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Metrics Centralization Points (Netdata Parents)

  • Netdata Streaming and Replication:

    • Copies recent past samples (replication) and real-time new samples (streaming) from production systems (Netdata Children) to metrics centralization points (Netdata Parents).
    • Netdata Parents store the database for these metrics based on retention settings.
  • Netdata Child Behavior:

    • Each Netdata Child can stream to only one Netdata Parent at a time.
    • Multiple Netdata Parents can be configured for high availability, but only the first working one will be used.
  • Netdata Parent Capabilities:

    • Receives metric samples from multiple Netdata Children.
    • Can re-stream received metrics to another Netdata Parent, forming an infinite hierarchy of Parents.
    • Supports Netdata Parents Clusters for high availability.
FeatureNetdata Child (Production System)Netdata Parent (Centralization Point)
Metrics RetentionMinimal retention; can use ram or alloc mode.Stores metrics for all connected systems.
Machine LearningCan be disabled (default: enabled).Runs anomaly detection for all connected systems.
Alerts & NotificationsCan be disabled (default: enabled).Monitors health and sends alerts for all systems.
API & DashboardCan be disabled (default: enabled).Hosts the dashboard using its own retention settings.
Exporting MetricsOptional (default: enabled).Exports all collected metrics.
Netdata FunctionsChild must be online to function.Forwards function requests to connected Children.
Netdata CloudNot required.Registers all connected systems to Netdata Cloud.

Supported Configurations

For Netdata Children

  • Full Mode (Default):
    • All Netdata features are enabled (machine learning, alerts, notifications, dashboard, etc.).
  • Thin Mode:
    • Only collects and forwards metrics to a Parent.
    • Some local retention is kept to handle network issues, but all other features are disabled.

For Netdata Parents

  • Standalone:
    • A single Parent in the infrastructure or the top-most Parent in a hierarchy.
  • Cluster:
    • A group of Parents that share the same data from the same Children.
    • Provides high availability.
  • Proxy:
    • Stores received metrics locally and forwards them to a higher-level Parent (Grand Parent).

Cluster Configuration

  • A Cluster consists of circular Proxy nodes, where each Parent acts as a Parent to the others.
  • Only the top level of a multi-level hierarchy can be configured as a cluster.

Best Practices

For detailed guidelines, check Best Practices for Observability Centralization Points.


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