Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

What is one factor a network administrator must consider before implementing Netflow in the network?

1. Number of devices exporting Netflow data

2. SNMP version

3. Port availability

4. WAN encapsulation

The correct answer is: Number of devices exporting Netflow data

Before implementing NetFlow in a network, one crucial factor to consider is the number of devices exporting NetFlow data. This consideration is vital because each device that exports NetFlow data generates additional traffic and processing load on the network. The more devices that are configured to export NetFlow data, the more comprehensive the collected data set will be, but this also means that the network infrastructure must be capable of handling that increased flow of data. A network administrator needs to assess the capacity of the network components, such as routers and switches, to ensure they can manage the additional bandwidth and processing required for NetFlow without impacting overall network performance. Evaluating the number of devices helps the administrator plan for adequate resources and possibly adjust configurations to manage the data collection effectively. This includes assessing the impact on network performance and making sure that any downstream devices receiving the NetFlow data can handle the throughput without lag or packet loss, which might otherwise compromise the reliability and clarity of the collected telemetry information.