexible probe options

Monitor anywhere, anytime

Monitor multiple locations from a single PRTG installation, including remote offices, branch locations, and distributed networks
Overcome network boundaries by placing probes in different network segments separated by firewalls
Ensure service availability from all your locations with comprehensive monitoring across your entire infrastructure

Choose the right probe for your needs

Local probe: Runs on the same system as the PRTG core server and monitors the local network
Multi-platform probe: Monitors environments without Windows devices, perfect for Linux, ARM, and Raspberry Pi systems
Classic remote probe: Extends monitoring to different locations or network segments using Windows systems

Optimize performance and reliability

Distribute monitoring load by placing probes strategically across your infrastructure to prevent bottlenecks
Ensure continuous monitoring even during connection losses, as probes operate autonomously and buffer results
Improve monitoring efficiency for resource-intensive sensors like packet sniffers or NetFlow by offloading them to dedicated probe systems

How probes work in PRTG

Probes are the workhorses of PRTG Network Monitor. They collect data from your devices and systems, then send the results back to the PRTG core server:

PRTG Core Server: The central component that manages all monitoring activities and stores monitoring data.
Probes: Connect to the PRTG core server and perform the actual monitoring tasks:
- Local probe: Monitors the local network directly from the PRTG core server
- Multi-platform probe: Provides monitoring capabilities on Linux and other non-Windows platforms
- Classic remote probe: Extends monitoring to remote locations using Windows systems
Secure Communication: All connections between probes and the PRTG core server are secured with TLS encryption.
Autonomous Operation: Probes continue monitoring even during connection losses to the core server, buffering up to 500,000 sensor results.

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Multi-platform probe: seamless monitoring across all systems

Monitor any environment

The multi-platform probe extends PRTG's monitoring capabilities to non-Windows platforms, supporting:

Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Red Hat)
ARM-based devices, including Raspberry Pi
NAS systems
Docker environments
Industrial protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, and more)

Components of the multi-platform probe

The multi-platform probe consists of three components:

NATS server: Handles the exchange of data between multi-platform probes and the PRTG core server
PRTG core server: The PRTG core server receives monitoring data from the NATS server and displays the data via sensors
Multi-platform probe: The software installed on non-Windows systems scans the network and sends monitoring results to the PRTG core server via the NATS server

Benefits of the multi-platform probe

Flexible deployment: Monitor from virtually any environment without requiring Windows systems
Efficient resource usage: Allows use on small devices and offers better scalability when deploying a large amount of sensors
Secure monitoring: TLS 1.3 encryption ensures your monitoring data remains protected
No network blindspots: Access every corner of your IT estate, even in hybrid environments

Use cases for distributed monitoring with PRTG probes

Multi-location monitoring

Monitor all your business locations from a central PRTG installation. Place remote probes at each site to monitor local networks, servers, and services while maintaining a unified view of your entire infrastructure.

Secure network monitoring

Monitor systems in secure networks by placing probes within those networks. The secure connection between the probe and PRTG core server ensures that monitoring data is transmitted safely.

Performance optimization

Distribute CPU-intensive sensors like packet sniffers or NetFlow sensors across multiple probe systems to prevent performance bottlenecks and ensure efficient monitoring.

Cloud and hybrid environments

Use the appropriate probe type for each environment in your hybrid infrastructure. Monitor cloud services, on-premises systems, and remote locations all from a single PRTG installation.

Familiar Microsoft Windows experience, extended reach: Our classic remote probe

Classic remote probes enable PRTG monitoring to reach beyond central systems and provide complete network visibility throughout your infrastructure. Designed for those who prefer the familiar comfort and reliability of Windows environments, these probes deliver the monitoring experience you know and trust.

You can use the classic remote probe to monitor remote sites and isolated network segments without needing extra PRTG servers. Classic remote probes create secure encrypted links to your main PRTG server and efficiently send all monitoring data with minimal bandwidth consumption, while maintaining the Windows-based workflow that many administrators value for its stability and ease of use.

Monitor across firewalls

Place remote probes in different network segments to monitor across firewall boundaries

Secure connections

All communication between remote probes and the PRTG core server is encrypted

Automatic updates

Remote probes automatically update when you install a new version of PRTG

PRTG is compatible with all major vendors, products, and systems

Need more deep-dive information?

Start monitoring with Paessler PRTG and see how it can make your network more reliable and your job easier.