Is Nagios is for developer only?

[ShanonHeller]

I just installed Nagios XI and tried to monitor some Forti firewalls and Cisco switches, but I found that maybe I need to root SSH into the box and install some third-party GitHub plugins.

I tried another opensource product, I only need to tell my firewall IP address and snmp community string then it will show me everything including CPU, memory, traffic loads, fans speed, HA, VPN, etc.

Now after fighting with nagios for a few hours I still can't figure out how I can monitor just one fortigate firewall and feel pretty helpless.

I think nagios is much more famous so I really like learn about it. Any hints how I can add my devices easily without googling hours for plugins?

[sgardil]

I just installed Nagios XI and tried to monitor some Forti firewalls and Cisco switches, but I found that maybe I need to root SSH into the box and install some third-party GitHub plugins.

I tried another opensource product, I only need to tell my firewall IP address and snmp community string then it will show me everything including CPU, memory, traffic loads, fans speed, HA, VPN, etc.

Now after fighting with nagios for a few hours I still can't figure out how I can monitor just one fortigate firewall and feel pretty helpless.

I think nagios is much more famous so I really like learn about it. Any hints how I can add my devices easily without googling hours for plugins?

Hey @ShanonHeller

When you were attempting to monitor the firewall and switches, were you using our wizards to do so? Our switch/router wizard allows you to monitor using snmp as well so you wouldnt need to ssh in. You can also use our snmp wizard to monitor devices that way, I believe this is the way you would want to go for monitoring your firewall. While Nagios does allow you to make your own plugins and do your own modifications, you shouldn't need to for most things you want to monitor. Let us know if this helps or if you have anymore questions.

[danisa]

Nagios relies on plugins for almost everything, and the base install doesn't auto-discover or template SNMP devices like some alternatives. But once you get used to the modularity, it’s very flexible.
Sprunki Incredibox

[bbahn]

@danisa, Nagios XI actually does have an autodiscovery feature. It doesn't run automatically, however and must be run by the user and they must then select what they want to monitor from among the found devices.

[florencepugh]

Hi Shanon,
Nagios is not just for developers but requires technical setup, including plugins and configuration,Crazy Cattle 3D which can be challenging for beginners. To monitor devices like FortiGate firewalls easily in Nagios XI, use pre-built plugins from the Nagios Exchange or wizards to simplify setup without extensive coding or plugin hunting.