Configuration

After deploying the Plixer FlowPro appliance and logging in for the first time, the user will be prompted during the initial setup script to confirm whether a monitoring interface needs to be assigned an IP address to receive ERSPAN traffic. If so, proceed to Step 3 in the PlixerFlowPro ERSPAN configuration steps below.

If not, the configuration can be done later by following the PlixerFlowPro ERSPAN configuration steps below.

Note

Configuration is required on both the Plixer FlowPro and the ERSPAN/GRE device.

Prerequisites

The configuration of each device requires information from the other device (Plixer FlowPro and ERSPAN device).

The following information should be determined prior to starting the configuration:

ERSPAN device configuration

• ERSPAN Source IP: The IP address on the device (switch or router) or the ESXi host IP address (VDS).

• Destination IP: The Plixer FlowPro monitor port IP address (not the Plixer FlowPro management IP). This will be assigned to a Plixer FlowPro server interface during the ERSPAN monitor setup.

• ERSPAN Type/Version: Legacy ERSPAN = Type 1/Ver 0, Type II = Ver 1, Type III = Ver 2

Note

ERSPAN Versions 1 and 2 will prompt to set up the ERSPAN destination interface. Plixer FlowPro also provides support for GRE type 2.

Plixer FlowPro ERSPAN configuration

1. Run the following command: sudo ~/flowpro/setup.sh --erspan-config

2. Confirm whether you need to IP a monitoring interface to receive ERSPAN.

   Do you need to IP a monitor interface to receive ERSPAN? (yes/no): yes
   

3. Enter the monitoring interface name to IP as the ERSPAN destination.

   Monitor Interfaces Available:
   mon1
   mon2
   mon3
   #############################
   Enter the interface name to IP for ERSPAN Destination: mon1
   

4. Then, enter the IP address of the monitoring interface.

   Enter the IP address for mon1:
   

5. Verify the ERSPAN version.

   Do you need to set up a Virtual Type II/III ERSPAN destination? (yes/no):
   

6. If yes, enter the ERSPAN source IP address. If no, the ERSPAN traffic will go directly to the configured interface, completing the ERSPAN setup.

   Enter your ERSPAN Source IP:
   

7. Re-enter the ERSPAN source for the virtual interface peer.

   Enter your Local ERSPAN destination IP (Not MGMT IP):
   

8. Enter the ERSPAN version.

   ###########################################################
   ERSPAN Version Map: ERSPAN Type II = 1, ERSPAN Type III = 2
   ###########################################################
   Enter your ERSPAN Version:
   

9. Enter the ERSPAN ID.

10. Confirm whether the values you entered are correct.

    Are these values correct? (yes/no): yes
    

11. Confirm whether you need to apply APM, and then go through the steps that follow.

    Apply APM? (yes/no):
    

12. Confirm whether you need to apply Defender, and then go through the steps that follow.

    Apply Defender? (yes/no):
    

The following pages detail how to configure Plixer FlowPro, a Cisco switch, and a VMware VDS.

Note

Specific commands and configuration options may vary between devices and versions. Command syntax should be verified with vendor documentation for the specific device being configured.