How to Deploy Auvik Monitoring System Implementation Guide

Purpose

This technical guide provides step-by-step instructions for implementing Auvik network monitoring solutions. Following these procedures ensures consistent deployment, proper configuration, and comprehensive monitoring coverage across your network infrastructure.

Scope

This implementation process applies to organizations looking to deploy Auvik monitoring systems, providing detailed technical guidance for successful deployment.

Prerequisites

• Auvik admin access credentials
• Network documentation
• Administrator access to systems requiring monitoring
• Network device credentials
• Approval for implementation from stakeholders

Implementation Process

1. Preparation Phase

1.1 Network Assessment

• Document your network infrastructure components (servers, workstations, network devices)
• Identify critical systems requiring monitoring
• Document IP addressing scheme and VLAN information
• Verify network access permissions (SNMP strings, admin credentials)
• Determine firewall requirements for Auvik collector communication

1.2 Implementation Planning

• Determine ideal deployment timeframe with minimal business impact
• Identify key stakeholders for communication
• Create a backup plan in case of implementation issues
• Document current monitoring solutions (if any) and migration strategy

Proper planning is the cornerstone of successful network monitoring implementation. The network assessment phase isn't just about creating an inventory—it's about understanding the critical points in your infrastructure that require visibility. Time invested here directly correlates to the quality of your monitoring solution. Pay particular attention to documenting network segmentation and access methods, as these often become stumbling blocks during implementation. The ideal deployment timing should consider maintenance windows, business cycles, and change management processes to minimize disruption. Having a fallback plan in place before implementation begins ensures you can quickly restore normal operations if unexpected issues arise.

2. Auvik Portal Configuration

2.1 Client Setup in Auvik

• Log in to the Auvik portal using authorized credentials
• Navigate to "Settings" > "Organizations"
• Click "Add Organization" and enter organization information:
  • Organization name
  • Physical address
  • Contact information
  • Organization timezone
• Save the organization settings

2.2 User Management

• Navigate to "Users" section in the organization
• Click "Add User" to create necessary user accounts:
  • Enter user email
  • Select appropriate role (Admin, Operator, or Viewer)
  • Set password policies according to security standards
  • Enable multi-factor authentication if required
• Send welcome emails to users

2.3 Alert Configuration

• Navigate to "Alerts & Notifications"
• Configure alert thresholds based on requirements
• Set up notification channels:
  • Email alerts
  • SMS alerts (if required)
  • Integration with ticketing system
• Define escalation paths for critical alerts

The portal configuration establishes the foundation for your monitoring environment. User roles should align with your organization's security principle of least privilege—Admins can make configuration changes, Operators can acknowledge and manage alerts, while Viewers have read-only access. Multi-factor authentication is strongly recommended for all user types, particularly for administrative accounts. When configuring alerts, resist the temptation to enable every possible notification, as this often leads to alert fatigue. Instead, focus on establishing meaningful thresholds for critical metrics that align with your organization's operational objectives. Consider implementing a tiered alerting approach where minor issues generate tickets while major outages trigger immediate notifications.

3. Collector Deployment

3.1 Collector Type Selection

Evaluate your environment to determine the appropriate collector type:

Public Collector:

• Suitable for smaller environments (<50 devices)
• Less maintenance overhead
• No dedicated hardware required
• Select when strict data privacy is not a requirement

Dedicated Collector:

• Required for larger environments (>50 devices)
• Preferred for environments with strict data privacy requirements
• Provides better performance for complex networks
• Necessary when monitoring across multiple VLANs

3.2 Dedicated Collector Installation

• Identify an appropriate host machine:
  • Windows Server or workstation (with minimal 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores)
  • Virtual machine in your environment
  • Must have continuous operation capability
• Download the Auvik collector installer from the Auvik portal
• Log in to the host machine with administrator credentials
• Run the installer and follow the wizard:
  • Accept the license agreement
  • Enter the client-specific token provided in the Auvik portal
  • Select installation directory
  • Complete installation
• Verify collector appears as "Online" in the Auvik portal

3.3 Network Configuration for Collector

• Ensure the collector has access to all network segments to be monitored
• Configure necessary firewall rules:
  • Outbound HTTPS (TCP 443) to Auvik Cloud
  • Required discovery protocols:
    • SNMP (UDP 161/162)
    • WMI (TCP 135, TCP 445, TCP 1024-1034)
    • SSH (TCP 22)
    • ICMP
• Verify connectivity to key devices across VLANs

The collector is the heart of your Auvik implementation, acting as the bridge between your network and the Auvik cloud platform. The decision between public and dedicated collectors has significant implications for performance, security, and compliance. While public collectors simplify deployment, dedicated collectors provide greater control and are essential for complex environments. When selecting a host for your dedicated collector, prioritize reliability and consistent availability—the monitoring system is only as resilient as its collector. Network placement is equally crucial; the collector must have visibility to all monitored segments while maintaining secure outbound communication to the Auvik cloud. For segmented networks, carefully consider firewall rules to allow the necessary monitoring protocols without creating unnecessary security exposures.

4. Network Device Monitoring Configuration

4.1 SNMP Configuration

For each network device (switches, routers, firewalls):

• Access the device management interface
• Configure SNMP:
  • Enable SNMPv2c or SNMPv3 (preferred for security)
  • For SNMPv2c: Set read-only community string
  • For SNMPv3: Configure username, authentication protocol (SHA preferred), and encryption
• Set SNMP location and contact information
• Test SNMP connectivity from the Auvik collector
• Document SNMP credentials in a secure password manager

4.2 Network Device Discovery

• In the Auvik portal, navigate to "Settings" > "Discovery"
• Add discovery seeds (IP addresses or subnet ranges)
• Configure discovery credentials:
  • Add SNMP community strings/credentials
  • Add SSH credentials for CLI access
  • Add administrative credentials for specialized devices
• Initiate network discovery scan
• Monitor discovery progress in the dashboard

4.3 Network Device Verification

• Verify all expected network devices appear in the Auvik dashboard
• Check for any devices showing with limited information
• Troubleshoot missing devices or information:
  • Verify SNMP configuration
  • Check firewall rules
  • Confirm device is online and accessible
  • Verify credentials are correct

SNMP configuration is the foundation of effective network device monitoring. While SNMPv2c is widely supported, SNMPv3 provides significantly better security through authentication and encryption, making it the preferred choice for modern networks. When implementing SNMP, use read-only community strings or credentials to minimize security risks—Auvik rarely needs write access to perform its monitoring functions. For discovery, balance thoroughness with efficiency by using targeted seed addresses rather than broad subnet scans when possible. This approach reduces network impact and accelerates the discovery process. After initial discovery, expect to perform some troubleshooting for devices with limited information, as vendor-specific implementations of SNMP can vary in their compliance with standards. Documenting all credentials in a secure system is essential, not just for security but also for simplified maintenance and troubleshooting of your monitoring environment.

5. Windows Server Monitoring

5.1 Windows Monitoring Layer Configuration

Determine appropriate monitoring layer for each server:

Basic Monitoring:

• ICMP ping monitoring
• Port availability checks
• Suitable for non-critical servers

Standard Monitoring:

• Basic monitoring plus:
• CPU, memory, and disk usage
• Service status monitoring
• Event log monitoring
• Recommended for most production servers

Enhanced Monitoring:

• Standard monitoring plus:
• Application-specific metrics
• Process monitoring
• Detailed performance counters
• Required for business-critical servers

5.2 Windows Server Agent Installation

For each Windows server:

• Log in with administrative credentials
• Disable antivirus temporarily if necessary
• Install the Auvik Windows agent:
  • Download from the Auvik portal
  • Run the installer with administrative privileges
  • Enter the organization-specific token when prompted
• Enable WMI access for Auvik
• Configure Windows Firewall to allow Auvik traffic
• Re-enable antivirus with appropriate exclusions

5.3 Server Monitoring Verification

• Verify servers appear in the Auvik dashboard
• Check that all selected metrics are being collected
• Verify alert configurations are working properly
• Test alert notifications

Effective server monitoring requires a balanced approach that provides visibility into critical metrics without overwhelming your system with unnecessary data collection. The tiered approach to monitoring allows you to align monitoring intensity with each server's operational importance. For business-critical systems, the enhanced monitoring layer provides deeper visibility into application-specific metrics that can provide early warning of developing issues. During agent installation, temporary antivirus disabling may be necessary, but always follow with proper exclusion configuration to maintain security while allowing monitoring functions. WMI access is particularly important for Windows monitoring, as it provides access to the rich set of performance data and system information that makes detailed server monitoring possible. After implementation, verification should include not just checking that metrics are collected, but also confirming that thresholds trigger appropriate alerts when exceeded.

6. Workstation Monitoring

6.1 Workstation Deployment Strategy

• Determine if workstation monitoring is required
• Select deployment method:
  • Manual installation on critical workstations
  • Group Policy deployment for mass installation
  • Remote deployment tools

6.2 Workstation Agent Installation

• Deploy Auvik agent using selected method
• Configure appropriate monitoring level
• Verify installations are successful
• Document any exceptions or deployment failures

Workstation monitoring represents a strategic decision for most organizations. While network devices and servers are almost always monitored, workstation monitoring needs vary significantly based on organization size, industry, and IT management approach. For environments with critical end-user applications or specialized workstations (like engineering workstations or medical systems), targeted monitoring can provide valuable insights. Group Policy deployment offers the most efficient approach for larger Windows environments, allowing centralized management of the agent installation. When implementing workstation monitoring, be mindful of the balance between visibility and resource consumption—excessive monitoring can impact end-user experience. Consider using a phased approach, starting with critical workstations before expanding to the general population based on initial results.

7. Documentation and Handover

7.1 Implementation Documentation

• Document all configured devices and monitoring settings
• Record any custom configurations or exceptions
• Document installed collector locations and specifications
• Update network diagrams with Auvik monitoring points

7.2 Client Dashboard Setup

• Create custom dashboards based on requirements
• Configure relevant widgets showing critical metrics
• Set up scheduled reports for regular delivery

7.3 Knowledge Transfer

• Provide basic training to IT staff (if required)
• Review alert procedures and escalation paths
• Demonstrate dashboard usage and report interpretation
• Document support procedures for Auvik-related issues

Documentation transforms your Auvik implementation from a one-time project into a sustainable operational tool. Beyond the technical configurations, effective documentation should capture the reasoning behind monitoring choices and any organization-specific customizations. This context becomes invaluable during troubleshooting or when onboarding new team members. Custom dashboards should be designed with specific use cases and audiences in mind—technical dashboards for IT staff often differ significantly from executive views that focus on service availability and performance trends. The knowledge transfer phase is equally important, ensuring that your team can effectively interpret monitoring data, respond to alerts, and maintain the monitoring system itself. Consider creating scenario-based training that walks through the response to common issues, reinforcing both the technical steps and the business impact of proactive monitoring.

8. Post-Implementation Verification

8.1 Monitoring Coverage Verification

• Verify all required devices are being monitored
• Check that appropriate metrics are being collected
• Validate that alerts are functioning correctly
• Ensure data is flowing to reporting systems

8.2 Performance Tuning

• Review initial monitoring data for any gaps
• Adjust monitoring intervals if necessary
• Fine-tune alert thresholds based on initial data
• Optimize collector performance if needed

8.3 Final Client Approval

• Schedule a review meeting with stakeholders
• Demonstrate the implemented monitoring solution
• Address any questions or concerns
• Obtain formal sign-off on the implementation

The post-implementation verification phase is crucial for ensuring that your monitoring system delivers the expected value. This is more than a technical verification—it's a validation that the monitoring system is meeting its business objectives. Initial data collection often reveals opportunities for refinement, such as adjusting polling intervals to balance data freshness against system impact, or fine-tuning alert thresholds based on observed baseline metrics rather than theoretical values. This tuning phase can significantly increase the signal-to-noise ratio of your monitoring system, ensuring that alerts represent actionable information rather than false positives. The formal review with stakeholders serves both to demonstrate the monitoring capabilities and to align expectations about system performance, alert responses, and ongoing maintenance requirements—creating shared understanding that supports long-term success.

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

9.1 Collector Connection Problems

• Verify internet connectivity on the collector machine
• Check firewall rules allowing outbound HTTPS traffic
• Verify proxy settings if applicable
• Restart collector service if needed

9.2 Missing Network Devices

• Verify SNMP credentials are correct
• Check network connectivity between collector and devices
• Verify devices are online and responding to SNMP queries
• Add manual discovery seeds for problematic network segments

9.3 Windows Monitoring Issues

• Verify WMI is functioning properly
• Check Windows Firewall settings
• Verify service accounts have appropriate permissions
• Restart Auvik agent service

The ITECS Advantage

Our structured implementation methodology ensures your Auvik monitoring system delivers maximum visibility with minimal business disruption. With ITECS as your network monitoring partner, you benefit from:

• Technical Expertise: Our certified network specialists bring extensive Auvik implementation experience
• Tailored Monitoring: Solutions customized to your specific network architecture and business requirements
• Operational Excellence: Streamlined deployment with minimal impact on your network and users
• Continuous Optimization: Ongoing refinement to enhance monitoring coverage and alert accuracy

Ready to enhance your network visibility and proactive management capabilities? Contact ITECS today to discuss implementing Auvik network monitoring in your environment.

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