In today’s interconnected world, businesses depend on their networks to support critical applications, services, and communications. As a result, ensuring network performance and availability is paramount. One of the most effective tools for gaining visibility into network performance is ThousandEyes, a platform that provides deep insights into network health, application performance, and end-to-end monitoring. This visibility is crucial for detecting issues, preventing downtime, and improving the user experience.
Deploying ThousandEyes agents on network devices, such as Cisco Catalyst switches, is a fundamental step to monitor the network effectively. Historically, deploying ThousandEyes agents involved technical complexity and required a good understanding of Docker, networking, and cloud configurations. However, with the integration of Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center), Cisco has streamlined the deployment process, making it more accessible and user-friendly. This change is particularly important for those who do not have extensive experience with Docker containers or complex network configurations.
The process of deploying ThousandEyes agents is simplified when using Catalyst Center, allowing network administrators to easily install and manage agents on Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9400 series switches. These switches, which already support Cisco’s Application Hosting Framework, allow for the deployment of applications as Docker containers directly onto the switch hardware. This setup reduces the need for additional hardware or complex configuration, making it a more efficient solution for organizations looking to leverage ThousandEyes for end-to-end monitoring.
Cisco’s push to integrate ThousandEyes agents into their Catalyst switches through Catalyst Center brings several benefits. The process has been streamlined, and most of the heavy lifting is done through Catalyst Center’s built-in workflows. This means that even if administrators do not have Docker experience, they can still deploy the ThousandEyes agent with minimal effort. The integration with Catalyst Center automates many steps, from downloading the required agent image to configuring Docker runtime settings and ensuring seamless communication with the ThousandEyes cloud.
To ensure that the ThousandEyes agent is deployed successfully, certain prerequisites must be met. These prerequisites cover aspects of network configuration, licensing, and switch compatibility. For example, a dedicated VLAN is required for the Enterprise Agent to operate, and the switch must be running an appropriate version of IOS-XE (17.3.3 for Catalyst 9300 switches and 17.5.1 for Catalyst 9400 switches). Additionally, having the right licensing — a Cisco DNA Advantage or Premier license — is necessary to enable the ThousandEyes agent on these switches. Furthermore, the switches must be configured with an IP address that is routable and capable of connecting to the ThousandEyes cloud, either directly or through a proxy.
The ability to monitor network performance with ThousandEyes is not just about deploying agents — it’s about strategically positioning them for maximum effectiveness. A thoughtful deployment design is essential to ensure that the ThousandEyes agents provide the most accurate and actionable data. One recommended approach is to deploy the agents on access switches in user-facing VLANs. This setup provides visibility into how users experience the network at the point of connection. On core or distribution switches, agents can be deployed on the management VLAN to simulate network health across the backbone.
The integration between Catalyst Center and the ThousandEyes portal is another critical step in the deployment process. This integration, although optional for agent deployment, enhances the value of the setup. By linking Catalyst Center with the ThousandEyes portal, network administrators can use Catalyst Center to ingest test results, which are displayed in the Application Health dashboard. This integration gives administrators a centralized view of both network performance and the real-time health of their applications, making it easier to spot issues and trends that might affect users.
The overall process of deploying ThousandEyes agents via Catalyst Center consists of several distinct steps. First, administrators need to set up the integration between Catalyst Center and the ThousandEyes portal by generating an API token from the ThousandEyes portal. This token is then used to authenticate Catalyst Center with ThousandEyes, allowing the flow of performance data. After integration is complete, the next step is to download the agent software from the ThousandEyes portal and upload it to Catalyst Center, which will handle the deployment to the switches.
Once the software is uploaded to Catalyst Center, administrators configure the Docker runtime options and deploy the agent to the Catalyst switches. After the deployment, the agent should be verified by checking its communication with the ThousandEyes cloud, ensuring that it is collecting and transmitting accurate monitoring data.
Using Catalyst Center for this deployment process simplifies the entire workflow, allowing administrators to focus on network performance management rather than spending time manually configuring agents or managing container environments. This method is particularly advantageous in large networks where scalability and consistency in monitoring are critical.
As we dive deeper into the process, we will explore the various steps involved, the configuration requirements, and how to verify the successful deployment of the ThousandEyes agent. This streamlined approach is a key part of Cisco’s effort to simplify network management, enhance monitoring capabilities, and ensure that organizations can maintain optimal network performance at all times.
Pre-requisites and Design Considerations for ThousandEyes Agent Deployment
Before proceeding with the actual deployment of the ThousandEyes agent on Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9400 switches, several design considerations and prerequisites must be addressed. Ensuring that the network is properly prepared for the agent’s deployment is critical to avoid disruptions and ensure the accuracy of the data collected by ThousandEyes. These requirements span network configurations, licensing, and switch compatibility.
Network VLAN Design
One of the first design considerations is the network VLAN configuration. The ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent requires at least one VLAN to function properly. Depending on the design of the network, this can either be a dedicated VLAN specifically set aside for ThousandEyes monitoring or a user-facing data VLAN. The key requirement here is that the VLAN must be routable, with the ability to connect to the ThousandEyes cloud over HTTPS.
The decision between using a dedicated VLAN or a user-facing VLAN largely depends on the goals of the deployment. If the goal is to monitor specific user traffic, deploying the agent on user-facing VLANs can help simulate the user experience more accurately. For instance, by deploying agents on access switches within each user VLAN, administrators can monitor how users experience network performance in real-time, including any potential bottlenecks or application performance issues.
On the other hand, if the goal is to monitor general network health or perform broader application monitoring, the agent can be deployed on the management VLAN of core or distribution switches. These VLANs are typically more stable and less subject to dynamic changes, making them a good option for long-term monitoring.
IP Addressing and Subnet Configuration
In addition to having a dedicated or user-facing VLAN, the agent will require an IP address that is part of a routable subnet with permission to connect to the ThousandEyes cloud. The IP address can be assigned either statically or via DHCP, depending on the network’s configuration and the preferences of the network administrator. If using DHCP, it is important to ensure that the agent will always receive the same IP address, as changes to the IP address could cause issues with connectivity to the ThousandEyes cloud.
Furthermore, this IP address must be able to communicate with the ThousandEyes cloud directly or through a proxy server. Outgoing HTTPS connections are required for the agent to send monitoring data back to the ThousandEyes platform. Ensuring that firewall rules or proxy settings allow for these outbound connections is crucial to the deployment’s success.
Cisco DNA Advantage or Premier License
The Cisco DNA Advantage or Premier license is another important consideration. These licenses are required for each switch that will host a ThousandEyes agent. A Cisco DNA Advantage license comes bundled with a ThousandEyes agent license at no additional cost. This agent license allows the switch to run tests and collect data for ThousandEyes monitoring.
As of the latest updates, Cisco’s DNA Advantage licenses come with a ThousandEyes agent license, which is part of the bundle provided with the license. This means that organizations that have purchased Cisco DNA Advantage licenses are already entitled to use ThousandEyes agents on their Catalyst switches. However, for those who are using older licenses or have not yet acquired the appropriate Cisco DNA licenses, the cost of additional ThousandEyes agent licenses may need to be factored into the overall deployment budget.
IOS-XE Version Requirements
The minimum required IOS-XE version for deploying the ThousandEyes agent is another key prerequisite. The agent requires specific versions of IOS-XE to function properly on Catalyst switches. For the Catalyst 9300 series switches, the minimum required IOS-XE version is 17.3.3, while for the Catalyst 9400 series switches, IOS-XE 17.5.1 or later is required.
It is important to verify that the switches in your network are running a compatible version of IOS-XE before attempting to deploy the ThousandEyes agent. Upgrading the IOS-XE version, if necessary, should be completed well in advance of the deployment process. Failure to meet the required IOS-XE version may result in issues with deploying the agent, or it may prevent the agent from functioning correctly.
Switch Configuration for App Hosting
Once the prerequisites are in place, the switches themselves need to be configured to support App Hosting, which is the framework that allows ThousandEyes agents to run as Docker containers on Catalyst switches. App Hosting is a feature available on the Catalyst 9300 and 9400 series switches, and it is used to deploy and manage containers on these platforms.
To configure App Hosting, administrators must configure the AppGigabitEthernet ports as trunk ports. This ensures that the VLAN tags are maintained when traffic is sent over the network. The configuration for this is relatively simple, involving setting the switch ports to trunk mode, enabling HTTP and HTTPS servers, and configuring local authentication for access to the device’s management interface.
This configuration ensures that the AppGigabitEthernet port is ready to handle the VLAN-tagged traffic and can communicate securely with Catalyst Center.
Verification of Prerequisites
Before proceeding to the next phase of deployment, it’s crucial to verify that all prerequisites are properly configured. Catalyst Center provides a readiness check that can be run before deployment to confirm that the switches meet all the necessary requirements for the ThousandEyes agent. These checks include verifying VLAN configurations, IP address assignments, and IOS-XE versions, among other factors. If any issues are detected during the readiness check, they must be resolved before continuing with the deployment.
A thorough review of these prerequisites ensures that the deployment process runs smoothly and minimizes the risk of encountering issues later. It also helps to prevent unnecessary delays or disruptions, as all components of the network are in alignment with the requirements for hosting and running the ThousandEyes agent.
Part 3: Integration with ThousandEyes Portal and Agent Installation Process
Once the prerequisites have been addressed and the network is prepared, the next step is to integrate Catalyst Center with the ThousandEyes portal and begin the process of installing the ThousandEyes agent. This integration and installation process involves several steps, including generating an API token, uploading the agent software to Catalyst Center, and configuring Docker runtime options.
Generating an API Token for Integration
Before Catalyst Center can communicate with the ThousandEyes portal, an API token must be generated in the ThousandEyes portal. This token is required for authentication, allowing Catalyst Center to access data and sync results from the ThousandEyes platform. To generate the API token, users must navigate to the “Account Settings” section within the ThousandEyes portal and then to the “Users and Roles” tab.
Once there, administrators can generate a new API token by clicking the “Generate” button under the User API Tokens section. This token must be copied and saved, as it will be needed later when configuring the ThousandEyes integration in Catalyst Center. The token essentially links Catalyst Center to the ThousandEyes account, enabling seamless communication between the two platforms.
Uploading the Agent Software to Catalyst Center
With the API token in hand, the next step is to upload the agent software to Catalyst Center. First, the necessary TAR file for the ThousandEyes agent must be downloaded from the ThousandEyes portal. In the portal, navigate to the “Cloud & Enterprise Agents” section and select the correct agent version for Catalyst 9300 or 9400 switches.
Once the appropriate TAR file is downloaded, it is uploaded to Catalyst Center’s App Hosting interface. This is done by navigating to the “App Hosting for Switches” section in Catalyst Center, where administrators can upload the TAR file and initiate the installation process. The application is uploaded as a container image, which is managed and deployed using the App Hosting framework.
Configuring Docker Runtime Options
After the agent software is uploaded, administrators need to configure the Docker runtime options. This involves editing the runtime options for the container to include the Account Group Token that was generated earlier. This token is crucial for linking the agent to the correct ThousandEyes account and ensuring that the monitoring data is properly recorded and associated with the correct account.
The configuration of the Docker runtime options is done within Catalyst Center’s App Hosting interface. Administrators can access the “Docker Runtime Options” section and enter the Account Group Token in the appropriate field. After saving the configuration, the agent is ready to be deployed to the switches.
Part 4: Deploying the ThousandEyes Agent to Switches and Verification
With the agent software uploaded and the configuration complete, the final step is to deploy the ThousandEyes agent to the Catalyst 9300 or 9400 switches. The deployment process is automated through Catalyst Center, which handles the installation, configuration, and verification of the agent.
Selecting Switches for Deployment
The first step in deploying the agent is selecting the switches where the agent will be installed. In Catalyst Center, administrators can choose the site and the specific switches within that site where the agent should be deployed. Catalyst Center will then perform a readiness check to ensure that the switches meet all the necessary requirements for the agent installation.
If any issues are detected during the readiness check, administrators will be presented with a detailed error message explaining the problem and how to resolve it. Once all checks pass, the deployment process can proceed.
Configuring VLANs and IP Addressing
During the deployment process, administrators are asked to specify the VLANs that the agent will use to send traffic. This is where the VLAN configuration that was set up in the prerequisites comes into play. If static IP addressing is being used, administrators will need to specify the IP addresses for each VLAN interface.
If DHCP is being used, Catalyst Center will automatically assign IP addresses to the agent’s interfaces. The configuration of VLANs and IP addressing is an important step, as it ensures that the agent has the correct network connectivity to communicate with the ThousandEyes cloud.
Completing the Installation and Verification
Once the agent is deployed, Catalyst Center will provide a confirmation message indicating that the installation is complete. Administrators can then navigate to the ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent Management page within Catalyst Center to verify that the agent is functioning correctly.
The final verification step is to check the ThousandEyes portal to ensure that the agent has successfully communicated with the ThousandEyes cloud. After a few minutes, the newly deployed agent should appear in the list of Enterprise Agents in the portal. Once this is confirmed, the agent is ready for use in performance tests, allowing administrators to monitor network and application health in real time.
By following these steps, network administrators can efficiently deploy ThousandEyes agents using Catalyst Center, gaining valuable insights into their network and application performance with minimal complexity. This simplified deployment process, combined with the powerful monitoring capabilities of ThousandEyes, provides organizations with the tools they need to maintain optimal performance and user experience across their network infrastructure.
Integration with ThousandEyes Portal and Agent Installation Process
Once the prerequisites for deploying the ThousandEyes agent on Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9400 switches have been addressed, the next major step in the process involves integrating Catalyst Center with the ThousandEyes portal and installing the ThousandEyes agent. This process ensures that Catalyst Center can communicate with the ThousandEyes cloud and enables the full monitoring and reporting functionality provided by ThousandEyes. The integration and installation process consists of several key steps, including generating an API token, uploading the agent software, configuring Docker runtime options, and finally deploying the agent onto the Catalyst switches.
Generating an API Token for Integration
The first step in integrating Catalyst Center with ThousandEyes is to generate an API token within the ThousandEyes portal. The API token is essential for establishing communication between the two systems. This token is used by Catalyst Center to authenticate and allow data to flow between the ThousandEyes platform and Catalyst Center. Without this token, Catalyst Center will not be able to connect to ThousandEyes, limiting the monitoring capabilities that can be configured.
To generate the API token in ThousandEyes, administrators need to log into the ThousandEyes portal and navigate to the Account Settings section. From there, go to the Users and Roles tab, where they can find the User API Tokens section. Clicking on the “Generate” button will create a new token that will be displayed on the page. It’s essential that this token is copied and stored securely, as it will be used later in Catalyst Center to complete the integration process.
This API token effectively links Catalyst Center with the ThousandEyes portal, enabling Catalyst Center to manage agents, upload monitoring data, and collect results from ThousandEyes tests in real time.
Uploading the Agent Software to Catalyst Center
Once the API token is generated, the next step is to upload the ThousandEyes agent software to Catalyst Center. This involves downloading the agent software from the ThousandEyes portal and uploading it to Catalyst Center’s application hosting system. Catalyst Center supports the installation of the ThousandEyes agent as a Docker container on compatible Catalyst switches, which allows for efficient deployment and management.
To download the necessary agent software, administrators should navigate to the Cloud & Enterprise Agents section within the ThousandEyes portal. Here, they can access the Agent Settings tab. Under this tab, administrators will find the option to download the agent software. For Catalyst 9300 and 9400 switches, the appropriate TAR file, which contains the Docker container image for the agent, should be selected.
Once the TAR file is downloaded to the administrator’s local machine, the next step is to upload it to Catalyst Center. To do this, go to the App Hosting for Switches section within Catalyst Center. This is where the agent software will be stored and managed. In the App Hosting section, administrators can click on the “New App” button to initiate the upload process. A pop-up window will appear that allows them to select and upload the TAR file they downloaded from ThousandEyes.
After the upload is complete, Catalyst Center will store the agent software as an application that can be deployed to compatible switches. This centralized management makes it easy to track, update, and configure the agent software in one place.
Configuring Docker Runtime Options
With the agent software uploaded to Catalyst Center, the next step is to configure the Docker runtime options. Docker runtime options define how the agent container will run on the Catalyst switch, specifying key parameters such as how the agent interacts with the ThousandEyes cloud and how it is linked to the ThousandEyes account.
One of the most important configuration settings is the Account Group Token, which was generated in the ThousandEyes portal during the API token creation process. The Account Group Token is required to link the ThousandEyes agent to the correct account in the ThousandEyes platform. Without this token, the agent will not be able to communicate with the ThousandEyes cloud, and performance data will not be recorded.
To configure the Docker runtime options in Catalyst Center, administrators should navigate to the agent’s configuration page, where they can find the Docker Runtime Options section. Clicking on the Edit button in this section will make the fields editable. In the Options field, administrators should replace the placeholder for the TEAGENT_ACCOUNT_TOKEN with the Account Group Token they generated earlier. This step ensures that the agent is associated with the correct ThousandEyes account and that it can begin transmitting performance data to the cloud.
Once the Account Group Token is added, the configuration can be saved. At this point, the agent is fully configured and ready for deployment to the Catalyst switches.
Verifying the Configuration
Before moving on to deploying the agent to the Catalyst switches, it is important to verify that all configurations have been properly set. Catalyst Center provides tools to check the validity of configurations, including verifying that the API token is correct and that the agent software is ready for deployment. Administrators should run a readiness check in Catalyst Center to confirm that the system is correctly set up to deploy the agent to the switches.
If the readiness check identifies any issues, they need to be addressed before proceeding. Issues might include network connectivity problems, incorrect configuration of the VLANs or IP addresses, or other misconfigurations. By resolving these issues ahead of time, administrators can ensure a smooth deployment process.
Installing the Agent on the Catalyst Switches
Once the agent software is uploaded to Catalyst Center and the Docker runtime options are configured, the next step is to deploy the ThousandEyes agent to the Catalyst switches. This process is handled through Catalyst Center’s streamlined installation workflow, which simplifies the deployment and eliminates the need for manual configuration on each switch.
To begin the installation, administrators navigate to the App Hosting for Switches page in Catalyst Center and select the ThousandEyes Agent application that was uploaded earlier. Clicking on the Install button will initiate the deployment process.
Catalyst Center will guide administrators through several steps, including selecting the site where the switches are located, choosing which switches to deploy the agent to, and configuring the VLANs for the agent to use. The deployment process also involves selecting whether the agent will use DHCP or static IP addresses. If static IP addressing is chosen, administrators will need to upload a CSV file containing the necessary IP information for each interface. Catalyst Center will handle the rest, configuring the switches and deploying the agent container.
Final Configuration and Confirmation
Once the agent is deployed, Catalyst Center will confirm that the installation is complete. Administrators can then navigate to the ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent Management page within Catalyst Center to verify that the agent is functioning correctly and ready to start collecting performance data. This page will display details about the agent, including the switch it is installed on and the configuration settings.
The final step is to check the ThousandEyes portal to ensure that the agent has successfully connected and is reporting data. After a few minutes, the newly deployed agent should appear in the list of active agents in the ThousandEyes portal. If the agent is not appearing, administrators can troubleshoot by checking the connectivity settings, ensuring that the agent can communicate with the ThousandEyes cloud.
Once confirmed, the ThousandEyes agent is fully deployed, and administrators can begin monitoring their network performance, tracking application health, and running tests directly from the ThousandEyes platform. The integration with Catalyst Center allows for centralized management of the agent, making it easier to monitor the health of the network and ensure that performance is optimal.
This deployment process simplifies the installation and management of ThousandEyes agents, providing network administrators with a powerful tool to monitor the performance of their network and applications with minimal complexity. By using Catalyst Center, the process becomes more accessible to users who may not be familiar with Docker or complex networking configurations.
Deploying the ThousandEyes Agent to Switches and Verification
Now that the agent software has been uploaded, the API token has been configured, and the Docker runtime options are set, the next step is to deploy the ThousandEyes agent onto the Catalyst 9300 and 9400 series switches. This step is crucial because it makes the agent live on the network, and it enables the monitoring capabilities of ThousandEyes to start collecting real-time performance and network health data. Deploying the agent through Catalyst Center simplifies the process, ensuring that it is managed centrally and that the deployment is automated for efficiency. This section will walk through the steps of deploying the agent and verifying its proper functionality.
Selecting the Switches for Deployment
The first task in deploying the ThousandEyes agent to switches is selecting which switches to deploy it on. In Catalyst Center, administrators need to navigate to the ThousandEyes Agent section, located under the App Hosting for Switches menu. From here, they can begin the deployment process by selecting the appropriate switches. Catalyst Center will display a list of switches that are part of the same site and provide the option to choose which ones will have the agent installed.
The deployment process includes a readiness check to ensure that all necessary prerequisites for the agent’s installation have been met. Catalyst Center will check the switches for the following:
- Whether they are running the correct IOS-XE version.
- If the AppGigabitEthernet port is correctly configured as a trunk (allowing VLAN tags).
- Whether the switches have network connectivity to the ThousandEyes cloud.
- If the VLANs required for the agent are properly configured.
This readiness check is a crucial step that helps ensure that the deployment will go smoothly. If any issues are identified during the check, administrators will be provided with specific details on what needs to be addressed. This could include issues such as incorrect VLAN tagging, missing configurations on the switch, or problems with connectivity.
Once the readiness check passes, administrators can proceed with the installation. Catalyst Center will provide a list of switches that are eligible for deployment. Administrators simply need to select the switches they wish to install the ThousandEyes agent on and move to the next step.
Configuring VLANs and IP Addressing for the Agent
During the deployment process, administrators are asked to specify which VLANs the ThousandEyes agent will use. This is a critical step in ensuring that the agent can communicate effectively and gather accurate performance data.
As discussed earlier, the ThousandEyes agent requires at least one routable VLAN for communication with the ThousandEyes cloud. In this step, Catalyst Center will prompt administrators to select the VLAN(s) that will be used by the agent. If multiple VLANs are chosen, the agent will be deployed on each of them, allowing the agent to monitor network performance across various segments.
Furthermore, administrators must choose whether the agent will use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) or Static IP for its IP address. The choice here depends on the organization’s network configuration and preference for IP addressing.
- If DHCP is used, Catalyst Center will automatically assign an IP address to the agent, based on the available pool of IP addresses in the selected VLAN.
- If Static IP addressing is used, administrators will need to manually input the IP address and subnet information for each of the selected VLANs. A CSV file template will be provided, which administrators can populate with the necessary IP details and upload to Catalyst Center.
For static IP addressing, administrators should ensure that the IP addresses being assigned to the agent interfaces do not conflict with other devices on the network. Using static IPs can be advantageous when the agent’s IP needs to be known in advance for monitoring or security purposes, as opposed to using dynamically assigned addresses through DHCP.
Completing the Agent Deployment
After selecting the VLANs and specifying IP addressing, the next step is to initiate the agent installation process. Catalyst Center will begin the deployment procedure by configuring the switches and installing the agent container via the Docker runtime. This step includes the configuration of the AppGigabitEthernet ports as trunk ports, ensuring that the correct VLAN tags are maintained as traffic is routed across the network.
To complete this, administrators will need to configure the AppGigabitEthernet ports on the switches to operate in trunk mode. This configuration is necessary to ensure that the agent can handle traffic from multiple VLANs and maintain VLAN tagging.
This configuration also enables HTTP/HTTPS access on the switch, which is necessary for communicating with Catalyst Center and facilitating secure agent management.
Once the switches are configured, Catalyst Center will install the ThousandEyes agent. The installation process might take several minutes, depending on the number of switches and the complexity of the configurations. Catalyst Center will provide progress updates during this phase, and once the installation is complete, administrators will be notified that the agent has been successfully deployed.
Verifying the Deployment
After the agent is installed, it’s essential to verify that the deployment was successful and that the agent is functioning as expected. There are two primary locations where administrators can verify the agent’s status: within Catalyst Center and the ThousandEyes portal.
Verification in Catalyst Center:
- After the installation is complete, administrators can navigate to the ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent Management page within Catalyst Center. Here, they will see a list of all deployed agents, including their associated switches and configuration details.
- Administrators can click on each switch name to see detailed information about the agent, such as the VLANs it is using and the IP addresses assigned to each interface.
- Catalyst Center also allows administrators to check the agent’s status, including whether the agent is successfully communicating with the ThousandEyes cloud and if any performance data is being transmitted.
Verification in ThousandEyes Portal:
- Administrators can also verify the agent’s functionality by logging into the ThousandEyes portal and navigating to the Cloud & Enterprise Agents > Agent Settings section.
- After a few minutes, the newly deployed agent should appear in the list of active agents. If the agent is not listed immediately, it may be due to a delay in the synchronization process or network connectivity issues. In this case, administrators should check the network settings to ensure that the agent can reach the ThousandEyes cloud.
- In the ThousandEyes portal, administrators can also view real-time monitoring data from the agent, which will include details about network and application performance, as well as the status of individual network paths.
Troubleshooting
If the agent does not appear in the ThousandEyes portal or if it is not reporting data as expected, administrators can perform several troubleshooting steps:
- Check Connectivity: Ensure that the agent’s VLAN has proper network connectivity to the ThousandEyes cloud. This can be verified by using the ping or traceroute commands from the switch or from Catalyst Center to check the agent’s connectivity to the cloud.
- Review Configuration: Ensure that the correct VLANs have been selected and that the IP addressing is properly configured. Also, ensure that the AppGigabitEthernet ports are properly configured as trunk ports and are forwarding the required VLAN traffic.
- Check Logs: Catalyst Center and the ThousandEyes portal both offer log files that can provide detailed information about the agent’s status and any potential issues with the installation or communication process.
Once the agent has been verified and is successfully transmitting data, administrators can start using the ThousandEyes agent for network and application performance monitoring. ThousandEyes provides a wealth of features, including end-to-end monitoring, real-time insights, and the ability to run tests to check the health and performance of applications across the network.
From this point, network administrators can configure tests within the ThousandEyes portal, set up alerts for performance issues, and integrate the monitoring results into their broader network management strategy. The integration between Catalyst Center and ThousandEyes also enables more seamless management and ensures that the ThousandEyes agents stay up to date with the latest configurations and performance data.
This deployment process simplifies the installation and management of ThousandEyes agents, providing administrators with an efficient and reliable way to monitor their network infrastructure. By following the steps outlined above, organizations can deploy ThousandEyes agents across their Catalyst switches and gain valuable insights into network performance, ultimately improving the user experience and enhancing overall network reliability.
Final Thoughts
The ability to deploy ThousandEyes agents on Cisco Catalyst 9300 and 9400 series switches through Catalyst Center represents a significant advancement in simplifying the process of network and application performance monitoring. Previously, deploying agents for network monitoring tools like ThousandEyes could require substantial technical expertise, particularly in managing Docker containers and ensuring the correct configurations. With Catalyst Center, Cisco has streamlined this process, making it more accessible to network administrators with varying levels of technical experience.
By integrating ThousandEyes with Catalyst Center, Cisco provides a centralized solution for monitoring both network infrastructure and application performance. The ease of deploying agents directly onto Catalyst switches, especially through a seamless workflow in Catalyst Center, enables organizations to gain detailed insights into network performance across their infrastructure. This deployment model is particularly effective for organizations that want to monitor traffic from specific VLANs, simulate user experiences more accurately, and maintain high levels of visibility across their network and application environments.
The design considerations, including the selection of appropriate VLANs, IP addressing schemes, and switch configurations, are vital to ensuring the successful deployment of ThousandEyes agents. With these prerequisites carefully managed, network administrators can avoid potential issues during deployment and ensure that the monitoring agent is properly configured to communicate with the ThousandEyes cloud. The integration with the ThousandEyes portal further enhances the value of the deployment, as it allows administrators to ingest test results and monitor performance metrics directly from within Catalyst Center.
The process itself — from generating API tokens, uploading agent software, configuring Docker runtime options, to verifying the deployment — is now highly automated and guided by Catalyst Center. This approach removes much of the complexity traditionally associated with agent deployment, particularly for those who are not well-versed in containerized environments. Administrators no longer need to worry about managing individual configurations for each switch or device; instead, Catalyst Center handles the heavy lifting, ensuring a more scalable and efficient solution for large, distributed networks.
By providing network administrators with an intuitive, centralized interface for deploying and managing ThousandEyes agents, Cisco’s Catalyst Center enhances monitoring capabilities and facilitates proactive network management. Organizations can detect and resolve performance issues more quickly, identify potential bottlenecks in real-time, and ensure that their network infrastructure is always performing at optimal levels. The integration of ThousandEyes with Catalyst Center ensures that businesses can meet their growing demands for visibility into their applications, regardless of the complexity of their network architecture.
In conclusion, deploying ThousandEyes agents via Catalyst Center not only simplifies network monitoring but also provides invaluable insights into application performance, network health, and end-user experience. As organizations continue to adapt to more complex, cloud-based, and mobile-first infrastructures, this solution offers a flexible, scalable way to ensure that network and application performance is continuously optimized. With the power of ThousandEyes combined with the ease of Catalyst Center’s automated deployment process, network administrators can have confidence that their infrastructure is continuously monitored, performing at its best, and ready to meet the needs of modern businesses.