Setting up ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer generally involves a standard wizard-driven installation on Windows or Linux, followed by configuring your network devices to export flows to the server Quick Installation Steps (Windows) Download & Launch : Obtain the latest installer (EXE) from the Official Download Page and run it as an Administrator License & Location

: Accept the License Agreement and choose your installation directory. Port Configuration Web Server Port : Default is (can be changed to 8080 if 80 is in use). NetFlow Listener Port : Default is . This is where your routers will send flow data. Database Selection : Choose between the bundled PostgreSQL (standard for most) or (if you have an existing SQL server).

: Complete the wizard and start the product as a Windows service. ManageEngine Post-Installation Checklist Antivirus Exclusion

: Exclude the installation folder from antivirus scanning to prevent performance issues or database corruption. Device Configuration

: Once the software is running, you must log in to your routers/switches and configure them to export flows (NetFlow, sFlow, J-Flow, etc.) to the NetFlow Analyzer server's IP and port (9996). Web Access : Access the dashboard via

14. Appendix

• Quick reference: ports, default paths, service names.
• Exporter configuration examples for major vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, Fortinet).
• Flow rate sizing calculator formulas.
• Useful commands and log locations.

Step 3: Console Wizard

Follow the text-based wizard prompts:

1. Press 1 to proceed with installation.
2. Press Enter to view the License Agreement, type "yes" to accept.
3. Choose the Edition (Professional or Free).
4. Specify the installation directory.
5. Confirm ports (Web: 8080, Flow Listener: 9996).

4.1 Pre-installation Steps

• Verify prerequisites, reserve IPs/hostnames, set static IP, DNS, time sync (NTP), open required firewall ports.
• Create service accounts and directories, tune kernel parameters (UDP buffers, file descriptors), disable swap on Linux if recommended.
• Backup strategy and snapshot plan.

1. Starting the Server

• Windows: Start the service via the Services.msc snap-in or using the "Start NetFlow Analyzer" shortcut in the Start Menu.
• Linux: Navigate to the installation directory (e.g., /opt/ManageEngine/NetFlow/bin) and run:

  ./run.sh
  

Database Strategy

NetFlow Analyzer ships with an embedded PostgreSQL. For production with >30 routers, switch to an external MySQL/PostgreSQL database during installation (we cover this later).