The Remote Collector is a lightweight, unified agent designed for deployment on low-specification machines. It integrates with the OpManager server to function as both a poller and a packet analysis engine, extending comprehensive monitoring capabilities to distributed or remote network environments. The agent supports four distinct functionalities , which are configured during installation to meet specific monitoring needs.
The Remote Collector empowers OpManager to seamlessly monitor networks across multiple branch offices and remote sites without relying on direct polling from the Probe server. Acting as a lightweight edge monitoring agent, it gathers vital device metrics such as availability, health, traffic, and performance at each location. These insights are then securely transmitted to the OpManager Essential or Probe Server for centralized visibility and analysis.
The Remote Collector extends OpManager’s monitoring beyond headquarters, delivering consistent, scalable insights with minimal system resources ideal for low-spec or lightweight deployments across distributed networks.
The Remote Collector brings together powerful monitoring components each designed to give you complete visibility and control over your network whether at headquarters or remote branches. From discovering devices and tracking application performance to analyzing traffic flows and monitoring ISP speed, every component works seamlessly to deliver real-time insights, reduce network overhead, and ensure uninterrupted monitoring. Explore the key roles, their functions, and the benefits they provide below:
| Role | Function | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Poller | Discovers devices and actively monitors availability in isolated or branch networks. | Reduces network overhead, ensures polling continuity during intermittent connectivity, and supports up to 50 devices. |
| NetFlow Generator | Passively captures raw network packets and converts them into standard NetFlow packets for analysis by OpManager's NetFlow Analyzer add-on. | Enables flow monitoring for devices that do not support native flow export. Supports up to five configurable listener ports. |
| DPI Engine | Performs deep packet inspection (DPI) and packet-level inspection of network traffic with OpManager's NetFlow Analyzer add-on. | Monitors application response time and network response time to differentiate between application and network issues. |
| NetSpeed Tracker | Provides real-time insights into internet service performance. | Tracks ISP speed, monitors upload and download usage, and provides crucial metrics like jitter and latency. |
Think of the Remote Collector as a local watchtower stationed at every branch office or remote site. In a traditional setup, the headquarters (OpManager Probe Server) has to constantly peer across vast distances to monitor every location. This not only strains visibility but also consumes valuable network bandwidth similar to a central command trying to observe every watchpost miles away.
With Remote Collectors in place, each watchtower keeps a close, vigilant eye on its local surroundings. It continuously monitors nearby devices, servers, and network performance, spotting issues the moment they occur. Instead of sending every minute detail back to the headquarters, it transmits only essential summaries and alerts over secure HTTPS communication.
Uninterrupted monitoring during network disruptions ensures continuous data collection even during connectivity issues. If the connection to the Probe OpManager server is lost, it keeps collecting data locally for up to 7 days, so no insights are missed.
Remote Collector allows OpManager to deliver consistent monitoring across headquarters and branch locations, keeping your network visible and reliable.
Note: If a device itself becomes unreachable, data collection for that device will pause until connectivity is restored.
A multinational enterprise operates multiple branch offices across different countries. While the Central OpManager server is at headquarters, directly polling devices over WAN links is inefficient due to bandwidth constraints, high latency, and intermittent connectivity. The company needs continuous visibility into network performance at each branch without overloading the central server.
| Challenges | Our Solution | Key Benefits | Who Should Use It? |
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The Mini Poller is a lightweight agent deployed at branch offices or remote sites that ensures local discovery, monitoring, and data collection. It performs smart local polling before sending the data to the OpManager Probe server.
Not all network devices support native flow export. The NetFlow Generator passively captures raw network packets from such devices and converts them into NetFlow packets that NetFlow Analyzer add-on can recognize. It provides comprehensive flow visibility even for legacy or unsupported devices, helping administrators track network usage accurately.
The DPI Engine monitors network response time and application response time, allowing administrators to quickly identify whether performance issues originate from the network or the application. DPI enables proactive troubleshooting, reduces downtime, and ensures smooth application performance across the network.
The NetSpeed Tracker is an agent-based solution that monitors the health and performance of your internet connection, tracking metrics such as upload and download speeds, data volume, latency, and jitter. It provides actionable insights into internet performance, enabling IT teams to ensure optimal connectivity and user satisfaction.
The Remote Collector ensures complete visibility across every branch and remote site, reduces network overhead, maintains continuous monitoring even during connectivity issues, and empowers IT teams with edge-level insights for faster troubleshooting and smarter network management.