Metrics Centralization Points (Netdata Parents)
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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.
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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.
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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.
Feature | Netdata Child (Production System) | Netdata Parent (Centralization Point) |
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Metrics Retention | Minimal retention; can use ram or alloc mode. | Stores metrics for all connected systems. |
Machine Learning | Can be disabled (default: enabled). | Runs anomaly detection for all connected systems. |
Alerts & Notifications | Can be disabled (default: enabled). | Monitors health and sends alerts for all systems. |
API & Dashboard | Can be disabled (default: enabled). | Hosts the dashboard using its own retention settings. |
Exporting Metrics | Optional (default: enabled). | Exports all collected metrics. |
Netdata Functions | Child must be online to function. | Forwards function requests to connected Children. |
Netdata Cloud | Not 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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