Tag Archives: metric collection

Handy Tips #39: Extracting metrics from structured data with Zabbix preprocessing

Post Syndicated from Arturs Lontons original https://blog.zabbix.com/handy-tips-39-extracting-metrics-from-structured-data/24163/

Collect structured data in bulk and use Zabbix preprocessing to extract and transform the necessary metrics. 

Collecting data from custom monitoring endpoints such as web applications or custom in-house software can result in the collected data requiring further extraction or transformation to fit our requirements. 

Use Zabbix preprocessing to extract metrics from structured data: 

  • Extract data with JSONPath and XPath expressions
  • Transform XML and CSV data to JSON structures

  • Check for error messages in JSON and XML structures
  •  Extract and transform metrics from Prometheus exporter endpoints

Check out the video to learn how to use Zabbix preprocessing to extract metrics from structured data.

Extract metrics from structured data with Zabbix preprocessing: 

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Hosts
  2. Find the host where structured data is collected
  3. Click on the Items button next to the host
  4. Create or open an item collecting structured data
  5. For this example, we will transform CSV to JSON
  6. Open the Preprocessing tab
  7. Select a structured data preprocessing rule
  8. If required, provide the necessary parameters
  9. Optionally, select a validation preprocessing step
  10. For this example, we will check for errors in JSON
  11. Extract a value by using JSONPath or XML XPath preprocessing steps
  12. Press Test to open the test window
  13. Press Get value and test to test the item
  14. Close the test window and press Add or Update to add or update the item
  15. Optionally, create dependent items to extract values from this item

Tips and best practices

  • You check the Handy Tips #37 to learn how to collect structured data from HTTP end-points 

  • For CSV to JSON preprocessing the first parameter allows you specify a CSV delimiter, while the second parameter specifies the quotation symbol 

  • For CSV to JSON preprocessing If the With header row checkbox is marked, the header line values will be interpreted as column names 

  • For details on XML to JSON preprocessing, refer to our serialization rules for more details. 

Learn how to leverage the many types of data collection provided by Zabbix and empower your data collection and processing. Sign up for our Zabbix Certified Specialist course, where under the guidance of a Zabbix certified trainer you will learn more about different types and technologies of monitoring and learn how to get the most out of your Zabbix instance. 

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Handy Tips #20: Agentless metric collection with SSH checks

Post Syndicated from Arturs Lontons original https://blog.zabbix.com/handy-tips-20-agentless-metric-collection-with-ssh-checks/18795/

Collect the results of SSH commands with Zabbix agentless SSH checks.

In environments where Zabbix agent installation is forbidden either by company policies or due to restrictions on the monitored device, we can utilize one of the multiple agentless metric collection methods. One such type of metric collection method is Zabbix SSH checks.

Collect metrics with Zabbix SSH checks:

  • SSH checks are completely agentless
  • SSH checks can be executed by Zabbix server or Zabbix proxy

  •  SSH checks support Password or Public key authentication
  • Multiple commands can be executed one after another

Check out the video to learn how to collect metrics by using SSH checks.

How to collect metrics by using SSH checks:
 
  1. Navigate to Configuration → Hosts and find your host
  2. Click on the Items button next to the host name
  3. Press Create item button
  4. Provide item Name, Key and select the Type of information
  5. Select the required Authentication method
  6. Enter the authentication parameters
  7. Populate the Executed script field with your SSH command
  8. Click the Add button
  9. Wait for the data to get collected
  10. Navigate to Monitoring → Latest data and find your Host and item
  11. Check if the metric has been collected successfully

Tips and best practices:
  • Zabbix preprocessing can be used to transform the collected metrics
  • A dedicated OS user can be defined and used for Zabbix SSH checks
  • SSHKeyLocation configuration parameter defines the location of the public and private keys for Public key authentication
  • It is recommended to use libssh version >= 0.9.5 

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