Paessler introduces the Redfish Sensor in PRTG Network Monitor. The Redfish Sensor serves as an alternative to the vendor-specific sensors that users of the monitoring software currently use to view their server hardware.
PRTG Network Monitor promises overview through infrastructure monitoring. To achieve this, processing of the protocols and specifications that manufacturers and developers use when making hardware and apps is necessary. In short, Paessler ensures that PRTG Network Monitor speaks the same language as all devices and applications that make up an infrastructure. For example, the software is able to request information, after which the information is processed in visual overviews.
The statuses of apps, servers and network switches can be seen at a glance. To make this possible not only now, but also in the future, Paessler is pulling out all year round. The more protocols and specifications it supports, the more complete and reliable the product. A big task, because IT moves in waves. Nevertheless, the developer keeps up.
redfish
The name of the Redfish Sensor is derived from the specification it communicates with: Redfish Scalable Platforms Management API, simply known as Redfish.
Redfish was developed by the DMTF, a non-profit collective with members such as Cisco, Dell, HPE and NetApp. They have an interest in a universal standard for monitoring server hardware. That’s how Redfish came about. Although not every server supports the specification, several popular models speak the language (see ‘Redfish support’).
Paessler’s interest in Redfish is obvious. By processing the specification, the developer creates insight into all servers that support Redfish. The new Redfish Sensor enables users of PRTG Network Monitor to monitor server drive performance, power supply, ventilation and more.
The addition is welcome, but not a golden egg. Redfish is one of many specifications for monitoring server hardware. All servers that support Redfish were already visible via sensors in PRTG Network Monitor.
The difference is that Paessler uses the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for earlier sensors. The information resulting from this differs, as do the conditions for using the sensor. Redfish is not necessarily better than SNMP or vice versa. Value varies by situation.
