jFlowLib

jFlowLib is a Java library to parse and generate sFlow and IPFIX data. For this, jFlowLib consists of two parts:

jsFlow: jsFlow is Java library for sFlow (version 5). sFlow is an industry standard to monitor switches and routers.

So far, jsFlow implements all the headers as used by Force10 E-series and Alcatel Lucent 7750 switches. However, the jsFlow architecture is designed to be easily extensible which means it should be easy to implement support for additional vendors and switch models.

jIPFIX: jIPFIX is Java library for IPFIX. IPFIX is an IETF protocol and it was created based on the need for a common, universal standard of export for Internet Protocol flow information from routers, probes and other devices that are used by mediation systems, accounting/billing systems and network management systems to facilitate services such as measurement, accounting and billing.

The current version of jIPFIX supports all headers as used by the Alcatel Lucent 7750 configured to export IPFIX based on the L2-IP flow template. However, the jIPFIX architecture is designed to be easily extensible so that other flow templates can be easily added.

Which use cases are covered by jFlowLib?

The abstract use case for jFlowLib is to work with sFlow and IPFIX data. jFlowLib can be used as sFlow agent or IPFIX exporter and as sFlow or IPFIX collector. Additional and more specific use cases are listed in the following:

• Transparent sFlow or IPFIX proxy: In case you want to modify the sFlow or IPFIX data that is sent by switches or routers jFlowLib can be used as a transparent sFlow or IPFIX proxy.
• sFlow or IPFIX multiplexer: Typically, routers and switches support only a limited number of sFlow or IPFIX collectors. In case the sFlow or IPFIX traffic should be received by more than this number of sFlow or IPFIX collectors a multiplexer can be used to distribute the sFlow or IPFIX data to any number of sFlow or IPFIX collectors.
• Randomizer: Removing personal data such as IP addresses by randomizing specific data fields.

What do you need to run jFlowLib?

A Java Runtime Environment (version 6 or higher) is required to be able to use the jFlowLib library.

Under which License is jFlowLib available?

The jFlowLib library is released under the Apache License, version 2.0.

Who develops and maintains the jFlowLib library?

The initial version of the jFlowLib library has been developed during an internal project at the DE-CIX Management GmbH. In case you have any questions regarding this project please contact Thomas King (thomas.king@de-cix.net).