Remember when monitoring was simple? Just a bunch of servers and network switches to keep an eye on? Those were the days! But now, as a sysadmin, you're probably facing a new challenge: the convergence of IT and OT, along with the introduction of containerized environments and microservices architectures. Suddenly, you're not just watching servers and switches – you're dealing with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial sensors that speak languages like Modbus and OPC UA.
Imagine you're managing a manufacturing plant where IT and OT collide like two worlds in a sci-fi movie. On one side, you've got your familiar IT infrastructure humming along, complete with Kubernetes clusters and container orchestration. On the other, there's a labyrinth of industrial equipment speaking protocols that sound like they're from another planet. How do you bridge this gap without losing your sanity (or your weekend)?
Enter the dimension of Paessler PRTG and its multi-platform probe – think of it as your universal translator for the IT/OT universe. It provides real-time monitoring and observability across all nodes.
Remember trying to fit a square peg in a round hole? That's what traditional IT monitoring tools feel like in an OT environment. But the multi-platform probe is different. It's like having a Swiss Army knife that actually works in both worlds. It supports containerized applications and container monitoring tools. Here's why:
Gone are the days when you needed Windows everywhere. The multi-platform probe is like that friendly colleague who gets along with everyone. Whether you're running Ubuntu on an industrial PC, managing Docker containers, or deploying on Raspberry Pi OS on an edge device, it feels right at home. All you need is a modest CPU (anything better than a Cortex-A7), 512 MB of RAM (yes, that's not a typo!) and at least 4 GB of storage.
The multi-platform probe is like a polyglot who's fluent in both IT and OT dialects. It chats with PLCs using OPC UA, converses with legacy devices through Modbus, and keeps up with IoT devices using MQTT. It still speaks good old SNMP for your network gear.
OPC UA: Collect real-time data from PLCs and other OT systems.
Modbus: Monitor legacy industrial devices like sensors and controllers.
MQTT: Track IoT-enabled devices and message brokers for reliability and message statistics.
SNMP: Monitor network devices like switches and routers.
Ping: Ensure device availability and connectivity across the network.
By deploying the multi-platform probe on edge devices or industrial controllers, you can aggregate data from end nodes (PLCs, HMIs, sensors) and send it securely to the centralized monitoring system Paessler PRTG.
The magic of the multi-platform probe lies in its containerized nature. Think of it as having tiny, self-contained monitoring ninjas that you can deploy anywhere. Running Docker? Perfect. Prefer bare Linux? No problem. It's like having the flexibility of a yoga instructor with the reliability of a German train schedule.
Let's talk about one of our PRTG customers who was pulling their hair out trying to monitor their production floor. They had:
Using the multi-platform probe, they deployed monitoring nodes on their existing industrial PCs, each keeping tabs on a production cell.
The result? They went from "which machine is down?" to "this sensor on production line 3 will need replacement next week" in less than a month. Their dashboards provided clear insights into application performance, and the automation of alerts improved their response times.
What a typical OT network topology with PRTG and MPP looks like
Another customer in the energy sector was juggling monitoring requirements for 30 substations. Their challenge? Making sure their grid stayed as reliable as a Swiss watch while keeping their IT security team happy.
The probe's solution was elegant: one container per substation, monitoring everything from transformers to network switches, all communicating through a single secure channel back to their central PRTG system. No more opening multiple ports, no more security nightmares. The integration with open-source tools like Grafana allowed for enhanced visualization of performance metrics.
The line between IT and OT is blurring faster than a high-speed camera shot. With Paessler PRTG and the multi-platform probe, you're not just keeping up – you're ahead of the curve. Whether you're monitoring a smart factory, a power grid, or anything in between, you've got a tool that bridges both worlds without breaking a sweat.
Remember: In a world where IT and OT are converging, the right monitoring solution isn't just nice to have – it's essential. And with the multi-platform probe, you're not just monitoring; you're mastering both domains, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime across all infrastructures.
Happy monitoring, friends! 🙌
Are you ready to try the multi-platform probe? This extended use of PRTG comes at no extra cost and is included in your existing PRTG subscription. Monitoring OPC UA, MQTT and Modbus is just a few clicks away!
Click here for the necessary downloads and detailed step-by-step instructions: Multi-Platform Probe feature for PRTG.